Countdown to Christmas
by Metropol | November 11, 2026 8:33 am
The big day might still be weeks away but there’s plenty going on this month to get us in the festive spirit.
21 November: Christmas at Tūranga
A free festive live-music event presented by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) with support from Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi. Featuring CSO brass, woodwind, and harp players, the hour-long performance for all ages takes place at Tūranga, Christchurch’s central library from 11am. cso.co.nz
21 November: Celebrating Christmas Across Borders
A multicultural Christmas festival built around the ways different communities celebrate the holiday. The free event brings together food, music, dance, storytelling, and cultural traditions, with an emphasis on connection and belonging across Christchurch’s diverse communities. From 4pm to 9pm at Ray Blank Park, 14 Gothic Place. christchurchnz.com
26 November: Richard Till: Memorable & Manageable Festive Food
A festive entertaining workshop led by Kiwi cook, and presenter of television series Kiwi Kitchen, Richard Till with the focus on making holiday lunches and dinners special without overwhelming preparation. Food to share during the workshop. Tūranga from 6pm to 7.30pm, tickets at events.humanitix.com
28 November: Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park
The nation’s favourite free annual Christmas musical spectacular returns to the big stage in North Hagley Park for the 32nd year. Hosted this year by More FM’s Simon Barnett and Lana Searle (pictured), live performers, singers, musicians, and dancers, present an evening of pop and Christmas entertainment. Food Fest features a selection of artisan food trucks offering a wide variety of delicious food and refreshments stalls. Lighting up the 22-metre Christmas Tree is a highlight of the evening that culminates with an all-stars-on-stage spectacular fireworks finale. Gather the crew and bring a picnic blanket. christmasinthepark.coke.co.nz
5 December: St Nicholas Church Christmas Night Market
A free, family-oriented holiday market that combines local shopping and food with Christmas entertainment and children’s activities and free facepainting. Browse stalls for Christmas gifts and goodies, buy dinner from food vendors, and listen to Christmas carols. St Nicholas Church, 231 Barrington Street, Spreydon, 4pm to 8pm. eventfinda.co.nz
5-6 December: The Christmas Show Parade
Sponsored by VIP Frames & Trusses, the Christmas Show Parade at the Showgrounds is a festival style event over two days, with entertainment, an amusement park, displays, a Christmas market, food vendors and a gorgeous parade on Sunday 6 December from 2pm. Entry is free, come and make a day of it. Bring a picnic or buy food there. The Showgrounds, Canterbury Agricultural Park, 11am to 4.30pm. A free Santa Express bus runs on the Sunday, see website for details. christmasshowparade.co.nz
6 December: Santa’s Peace Train
All aboard! Santa Claus is parking the sleigh and instead driving the Peace Train for one day only at Christchurch Botanic Gardens. He’ll be taking it slow to make sure there’s plenty of time for waving, smiling and posing for Christmas-card-worthy photos. Bring the family along for a unique and free festive adventure. Seats are on a first-come, first-served basis. The journey is around eight minutes long, and the last train departs 15 minutes before closing. Santa’s guest appearance is for Sunday 6 December from 10am to 2pm. The train leaves from behind the Kiosk (over the bridge from the main car park). Weather dependent.
5, 12 December: Carols on the Avon
Returning for its sixth year, enjoy Christmas carols played by local performers as you glide alongside them on a special punt ride filled with festive tunes. Thirty-minute punt rides depart from the Antigua Boat Sheds at 12pm, 12.40pm and 1.20pm on both days. Seats are limited so bookings are essential. Christmas attire is encouraged. christchurchattractions.nz/carols-on-the-avon
5-13 December: Festive Fun at The Arts Centre
Celebrate the season with a packed Festive Fun programme of concerts, singalongs, sweet treats, Christmas shopping, and a sleigh-load more. Events include a garden tour of the Blue House in Amberley, Carols around the Piano in the Great Hall, Create and Stitch a Christmas Decoration workshop, He Kāri Aroha – the chance to make Kirihimete cards to take home and to share with kaumātua living in residential care or receiving care in hospital, Carols in the Great Hall, and more. For the full programme, go to artscentre.org.nz
13 December: A Woolston Brass Christmas
Celebrate Christmas with the entire Woolston Brass family, encompassing Woolston Junior Band, Woolston Concert Brass and the mighty Woolston Brass Band as this iconic Christchurch organisation presents a relaxed Christmas celebration in the North Quad at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre. artscentre.org.nz
19 December: Fever Candlelight Concert: Christmas Classics
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a collection of beloved Christmas songs. From timeless carols to festive favourites, experience holiday classics with the people you love. The Great Hall at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre. artscentre.org.nz
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/countdown-to-christmas/