News

Christchurch is getting festive this weekend

19 December 2025

Christmas

We're feeling the Christmas spirit in Christchurch! Here's your low-cost guide to the weekend.

The Great Toi Art Adventure

Step into the magical world of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, where art and nature come together in the most playful way. Discover awesome sculptures and creative surprises hidden among the trees and gardens.

Collect a trail brochure for the Information Centre and explore the whole trail in one visit or enjoy it in bite-sized pieces, this journey is yours to take at your own pace. The Great Toi Art Adventure will be on until 1 March 2026.

Festive Fun at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre

Festive Fun is back at The Arts Centre for 2025. Celebrate the season with our packed Festive Fun programme of concerts, singalongs, a Holiday Fun Zone, sweet treats, Christmas shopping, and a sleigh-load more!

This weekend, paint your own very unique Kiwiana ornament, hand-build and decorate mini Christmas ornaments and gifts, wrap up your Christmas shopping while supporting local businesses, and spend a day out with family fun and LEGO building. Find more information online.

Mānuka Stories reading nook

Pick a book connected to the Art Gallery’s exhibitions and settle into our brand-new summer reading nook. Come and enjoy this new space all summer long starting on Saturday through to 25 January, with special librarian reading days on 7 and 21 January at 2.30pm for the Mānuka Stories.

Bring your family and enjoy our reading nook at the Christchurch Art Gallery.

Mona Vale Christmas Family Fun Day

Head down to Mona Vale on Sunday for a fun, festive day out with the whole family! Bring the kids, bring the dogs, and say ‘hello’ to Santa who will be popping by.

Enjoy Christmas tunes, a cheerful festive atmosphere, and an epic food line up for the day. Come along from midday to 5pm.

Ōtautahi Crafters Market Christmas Edition

Shop local this Christmas at the Ōtautahi Crafters Market! With 100+ incredible local makers, you’ll find unique gifts, handmade treasures, festive treats, art, home décor, jewellery, clothing, and so much more — all lovingly crafted by Christchurch creatives and small businesses.

Plus this year, organisers will be giving away 400 Christmas tote bags, and having a sensory hour from 9-10am Sunday (A low-sensory, calm hour designed to make the market more accessible for those who prefer a quieter environment. Softer lighting, no background music, and a relaxed pace). Head along to the Air Force Museum at 45 Harvard Ave from 10am – 4pm this Saturday or Sunday to check out the market.

For all events over the holiday season, head What's On Christchurch: ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/whats-on