Eden Park is opening its centre field to the public before the grass is ripped up and sold off.

The Eden Park Christmas Market will to provide a brilliant opportunity to pick up last-minute gifts, while seeing our national stadium from an entirely different angle. Lifestyle and design market General Collective is assembling a lineup of 50 festive stallholders on the pitch to sell unique homewares, jewellery, fashion and artisan produce, and Auckland's Food Truck Collective is bringing some of the city's best street vendors so you can grab a bite between purchases.

Santa's grotto will be positioned high up in the stands, there'll be a Christmas DJ, and the chance to participate in a quiz on the stadium's new 1700-inch superscreen.

Be sure to grab a spot on the hallowed turf and soak up the festive atmosphere — it's the first time in 20 years the public is being welcomed onto the manicured lawn. New Zealand's national stadium is also offering Kiwis the chance to purchase their own corner of history. The 17-year old surface will be removed later this year to make way for a new patch of green.

Entry to the stadium is via Gate J, in Eden Park's bus hub off Sandringham Road. Free parking will be available.

Image: Eden Park.