10 Things to do in Auckland at Christmas

Auckland is one of New Zealand's major cities, a great place to base yourself to discover the northern region of the island and a cultural beacon with its many museums, but it's also one of the most vibrant destinations during Christmas Eve.

Some of the best things to see and do to discover Auckland over Christmas include strolling through the Parnell's Market, enjoying the city lights, visiting the giant tree in Aotea Square, watching the night skyline from the Sky Tower observation deck and touring Waiheke Island.

The Parnell Christmas Market is one of the largest in Auckland and has a large number of stalls selling gifts, food and drink, making it one of the most popular places to visit on the eve of Christmas Eve. The market, which spans several streets, has stalls decorated with Christmas lights and decorations to create a festive atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the market is the wide variety of handmade goods on offer. From jewellery to home decorations, everything is handmade by local artists and craftsmen. There is also an abundance of food and drink, including Christmas food such as puddings and cakes, which is why it is often part of Auckland's best food tours.

As well as selling goods, Parnell's Christmas Market also features live entertainment such as music and dance performances. Children can enjoy the play area and special activities such as baking Christmas biscuits and writing letters to Santa, so if you're planning to visit Auckland in December you're sure to love this plan.

Another aspect that makes Parnell's Christmas market special is its commitment to sustainability. The market has an eco-friendly approach, encouraging waste reduction and reuse of materials. Visitors can find stalls selling recycled and reusable products, as well as organic and local food and drink options.

Details of interest

• Price: Admission to the market is free.
• Location: 379 Parnell Rd, Parnell, Auckland.
• Opening hours: Weekends 10am-4pm.

The Auckland Christmas Parade is one of the city's most anticipated events of the festive season and is held annually in the city centre, attracting thousands of spectators of all ages.

The parade features a variety of Christmas-themed floats, live bands, dancers and street performers. In addition, Father Christmas is the main character of the event. During the parade, most tours of Auckland include a visit to the streets included in the parade route.

The parade takes place on Auckland's main city streets, and usually starts around 13:00 hours every 24 December. The parade usually lasts several hours and offers spectators a magical Christmas experience. In addition to the floats and performers, spectators can also expect to see an abundance of colourful balloons.

This annual tradition, which has been celebrated for decades in the city, is a free event for the public and spectators are encouraged to bring their friends and family to enjoy the experience together. In addition, many local businesses offer promotions and discounts during the parade, making it a great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping and enjoy beer tours in Auckland.

Auckland's Giant Christmas Tree is an annual attraction located in Aotea Square and is known for being one of the largest Christmas trees in the world, standing over 27 metres tall. It is also decorated with an abundance of lights and decorations that make it sparkle and stand out against the city's skyline.

The Auckland Giant Christmas Tree is a popular attraction for tourists and local residents alike and the tree lighting ceremony is an event that officially marks the start of the Christmas season in Auckland. During the lighting, a variety of activities take place, including live music performances, dancing and street performers.

Auckland's giant Christmas tree is also known to be an attraction that promotes the Christmas spirit in the community. Many local businesses and companies offer special discounts and promotions during the Christmas season and many people enjoy shopping and the festive atmosphere in the city. One of Auckland's hop on-hop off tour bus stops is located in an area near the square.

Seeing the city lights from the Sky Tower Observatory in Auckland is a unique experience not to be missed if you visit the city. The observatory is located at a height of 220 metres above sea level and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.

You can't miss the view from the observatory during the day or at night, but it is during the evening hours when you can appreciate the true charm of the skyline. From the observatory, you can admire the lights that illuminate Auckland's streets and buildings, creating a magical sight that makes this activity one of the best options for discovering the city at night.

Auckland's lights are particularly striking during the Christmas season, when many buildings and public places are specially decorated. From the Sky Tower observatory, you can gaze at the expansive skyline, especially during good weather and clear skies.

In addition, this observation deck offers a complete experience for visitors, including the possibility of enjoying dinner or a drink in its revolving restaurant, located at a height of 190 metres. From there, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city while enjoying a delicious meal or a glass of wine.

Interesting details

• Price: Admission to the observatory costs approximately 25 euros per person.
• Location: Victoria Street and Federal Street, Auckland.
• Opening hours: daily from 9am to 10pm.

The Christmas lights in downtown Auckland are an eye-catching spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The city, which has a strong association with Christmas Eve, is transformed into a sea of colourful lights and festive decorations that illuminate the streets and buildings.

If you visit Auckland in November and into early January, you'll have the chance to enjoy the magnificent Christmas light displays at major locations in the city centre.

Popular places to discover Christmas lights in Auckland include Queen Street, which is transformed into an illuminated avenue with a variety of light and sound shows, as well as Britomart, a popular shopping and entertainment district that dresses up for the Christmas season. Other popular places to see Christmas lights in Auckland include the Auckland Domain, Parnell Village and Viaduct Harbour.

