A Month-Long Christmas Extravaganza Is Taking Over Auckland's Central City Throughout December

When the end of the year arrives — the merriest time of year, too — some folks like staring at luminous lights and dazzling decorations. Others enjoy hitting up every single festive market around town. Or, you could prefer soaking in as many Christmas-themed activities as you can find, such as Christmas rollerskating and a Christmas maze.

Whichever fits, Auckland has the answers this festive season — specifically from Friday, November 25 – Saturday, December 24 For an entire month, the inner-city is welcoming a four-week Christmas extravaganza — because Christmas in this city doesn't just mean buying gifts and roasting turkeys.

The fun starts early, with Christmas paraphernalia already beginning to deck out Auckland and the iconic Smith and Caughey Christmas window unveiled; but most of the festivities don't kick off until a month before the big day. So, from the end of November, after the iconic Farmers' Santa Parade on Sunday, November 27, you can make a date with spectacular projections and a whole heap of excuses to get shopping, among other festivities.

Te Komititanga is the place to be this month, thanks to its month-long series of free openair Christmas performances and giant colourful decorations set to brighten up the CBD. You simply won't be able to miss the giant Christmas pavilion erected which will be hosting artists and performers all December long — think barbershop choruses, jazz performances, carnival brass bands, acoustic duos and more. If you've been practising your carolling, feel free to join in.

You might also bump into festive-themed roving performers moving around the square including Christmas drag queens, stilt walkers, jugglers and Christmas elves.

If you're taking a mission up Queen Street for your Christmas shopping, aim to be there between 11am and 3pm every Saturday in December — look up to see eye-catching decorations and window displays, as well as street performers handing out sweet treats to keep you fuelled.

Boutique CBD shopping mall Commercial Bay is also getting in on the action with a Christmas Carnival held across the first three Saturdays in December — there will be live entertainment, giveaways and all the festive feels. Santa will be roaming for photos and present wishes, but if you feel like getting it in writing, head 220 floors up the Sky Tower where you'll find the world's highest post box.

Throughout the centre city all month long there will be community performances, food trucks and epic visual experiences, so don't miss out — check out the Heart of the City website for festival experiences and timings.

Auckland Council and Heart of the City are bringing a wide range of Christmas festivities to Auckland's CBD from Friday, November 25 through to Saturday, December 24. Head to the website to learn more