What’s on in Auckland over the month of December? We let you in our favourite picks.
Christmas on Queen Street
1 – 21 December
Auckland CBD
Celebrate the season on Queen Street every Thursday to Saturday. Enjoy family-friendly pop-up shows, comedians, musicians, magicians, craft stations, and giveaways. Don’t miss Santa’s Enchanted Forest and the iconic Smith & Caughey’s animated windows based this year on The Adventures of Hutu & Kawa.
Auckland Gin Festival
31 January
The Cloud
Auckland Gin Festival invites you to sip and savour the best craft gins from Kiwi and Aussie distillers! Tickets come with unlimited gin samples (sensibly, of course!), basic mixers, a tasting glass, and a tote bag. Chat with distillers, expand your knowledge with masterclass sessions and enjoy gourmet bites from Auckland’s best food trucks.
LANEWAY
6 February
Western Springs
Whether you’re celebrating Brat Summer or are after ‘stranger things’ from this iconic genre-spanning festival, Laneway has you covered. Featuring a huge line-up of the globe’s most exciting artists including Charli XCX, Clairo, DJO, and more.
New Years
31 December
HI-SO
If you’re looking for somewhere to ring in 2025, HI-SO has you covered. With their delicious menu of nibbles and artisanal cocktails, fantastic local DJs, and stunning views from the 16th-storey rooftop bar. Countdown to midnight with sweeping views of Auckland and Waitematā Harbour.
The Holiday in Concert
21 December
Kiri Te Kawana Theatre
This season, enjoy The Holiday in a new way with the Auckland Festival Orchestra performing Hans Zimmer’s score live alongside a screening of the film. A delightful, one-of-a-kind experience for all fans of this classic romcom.
Sarah Millican
1 – 4 February
Kiri Te Kawana Theatre
Award-winning UK comedian Sarah Millican is back with Late Bloomer, her latest show. Known for her wit and relatable humour, she dives into her journey from a quiet child to the bold woman we know and love today. Millican delivers laughs and heart.
Jack Whitehall
25 January
Spark Arena
The Netflix Travels with My Father duo, comedian Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael, bring a hilarious new chapter of their journey to our shores. Expect tall tales from their time abroad, family secrets, and heartwarming reflections from Jack’s latest adventure, becoming a parent to the newest Whitehall.
MOTAT’S Christmas Lights
10 – 13, 15 – 18, & 20 – 23 December
MOTAT
For 12 magical evenings MOTAT will transform into a festive wonderland, inviting whānau and friends to enjoy a magical night out. Visitors can explore Santa’s workshop, join in outdoor games and lolly-making or savour delicious kai from the food truck market. Live music, carol singers and the return of te rākau Kirihimete nui, the grand Christmas tree, rounds out a night of unforgettable, festive fun.
