Christmas trees are adorned, city lights and banners are festive, and some trains and buses are wrapped up for the yuletide too. Discover our magical Window Wonderland shopfront installations, enjoy the Summer Sampler on the waterfront, and roaming performances along Cuba Street and the Golden Mile.
With the safety and well-being of our community in mind, the New Year’s Eve fireworks event won’t go ahead as planned, but look towards the city at midnight as we light up the sky to welcome in 2022.
The Pasifika festival has also been postponed to a later date, and Gardens and Kids Magic have both been reimagined with a self-guided daytime Gardens Trail for people to spend a fun day out with their whānau and friends.
Don’t forget, Metlink is also offering free travel to all passengers travelling on bus and train services on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
There’s also a number of community events on for those who may not have somewhere to go for a Christmas meal this year – all are welcome, and volunteers and donations appreciated too.
What's on:
Summer Sampler – from 4 December 2021 to 30 January 2022
Wellington Waterfront
Roving performance, pop-ups, activations, and publicly accessible spectacles happening every weekend along the waterfront – and check out the pop-up village while you’re there.
Hilma af Klint – The Secret Paintings - from 4 December 2021 to 27 March 2022
City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi
Hidden from view for decades, the radically abstract paintings of Hilma af Klint come to New Zealand for the very first time.
Destination Mars – from 11 December 2021 to 20 Mar 2022
Te Papa
Rocket the whole family into outer space as part of the interactive space mission at Te Papa.
Soup Kitchen Christmas BBQ
Saturday 18 December, midday
Soup Kitchen, 132 Tory Street, all welcome
Super Smash Cricket Double Headers – 19 and 24 December
Cello Basin Reserve
T20 cricket action at the Basin this summer.
Stillwaters Christmas Breakfast
Saturday 25 December, 8:30-9:30am
Food truck at Atrium House, 63 Boulcott Street (Central Baptist Church if wet)
Room at the Inn Christmas Lunch
Saturday 25 December, midday
Aro Valley Community Centre, 48 Aro Street
(call 04 499 3240 to book a seat)
Gardens Trail – from Tuesday 11 to Sunday 30 January 2022
10.30am – 6pm daily
Botanic Garden ki Paekākā
A self-guided daytime tour – featuring an enchanted Gardens Gallery of art and sonic installations.
Summer Sanctuary School Holidays – from 17 to 28 January 2022
Zealandia
Head up to Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne for two weeks of workshops and activities. From exploring Micro Worlds, creating Wire Forests and Papermaking to Whānau Yoga, Under 5’s Day, and Ranger Takeover there’s plenty to experience.
World Wetlands Weekend – from 29 to 30 January 2022
Zealandia
To celebrate World Wetlands Day we are having a weekend of all things wetlands to share how amazing and important these habitats are. Everyone is welcome, all activities are free!
For more information about events, visit our Events page and keep an eye on our social media channels.