We’ve got your silly season covered with our ultimate list of the best family-friendly Christmas events in Christchurch.
From twinkling markets and raucous parades to carol singalongs and LEGO® extravaganzas, there’s something for every little elf this year. Grab the calendar, gather the kids, and get ready for a lineup of jolly good fun. Here’s your guide to the best family-friendly Christmas events in Christchurch this year.
Note: We’ll continue updating this article with new and exciting Christmas events in Christchurch as they pop up. However, keep in mind that ticketed events tend to sell out quickly, so tickets may no longer be available at the time of reading.
Read more: Where to Meet and Take Photos With Santa in Christchurch
The Best Christmas Events in Christchurch:
Christmas Events in Christchurch: Markets and Fairs –
Rangiora Christmas Fair
Kick off the holiday season at this lively Christmas fair featuring over 40 stalls, food vendors, live music, carols, and a Santa grotto.
When: Friday, 22 November, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Victoria Park, 123 Percival Street, Rangiora
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Halswell Twilight Market
Kick off the season at Halswell’s Twilight Market. Browse over 100 stalls, enjoy live music, and grab a bite from gourmet food trucks.
When: Friday, 29 November, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: 13 Meeking Place, Halswell
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
West Melton Community Christmas Market
Join the community for the West Melton Christmas Market, featuring over 100 local stallholders offering a wide variety of gifts and goods. Get your Christmas shopping done while supporting local businesses.
When: Sunday, 1 December 2024, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: West Melton Community Centre, West Coast Road, West Melton
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Rangiora Christmas Festival
Celebrate Christmas with a morning full of family-friendly fun. Join the community at Victoria Park for bouncy castles, a sausage sizzle, candy floss, balloons, face painting, and games. There will also be food trucks and coffee carts available for purchase.
When: Sunday, 1 December, 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM
Where: Victoria Park, Rangiora
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Heathcote Valley School Christmas Market
A community market packed with homemade goodies, plants, delicious food, and coffee. Rain or shine, it’s the perfect place to start your holiday shopping.
When: Sunday, 1 December, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: 61 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley
Cost: Free entry (stalls accept cash only)
More details here.
Otautahi Christmas Festival
Think twinkling lights, the aroma of freshly baked treats, and market stalls packed with everything from handcrafted ornaments to quirky stocking stuffers. The rides and live entertainment will keep the kids buzzing, while you sneak off to grab that last-minute gift.
When: Friday, 22 November, 4:30–9:30 PM & Saturday, 23 November, 10 AM–4:30 PM
Where: Canterbury A&P Showgrounds, 100 Curletts Road
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Christmas Encraftment Market
Discover the best of Christchurch’s handmade treasures at the Encraftment Market. Browse locally crafted goods, enjoy delicious food, and soak up the festive vibes.
When: Saturday, 23 December, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre, 75 Lyttelton Street
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Cashmere Christmas Market
This charming little market is packed with festive feels and local flair. Stock up on homemade jams, pickles, and Christmas baking, or let the kids hunt for handmade treasures they can proudly wrap up as their “gift for Nana.”
When: Sunday, 1 December, 11:30 AM–3 PM
Where: Cashmere Presbyterian Church, 2 MacMillan Avenue
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
The Tannery Christmas Market
The Tannery knows how to do Christmas. Picture strolling through an elegant atrium filled with handcrafted gifts while live carols echo around you. Parents can sip a glass of wine from the pop-up bar while kids enjoy festive treats and admire the glitzy decorations.
When: Thursday, 5 December, 10 AM–9 PM
Where: 3 Garlands Road, Woolston
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
BOXed Quarter Christmas Market
Discover a vibrant Christmas market with over 50 stalls offering unique crafts, vintage clothing, and art. Enjoy live music, international food, and art displays in the heart of the SALT District.
When: Saturday, 7 December, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: 270 St Asaph Street, Christchurch
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Edgeware Village Christmas Market
A cosy community market with live music, delicious food, and unique local gifts to complete your holiday shopping.
When: Saturday, 7 December, 11:00 AM
Where: St Albans Community Centre, 1049 Colombo Street
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Avebury Xmas Market
Get into the Christmas spirit with food, music, and over 40 diverse stalls at the Avebury Xmas Market! It’s the perfect chance to tick off your Christmas shopping list with a wide range of goods including skincare, garden goodies, artwork, knit and crochet crafts, woodwork, jewellery, puzzles, mosaics, preserves, cookies, candles, and much more.
