Our pick of family-friendly events from 12 – 14 December 2025. Here’s what’s on for kids this weekend in Christchurch…
Christchurch always feels lively at Christmas and this year the city is packed with family events that keep the kids happy and the adults sane. Here is everything happening for families across Canterbury, all in date order so you can plan out your December without losing the plot.
Search our events calendar for more family-friendly events for kids here.
What’s on for kids this weekend in Christchurch:
Christmas Family Fun Day — Rolleston Square
If you’re looking for a Christmas outing that feels fun and easy with the kids, Rolleston Square is hosting a gorgeous Family Fun Day on Sunday 14 December from 11am to 2pm. Santa will be in the courtyard by Hachi Hachi and Hanoi for photos, and the whole area will be filled with things to explore.
The kids can jump between Pedalmania bikes, soft play and face painting while you wander over to meet the miniature ponies and check out the barnyard animals. There will be roaming characters to spot, a visit from the Fire Service, live carols from local singers and plenty of food trucks and treats to purchase from, including real fruit ice cream, churros, hot dogs and candy floss.
It’s all free entertainment and a lovely way to bring a bit of Christmas magic into the weekend. Save the date and pop it on your family calendar
When: Sunday 14 December 2025, 11am to 2pm
Where: Rolleston Square, 9 Masefield Drive, Rolleston
How much: free children’s entertainment, food at own cost
Saturday 13 December 2025
Christmas Market Elf Trail — Lincoln Market NZ
Kids weave through the Lincoln Market hunting for cheeky elves, collecting clues and small prizes along the way. The first 150 completed entries get a treat, which means early birds walk away happy. There is also a bigger Festive Goodies Stocking up for grabs, so parents tend to get a bit competitive too.
When: Saturday 13 December 2025, 9.30am to 12.30pm
Where: Gerald Street, Lincoln beside Lincoln Library
How much: Free to enter with limited prizes
Pool Party – School’s Out For Summer
A big energy afternoon before school wraps up for the year. Kids can launch themselves across the obstacle course, bounce around on the inflatable castle and spend hours splashing with friends while the grown ups stay safely on dry land.
When: Saturday 13 December 2025, midday to 5pm
Where: Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre, 341 Halswell Road
How much: Standard pool entry fees
New Brighton Seaside Christmas Parade
Families gather by the beach for a morning that feels relaxed and full of colour. Santa appears seaside, performers wander through the crowd and market stalls line the streets. It is the kind of parade that keeps kids glued to the action.
When: Saturday 13 December 2025, 10am to 2pm
Where: Central New Brighton
How much: Free
Ferrymead Alive – Canterbury 175th
Ferrymead turns into a lively Victorian Christmas as the city marks 175 years since the First Four Ships arrived in Canterbury. Families can jump on the tram or train, watch Morris dancers perform and wander between vintage displays and live storytelling. Father Christmas appears across the day and the whole place feels like a step back in time.
When: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December 2025, 10am to 4pm
Where: Ferrymead Heritage Park, 50 Ferrymead Park Drive
How much: $15 to $60
Festive Fun 2025: Fun with Felt
Kids spend the afternoon creating their own felt decorations with sequins, beads and stitching. Each piece ends up completely personal, so it is a nice workshop for children who enjoy hands-on craft time or who want something homemade to hang on the family tree.
When: Saturday 13 December 2025, 1pm to 2.15pm and 2.45pm to 4pm
Where: The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, 2 Worcester Boulevard
How much: $25
Sunday 14 December 2025
South Christchurch Farmers’ Market Christmas Markets
This market fills up fast with families looking for fresh produce, local makers and last minute Christmas bits. The usual stalls sit alongside festive extras, which makes it easy to tick off stocking fillers while grabbing something tasty for lunch.
When: Sunday 14 December 2025 and every Sunday
Where: South Christchurch Farmers’ Market, 370 Colombo Street, Sydenham
How much: Free
