Now that we are clear of Show Week, it’s time to turn our thoughts to the Christmas season – which is approaching rapidly!
In Christchurch that means the annual favourites like the Christmas in the Park concert, the Santa Parade through town, and Christmas Eve with Carols by Candelight.
One of the wonderful things about these events is that they are all free entry and contribute towards the feeling of community and wellbeing as we head towards the last days of 2019 and into a new decade.
As well as the Christmas events above, this time of year also sees various Christmas markets around the city, where local makers get to sell their wares directly to the public.
If you are from the northern hemisphere, it might feel strange to have a Christmas in the middle of summer, but that all makes up part of the Kiwi experience! And weirdly enough, most people still have a hot cooked meal in the middle of the day for Christmas dinner – no matter what the temperature outside.
Below are links for more information about the ‘don’t miss’ events of the season.
Christmas in the Park, Hagley Park, November 30
This is an annual concert with performers from around New Zealand along with locals. It’s a great family event that ends with Santa’s arrival and a fireworks display around 10pm.
Find out more about how to get there, where to park and who’s performing, right here.
Santa Parade, December 6, Central City
The annual Santa Parade is the South Island’s largest, most successful and significant community event.
The route this year will be along Madras Street. It will start at the corner of Madras and St Asaph Streets and finish at Kilmore and Madras Streets. A little shorter route than in the past but a lot more green-space to enjoy a pre-parade picnic and entertainment provided.
Find out more about what’s in store and a map of the route right here.
Carols by Candlelight, Victoria Square, Christmas Eve
Every year the YMCA organises this family-focused Carols by Candlelight event and this year it is back in Victoria Square for the first time in many years.
You can buy candles and songbooks when you get there. The evening starts at 9pm and goes till 10pm, so make sure the kids had a good sleep the night before!
More information about the event can be found here.
Christmas Markets, Various Locations
Encraftment Market, Horncastle Arena, November 23-24
Conscious Christmas Market, cnr High and Cashel Streets, CBD Dec 17 – 21
Avebury Xmas Night Market, Avebury House, Richmond, December 6
All I Want for Christmas Makete, Arts Centre, December 1
The Tannery Christmas Market, The Tannery, December 19