When: Sunday, 8 December, 11am -3pm
Where: 9 Evelyn Couzins Ave, Richmond, Christchurch
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
The Palms Christmas Market
Find handcrafted gifts, enjoy free kids’ activities, and meet Santa while you shop. Gift wrapping is available for charity donations.
When: Saturday, 14 December, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: The Palms Shopping Centre, 90 Marshland Road
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
The Garden City Christmas Makete
Shop for unique gifts from 50+ local vendors at The Arts Centre. Enjoy delicious food, face painting, and meet roaming princesses and superheroes.
When: Saturday, 14 December, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Street
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Ōtautahi Crafters Market – Christmas Market
A festive favourite for local shoppers! Discover over 50 stalls of handmade crafts, homewares, jewellery, and one-of-a-kind gifts. With delicious food vendors and a family-friendly vibe, it’s a perfect day out.
When: Saturday, 21 December, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Air Force Museum, Christchurch
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Read more: Get Ready for Christmas: Download Your FREE Letter to Santa!
Christmas Events in Christchurch: Carols –
Christmas Carols at Halswell Quarry
Sing your heart out under the open sky with Carols in the Quarry. Backed by the brilliant Stedfast Brass Band, it’s a wholesome evening of festive tunes and family vibes. Bring a blanket and a thermos of hot cocoa—this is classic Christmas done right.
When: Sunday, 1 December, 4:30–6 PM
Where: Halswell Quarry Park
Cost: Free
More details here.
Dallington Carols in the Park
Burwood Park transforms into a haven of holiday cheer with carols, face painting, and a surprise visit from the big man himself. The kids can devour ice cream while you soak in the festive tunes by Sideline Swing.
When: Friday, 6 December, 6–8 PM
Where: Burwood Park, 55 Cresswell Ave
Cost: Free
More details here.
Selwyn Carols 2024
Get into the festive spirit at Selwyn Carols with entertainment, candy floss, food trucks, and plenty of community fun for the whole family.
When: Saturday, 7 December 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Foster Park, Broadlands Drive, Rolleston 7675, New Zealand
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Carols on the Avon
Experience the magic of live festive carols while cruising the Avon River! Enjoy a 30-minute punt ride featuring live music performed on board by local community choirs and brass bands. Don your favourite Christmas attire and embrace the holiday spirit.
When: Saturday, 7 December, and Saturday, 14 December
Where: Antigua Boat Sheds, 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch
Cost: $42 per adult (Infants under 5 ride free when seated with an adult). Book here.
Note: Event is weather-dependent; guests will be notified of cancellations by 9:00 AM on the day with a full refund.
More details here.
Prebbleton Christmas Carols
Enjoy a festive evening with carols, Santa’s grotto, market stalls, food, and entertainment. A family-friendly celebration to get you into the holiday spirit.
When: Wednesday, 18 December, 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Prebbleton Cottage, Blakes Road
Cost: Free
Carols at Riccarton Bush
Enjoy an evening of Christmas carols at Riccarton Bush Pūtaringamotu, hosted by Riccarton-Spreydon Anglican Parish. Addington Brass will provide the music, with donations collected for the City Mission.
When: Sunday, 8 December, 6:30 PM
Where: Riccarton Bush, 16 Kahu Road
Cost: Donations welcome
More details here.
Christmas Feast and Fun
Enjoy a Christmas feast, carol competition, and family-friendly activities at St Faith’s Church Hall. Organized by Aifa’s Kitchen and St Faith’s Church, it’s a festive evening not to miss.
When: Saturday, 21 December, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: St Faith’s Church Hall, 46 Hawke Street, New Brighton
Cost: $10–$20 (email [email protected] to book)
More details here.
Christmas Events in Christchurch: Kids’ Activities & Parties –
Miss Melody’s Christmas Party
Get ready for an afternoon of festive fun with singing, dancing, music, and bubbles! Join in the holiday cheer and enjoy a special guest appearance from Santa himself. Parents are asked to bring a small, labelled gift for Santa to give to their child.
When: Saturday, 30 November, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Mt Pleasant Community Centre
Cost: Koha appreciated. Please email [email protected] to confirm your attendance.
More details here.
Baby Sensory & Toddler Sense Christmas Parties
Celebrate the season with Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense! Their Saturday Christmas Parties are some of the most popular classes of the year, and bookings are now open.
Christchurch North – Burwood
Saturday 30 November
10:30am & 12:00pm
Woodend
Saturday 14 December
1:30pm & 3:00pm
Wow Sensory Centre – Christchurch South
Baby Sensory (0-12 months)
Saturday 7 December
1:00pm & 2:30pm
Toddler Sense (1-4 years)
Saturday 7 December
9:30am & 11:00am
Cost
$30 per baby/toddler (includes up to 3 adults). Book here.
