Christmas is almost here! Dust off your Santa hats, belt out your best fa-la-la's and celebrate all the holiday festivities under the sun as Aotea Square transforms into a fun, whānau-friendly space for everyone to enjoy!

This year, prepare for four action-packed weekends filled with an exciting line-up of FREE performances and workshops. From hearty-singalongs with The Modern Māori Quartet, Christmas songs with African flair, brass bands, choirs, a Māori & Pasifika orchestra, pop and reggae musicians and ukulele lessons to circus performances, live art, bucket drumming, and your favourite musical numbers.

Sing your heart out at Christmas Karaoke, grab some popcorn and enjoy a screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at our giant outdoor cinema. Take in the beauty of two art installations calling Aotea Square home ‘The Christmas Pavilion’ and ‘The Illuminating Light Forest’ – created by Angus Muir Design.

Plus, enjoy a friendly game of giant chess or Connect Four, let your curiosity go wild with the Imagination Playground, unwind in a beanbag or deck chair, and tuck into some treats from The Terrace or the Container in the Square.

Aotea Square is the place to be for FREE, festive fun this season, so join us under The Christmas Pavilion in Aotea Square for a merry old time!

Proudly supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.

FULL PROGRAMME HERE

An Evening With The Modern Māori Quartet | Friday, 29 November, 6–7pm
Kick off the holiday season with the return of The Modern Māori Quartet. Expect festive classics, singalongs and plenty of charm, humour and dad jokes.

More info HERE

Yuletide Ukulele With The Nukes | Saturday, 30 November, 12–2pm
Join The Nukes for a holiday ukulele workshop. Bring your ukulele or borrow one and learn to strum and sing along to festive tunes.

More info HERE

Jingle In The Square! | Saturday, 30 November, 6–7pm
Black Creatives Aotearoa brings us six of New Zealand’s finest Afro-heritage performers to serenade you with a special collection of beloved Christmas songs, arranged and performed with a distinctive African flair.
More info HERE

V7 Unplugged: A Christmas Special | Friday, 6 December, 6–7pm
Celebrate with Māori and Pasifika orchestra V7, with soulful sounds featuring Christmas classics and original tunes.

More info HERE

The Elves Are AWOL With The Dust Palace | Sunday, 7 December, 11am – 5pm
Help Santa find his missing elves. Enjoy circus performances, aerial stunts, and “come and try” workshops throughout the day.

More info HERE

Live Art In The Square | Sunday, 8 December, 10am – 5pm
Get ready for a live painting experience like no other! Join Meet the Artists Collective in Aotea Square for an action-packed day of live painting, music and games. Compete in a limited one-of-a-kind speed-painting challenge for a chance to win prizes.

More info HERE

National Youth Theatre: A Broadway Musical Christmas | Friday, 13 December, 6–7pm
Get ready to sing, dance and perform alongside National Youth Theatre with Broadway favourites and Christmas Classics such as O Holy Night, Santa Clause is Coming to Town and All I Want for Christmas Is You.

More info HERE

The Maamaloa Brass Band & Chamber Choir | Saturday, 14 December, 12–1pm
Get into the holiday spirit with Tongan community band Maamaloa’s vibrant brass performance and chamber choir.

More Info HERE

Fuse Bucket Drumming Workshop | Saturday, 14 December, 3–4pm
A family-friendly bucket drumming workshop for all ages. Fuse Drumming will have a limited number of buckets available, please bring two buckets per person to join the fun!

More info HERE

Movie Screening: How The Grinch Stole Christmas | Saturday, 14 December, 6–9pm
Enjoy a FREE screening of the classic 2000 holiday movie, starring Jim Carrey. Arrive early for free face painting, games and popcorn.

More info HERE

GALS Choir Performance | Sunday, 15 December, 12–1pm
Auckland’s rainbow choir shares festive cheer and Christmas carols. GALS was established as the first LGBTQ+ choir in New Zealand over 30 years ago and has been going strong ever since.

More info HERE

Tuakoi and Brady | Sunday, 15 December, 3–4pm
Two of the stars of Kōpū are spreading the Christmas joy this festive season, performing nostalgic and modern tunes with wit and charm. Get ready to be serenaded with their harmonious tones and vicious vibrato in full legato.

More info HERE

Tom Knowles | Friday, 20 December, 6–7pm
Tom Knowles brings a mix of reggae, soul, and rock for a high-energy holiday set.

More info HERE

Christmas Karaoke In The Square | Saturday, 21 December, 3–7pm
Sing your favourite holiday hits in this festive karaoke session hosted by the dynamic duo of Hugo Grrrl, and pianist Robin Kelly.

More info HERE

The Christmas Pavilion | Friday, 29 November – Sunday, 22 December
Explore the colourful Christmas Pavilion, co-created by award-winning designers Angus Muir, Matt Liggins and Auckland Council city centre place activation principal Barbara Holloway.

More info HERE

The Illuminating Light Forest | Friday, 29 November – Sunday, 22 December
Discover the awesome Illuminating Light Forest, created by Angus Muir. Nestled in front of The Christmas Pavilion in Aotea Square, be sure to snap a pic of this festive installation.

More info HERE