One of the main attractions of Christmas lights in Auckland is the city's Christmas tree, which is located in the heart of Aotea Square. This tree is famous for being considered one of the largest of its kind in the world and is illuminated with thousands of lights and decorations. You can also discover the illumination on a bike tour at night.

In addition to the Christmas lights and decorations, visitors can also enjoy a variety of Christmas events and activities in downtown Auckland. From Christmas markets to live music shows and children's theatre, there are options for all tastes and ages during the Christmas season in downtown Auckland.

Auckland's Christmas Eve beach parties are a long-standing tradition among A ucklanders. Every year, thousands of people gather on the beaches to celebrate Christmas Eve in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.

Auckland has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal clear waters, white sands and a wide variety of water activities to enjoy. During Christmas, those same beaches become the perfect setting for an outdoor celebration. If you survey the harbour area, you can also access Auckland's cruise ship festivities.

The most popular beach to celebrate Christmas in Auckland is Mission Bay, located in the east of the city. Here you can enjoy a wide range of activities from beach games to barbecues and family picnics. You'll also find plenty of restaurants and bars nearby if you fancy a more elaborate meal.

Other popular beaches for Christmas parties in Auckland include Orewa on the North Shore and Piha on the West Shore. Both beaches are famous for their stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities.

Waiheke Island is a popular tourist destination all year round, but especially during the Christmas season. If you're looking for a quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle of Auckland and enjoy a relaxed, festive atmosphere, Waiheke might just do the trick.

During the Christmas season the island comes alive with a variety of events and activities from food and wine festivals to outdoor concerts in a family-friendly setting. It's also an easily accessible destination, which is ideal if you're planning a short stay in the city. If that is your case, here is a list of activities to discover Auckland in 3 days.

One of the best ways to enjoy the island during Christmas is to go on a wine tasting tour, as Waiheke is famous for its wineries and vineyards, and during the eve of Christmas many of these wineries offer special tastings and events for visitors. You'll also be able to access great discounts, as well as if you visit Auckland in July, which is grape harvest time.

And if you're a beach lover, Waiheke Island has some of the most beautiful swimming areas in New Zealand. During Christmas the island's beaches are packed with tourists enjoying the sun, sea and sand, creating a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Finally, if you're visiting the island, don't miss the Christmas market in Oneroa. This market has a wide variety of food and craft products, as well as live music and activities for children, making it a perfect event for the whole family.

Is it possible to ice skate in Auckland in December when it's one of the hottest months of the summer? The answer is yes, because although snow is a rare phenomenon in New Zealand, a large artificial ice rink is set up in Aotea Square on Christmas Eve , where visitors of all ages can enjoy a typical winter Christmas activity.

Beginner skaters can take lessons on the ice rink, while more experienced skaters can perform tricks and acrobatics. In addition, children can enjoy special activities, such as a visit from Father Christmas, who hands out sweets and presents for the little ones.

At the artificial rink in Aotea Square you can plan an afternoon of ice skating and then enjoy a hot chocolate or dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. The site is open until after sunset, making it one of the best things to do in Auckland at night.

The square is also home to the popular giant Christmas tree, which is considered one of the largest in the world, so you can take pictures with it and the rink, all under the New Zealand summer sky. It's all part of the Christmas magic!

Interesting details

• Price: A one-hour skate ticket costs approximately 18 euros per person.
• Location: Aotea Square, Auckland.
• Hours: daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.

No trip at Christmas time is complete without enjoying the eve in the shopping malls. In Auckland, Sylvia Park and Westfield are the two most popular places for Christmas shopping.

Sylvia Park, located in Mount Wellington, is one of the largest shopping centres in the country. With more than 200 shops, including fashion, electronics, home and garden, and food and beverage outlets, you'll find a wide variety of options for your Christmas shopping. In addition, Sylvia Park has many restaurants and entertainment options, such as a cinema and bowling alley, to make your visit a complete experience.

Westfield is a chain of shopping centres with several locations in Auckland, but one of the largest is Westfield Albany, which has more than 150 shops and services. There you will find fashion, home, technology, and food and beverage shops, as well as a host of children's and entertainment options.

Both malls offer a wide range of parking options, as well as additional services such as ATMs, currency exchange services and lounge areas. In addition, during the holiday season, they often feature themed decorations and special events that add a festive touch to your shopping experience. They will become your favourite places to shop for Christmas gifts.

Auckland is one of New Zealand's most cultural cities and one of the options for experiencing Christmas is to attend a concert to enjoy the music and celebrations of the season.

One of the most popular shows is the Auckland Town Hall Christmas show, but there are options in every corner of the city, including public squares, bars and restaurants and even Auckland's best museums.

St Patrick's Church in central Auckland offers another of the most famous concerts, with the main choir taking centre stage and the decorations of Christmas lights and ornaments.

If you prefer a quieter option, you can opt to visit Viaduct Harbour, located in the heart of Auckland's harbour, which features live music and festive activities throughout the Christmas season. There you can enjoy the shows as you stroll around the harbour and take in the Christmas lights and decorations that surround the area.