What’s Included
- 60-minute festive sensory class
- Light refreshments
Ferrymead Alive – Christmas
Step back in time at Ferrymead Heritage Park for a Christmas celebration filled with tram and train rides, pony rides, historical exhibits, and festive fun.
When: Sunday, 1 December, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Ferrymead Heritage Park, 50 Ferrymead Park Drive
Cost: Entry fees apply; additional cost for rides
More details here.
Cashmere Club Kids Christmas Party
Enjoy games, music, a colouring competition, and a visit from Santa at this family-friendly event. Kids’ meals are just $7.50 with a free sundae included. Members and non-members both welcome.
When: Sunday, 1 December, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: 88 Hunter Terrace, Cashmere, Christchurch
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Ballantynes Breakfast with Santa 2024 *SOLD OUT*
Kick off your Christmas season with a magical breakfast featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their helpers. Enjoy Christmas treats, a sing-along, gingerbread decorating, and informal photos with Santa.
When: Sunday, 1 December, 8:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Where: Tearooms, Ballantynes Department Store, Christchurch
Cost: $50 per child (limited spaces). Book here.
More details here.
MoveX Playgroup Christmas Party
Celebrate the season with a preschooler-focused Christmas Pyjama Party! Enjoy up to 3.5 hours of festive fun, including a Christmas music and movement session at 10:30am, face painting, lollies, an inflatable, and a visit from Santa. Don’t forget to bring your grip socks! This event is exclusively for preschoolers, with school-age children welcome after the party. Supervising adults and under-1s enter free. Mention “nook” at the café for a free fluffy!
When: Tuesday, 3 December, 9:30am–1:00pm
Where: MoveX, Christchurch
How much: $10 per child (ages 1-4). Book here.
More details here.
Christmas Family Event at Bunnings Riccarton
Celebrate the season with an evening of festive fun for the whole family at Bunnings Riccarton. Get creative with holiday crafts, enjoy popcorn and entertainment, snap a free photo with Santa, and discover plenty more to make the night special.
When: Thursday, December 5, 2024, 5 PM – 7 PM
Where: Bunnings Riccarton
Cost: Free (bookings essential as spaces are limited). Book here.
More details here.
Storytimes – Christmas Special
Get into the festive spirit with Christmas stories, songs, and a fun scavenger hunt! Pop on your favourite Christmas outfit and bring the whānau along for some holiday fun. All ages are welcome.
When: Friday, 6 December, 10:00am–10:30am
Where: Leeston Library, 19 Messines Street, Leeston
Cost: Free. Just drop in!
More details here.
Christmas Bricksibition
LEGO® fans, rejoice! This event boasts jaw-dropping brick displays, festive builds, and play areas where kids can create their own masterpieces. Don’t miss the bake sale, raffles, and a chance to meet Santa himself.
When: Saturday, 7 December, 9 AM–4 PM
Where: Rolleston College Auditorium, 631 Springston Rolleston Road
Cost: $2 per person, under 2s free
More details here.
The Great Santa Trek
Watch Santa arrive in style by punt and train before settling into his sleigh for festive photos with the kids. The Peace Train will also be running for rides along the terrace. Gold coin donations support Cholmondeley Children’s Home.
Event Highlights:
- 11:30 AM: Santa departs The Boat Shed on a punt
- 12:00 PM: Meet Santa at his sleigh outside Riverside Market
- 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Peace Train rides
Postponement date: Saturday, 14 December (if needed).
When: Saturday, 7 December, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Where: Riverside Market, 78 Cashel Street
Cost: Gold coin donation
More details here.
The Joy of Christmas
Step into a beautifully decorated Christmas Cottage and soak up the holiday spirit. All proceeds go to the Good Night Sleep Tight Charitable Trust.
When: Saturday, 7 December – Sunday, 8 December, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: The Christmas Cottage, 49 Malcolm Avenue, Beckenham
Cost: $5 (children free)
More details here.
Sip n’ Paint Christmas Party
A creative afternoon for kids aged 6-13, painting festive gnomes and trees. Enjoy snacks, prizes, and a special visit from the New Brighton Pirates.
When: Sunday, 8 December, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: 72 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch
Cost: Price varies
More details here.
Personalised Christmas Gifts
Get creative this holiday season by turning your photo, drawing, or digital design into a personalised gift! Use a badge maker to create fridge magnets, keyrings, and badges. You can draw or create your image on the spot or bring along a design or photo (you can print it at the library).
