Festive turn of events in the Capital
The Capital has been busy celebrating the festive season already, but there are still a lot of free events and fun activities coming up – and there’s something for everyone.
We’re proud supporters of these events, so
here are some highlights to add to your calendar. Head to
our events page for even more information
and things to do.
• Sat 8 Dec | Strathmore Christmas in the Park –
Head to Raukawa Reserve from 12pm-3pm for an afternoon of
free whanau friendly festive fun.
• Sun 9 Dec |
Khandallah Village Street Fair – The
annual Khandallah Street Fair is open to all ages from
10am-2pm in the Cornerstone Community Centre. Enjoy food,
performances, and pick up some early Christmas presents from
the quality stallholders.
• 11-21 Dec | Toi
Pōneke’s – The Toi Two Hundy annual art show is a
chance for Christmas shoppers to grab a last-minute art
bargain, with all artworks $200 or under.
• Sat
15 Dec | Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of
Immortality exhibition opens at Te Papa – See the
ancient Chinese terracotta warriors up close and
personal.
• 15-19 Dec | Black Caps v Sri Lanka – Head to the
Basin Reserve to see the first cricket test match of the
series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
• Sat
15 Dec | Old St Paul’s Christmas Movie Night
– Old St Paul’s is hosting a movie night, showing the
festive family friendly film The Polar Express from
6pm-8pm.
• Sat 15 Dec | Christmas Pops at MFC – Enjoy
orchestral works of some of your favourite carols at this
special night at the Michael Fowler Centre.
•
17-21 Dec | Christmas Storytimes – Take the kids along to
Christmas storytimes at a library near
you.
• Fri 21 Dec | Linden Christmas BBQ – All
welcome at the Linden Social Centre from 12-2pm for
free sausage sizzle and spot prizes.
• Sat 22
Dec | The Cable Car Christmas – Get festive with Cable Car
crew and celebrate Christmas with Fairy Trina and Santa
from 3pm-5pm. Suitable for ages 3-10 years.
•
Tues 25 Dec | Everybody’s Christmas Picnic –
Everyone’s welcome to enjoy a Christmas picnic in Carrara
Park in Newtown from midday.
• Tues 25 Dec |
Free public transport – Passengers will be able to travel
free on Christmas Day on the Wellington region’s buses and
trains. Find out more about Christmas and New Year services
at Metlink.
• Mon 31 Dec | New Year’s Eve – Ring in the New
Year on the waterfront with a night of music, dancing and
fireworks. Near Whairepo Lagoon by Frank Kitts Park.
•
Mon 31 Dec | Summer City – This hugely popular
summer festival kicks-off a line-up of over 90 events for
its 40th year, including Pasifika and Te Rā o
Waitangi.
• 8-27 Jan | Gardens Magic – Gardens Magic returns
for 2019 with three weeks of concerts to fill your summer
nights with the sounds of Aotearoa’s best and brightest.
Grab a picnic and join us to celebrate 40 years of Summer
City and 150 years of the Wellington Botanic Garden with
memorable music. As the sun sets, see the gardens transform
with a magical lighting display by MJF
Lighting.
• Sat 26 Jan | Kids Magic in the Dell – Pack a
picnic, grab the gang and head to the hills for a fun and
fantabulous do at the Dell from 11am-1pm.
And don’t
forget…
• There are six weeks of school
holiday activities happening at our recreation centres,
pools, community centres, libraries and botanic gardens –
check out what’s available.
•
The Wellington Underground Market is open
every Saturday and Sunday in December with over 100 stalls
of local artists and designers under one roof.
•
Some of our facilities and services have reduced opening
hours during holiday periods. Visit our holiday hours website section for all
the information you need.
While most shops and businesses
may be closed, there’s still a lot to do on Christmas Day.
Enjoy one of the many walks around the capital, a picnic lunch
in the Botanic Gardens, crank up the BBQ at Shorland Park,
Grasslees Reserve, or Otari-Wilton’s Bush, enjoy a ride on
an Onzo
bike, or let someone else do the cooking and reserve
your table at one of the restaurants open on the day – St
Johns Bar, Logan Brown, Dragons to name a few.
And our Contact Centre remains open at all
times, so if you find Santa's got stuck in the chimney, give
us a call on (04) 499 4444 – we might be able to
help.
ENDS