When: Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre, 341 Halswell Road, Christchurch
Cost: $1 per item. Drop-in, no bookings required
More details here.
Mitre 10 Christmas Event
Get into the Christmas spirit at your local Mitre 10 or Mitre 10 MEGA on Tuesday, December 12. Bring the kids along for festive fun, activities, and plenty of holiday cheer. Enjoy great December deals and earn 5x Airpoints Dollars™ on purchases made during the event.
When: Tuesday, December 12. Starting times vary by store, from 3 PM onwards.
Where: Mitre 10 and Mitre 10 MEGA stores nationwide.
Cost: Free. No registration needed—just drop in and join the festivities! (Check with your local store for exact start times.)
More details here.
Festive Holiday Fun Zone
Giant bubbles, beanbags, and outdoor games await in the Arts Centre’s North Quad. It’s the perfect way to burn off sugar-fueled energy while you sneak in a coffee.
When: 16–20 December, 10 AM–3 PM
Where: The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, 2 Worcester Boulevard
Cost: Free
More details here.
Kids’ Night Out – Christmas Edition
Let the kids enjoy a night of festive fun with games, obstacle courses, Nerf battles, and a visit from Santa. Includes a pizza dinner, movie, and popcorn.
When: Saturday, 14 December, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Flips & Tumbles, 12 Musgrove Close, Wigram
Cost: $60 early bird tickets. Book here.
More details here.
Christchurch Irish Society Kids’ Christmas Party
A fun-filled day with bouncy castles, face painting, and a baby-friendly area. Pack a picnic and join in the festive community celebration.
When: Sunday, 15 December, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Spreydon Domain, 29 Domain Terrace
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
More details here.
Kids’ Nature Printing: Holiday Cards
Join artist Margaret Taylor from the Selwyn Artists Collective for a hands-on workshop where kids can forage for plants and create their own beautiful botanical holiday cards. Perfect for adding a personal touch to gift-giving. This workshop is for ages 8–14, and adult supervision is required for foraging.
When: Saturday, 14 December, 10:30am–12:30pm
Where: Leeston Library, 19 Messines Street, Leeston
How much: Free. Bookings required.
If no spaces are available, call (03) 318 7780 to join the waitlist.
More details here.
Christmas at Rolleston Library
Celebrate Christmas with a special storytime session and festive tunes from the Selwyn Community Choir. Don’t forget to wear your favourite Christmas outfit for the occasion!
When: Sunday, 15 December
- 10:30 AM: Christmas Storytime Special
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Selwyn Community Choir
Where: Rolleston Library, Rolleston
Cost: Free, drop-in
Festive Brick Building
Kids can create festive decorations for the Cloisters Studio Christmas tree. A fun, creative activity for little builders!
When: Monday, 16 December – Friday, 20 December, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Cloisters Studio, The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard
Cost: Free
More details here.
Movin’ to Music Prestons Christmas Party
Wrap up the year with a festive music session, bouncy castle, and party bags for the kids. Big school kids are welcome too!
When: Wednesday, 18 December, 10:00 AM
Where: 420 Preston’s Road, Christchurch
Cost: Free
More details here.
Music with Michal Christmas Extravaganza
Sing, dance, and jiggle your way through this delightful 30-minute performance featuring Christmas classics and Michal’s greatest hits. It’s a quick dose of festive fun that’ll have kids humming all the way home.
When: Friday, 20 December, 11 AM & 1 PM
Where: The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, 2 Worcester Boulevard
Cost: Free
More details here.
Christmas with Woodend Beach Horse Riding
Celebrate Christmas with a horse riding adventure in a tranquil forest setting. Meet Santa and enjoy an unforgettable holiday experience. Bookings are essential.
When: Saturday, 21 – Sunday, 22 December, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Jeffs Road, Woodend Beach
Cost: Contact the centre for more details. Advance booking is necessary as places are restricted.
More details here.
Chipmunks Wigram Christmas Disco
Get ready for festive fun at Chipmunks with a Christmas disco, photo booth, raffle, and even a surprise snowfall!
When: Saturday, 21 December, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: 218E Main South Road, Hornby, Christchurch
Cost: $20, adults are free. Book here.
More details here.
Read more: Giving Back: Where to Donate Toys for Christmas in Christchurch 2024
Christmas Events in Christchurch: Parades and Shows –
Ballantynes Christmas Windows Opening 2024
Join the countdown to the grand opening of Ballantynes’ Christmas windows. Enjoy live entertainment, a dress-up competition, and a special appearance by Santa. Gold coin donations support Cholmondeley Children’s Centre.
When: Saturday, 23 November, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Cashel Mall, outside Ballantynes Department Store
Cost: Free
More details here.
VIP Frames & Trusses Christmas Show Parade
This isn’t just a parade; it’s a Christmas carnival! Think roving entertainers, a mini amusement park, and floats featuring everything from Lord Lego-Tron to Beauty and the Beast. Add food trucks, a picnic area, and a free Santa Express bus, and you’ve got a day of epic proportions.
When: Sunday, 24 November, 11 AM–4:30 PM
Where: Canterbury Agricultural Park, Curletts Road
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Christmas in the Park
This one needs no introduction. Dazzling lights, live music, and a fireworks finale make this the ultimate Christmas bash. Pack a picnic, grab the crew, and let the festive vibes flow.
When: Saturday, 30 November, 7:30 PM
Where: North Hagley Park, 57 Rolleston Avenue
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Shands Road Xmas Experience
Immerse yourself in a magical walk-through Christmas village featuring light shows, model trains, a steampunk space fighter, and more.
When: Saturday, 30 November – Monday, 30 December, 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Where: 650 Shands Road, Christchurch
Cost: $15 per adult, $5 per child
More details here.
Rolleston Christmas Parade
Kick off the festive season with cultural performances, a lively market behind Te Ara Ātea, and the highlight—Santa’s Parade at 2pm. Bring a picnic blanket and soak in the holiday cheer.
When: Sunday, 1 December, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Te Ara Ātea (Rolleston Library), Rolleston
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Kaiapoi Christmas Carnival and Santa Parade
A day packed with festive fun! Enjoy an artisan market, a free family fun zone with inflatables and go-karts, live performances, and the Santa Parade at 2:30pm.
When: Saturday, 7 December, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Kaiapoi Park, Smith Street, Kaiapoi
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Rangiora Toyota Santa Parade
Get into the festive spirit at one of the South Island’s biggest Christmas events outside Christchurch! The Rangiora Toyota Santa Parade is a community favourite, showcasing dazzling floats, holiday cheer, and, of course, Santa himself. This year, the celebration includes McAlpines Mitre 10 Mega’s Christmas Party in the Park, offering a fun-filled afternoon of family-friendly activities, food, and entertainment in Victoria Park.
When: Sunday, December 8, 2024. Parade starts at 2 PM. Christmas Party in the Park runs from 12 PM – 4:30 PM.
Where: Victoria Park, Rangiora.
Cost: Free.
More details here.
Christmas Family Fun Day
Celebrate the season with a day full of festive cheer at Rolleston Square! Santa is making a special stop to spread holiday joy with free family activities including miniature pony rides, face painting, balloon twisting, and a barnyard petting zoo. Hop on Pedalmania bikes (bring your helmet) or enjoy performances by the local choir singing Christmas carols. Don’t miss the chance to explore a police car or capture a festive memory at the Santa photo booth. Treat yourself to real fruit ice cream, churros, candy floss, and a classic sausage sizzle while soaking up the holiday spirit.
When: Sunday, December 8, 2024, 11 AM – 2 PM
Where: Rolleston Square courtyard (next to Hachi Hachi), 70 Rolleston Drive, Rolleston
Cost: Free
More details here.
New Brighton Seaside Parade
It’s Christmas on the beach, New Brighton style! Watch as Santa arrives on the sand, then enjoy a fun parade, live music, and market stalls. Don’t forget to grab a selfie with Santa in his grotto.
When: Saturday, 14 December, 10 AM–2 PM
Where: 25 Brighton Mall, New Brighton
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Lincoln Christmas Parade and Market 2024
Celebrate the season with the Lincoln Christmas Parade and Market, a community event full of festive cheer. Watch the parade, meet Santa, and shop for last-minute gifts from local vendors. Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the festivities!
When: Saturday, 14 December 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: Lincoln, New Zealand
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
The Gingerbread Christmas House
Explore a private collection filled with themed trees and beautiful European-style decorations, showcasing the festive spirit at its best. Previously featured in Next and Latitude, this Christmas wonderland is a must-see.
When: Thursday, 19 December – Monday, 23 December, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: 56 Kingsdowne Drive, West Melton, Canterbury
Admission: $5 for adults, $2 for children. This is a back section, so please park on the street.
More details here.
Christmas Events in Christchurch: Shopping Nights –
Addy and Lou Christmas Shopping Night
Mark your calendar for a festive evening of shopping, fun, and holiday cheer. More details to come, but save the date!
When: Thursday, 28 November, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: 12 Battersea Street
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Images are courtesy of Pexels and are for illustrative purposes only.
