Christmas in New Zealand: Traditions, Summer Activities & Kiwi-Style Santa
Kia ora, and welcome to Christmas in Aotearoa!
Christmas in New Zealand is nothing like the snowy holidays you may be used to. Here, Christmas arrives in the middle of summer, bringing bright sunshine, beach days, and backyard BBQs instead of fireplaces and heavy coats.
From the red pōhutukawa blooms to Māori greetings like “Meri Kirihimete”, the season feels fresh, warm, and wonderfully Kiwi. You’ll find families picnicking by the sea, kids splashing in the water, and Santa swapping boots for jandals.
If you’re planning a trip, New Zealand’s Christmas is the perfect mix of nature, culture, and relaxed summer magic.
What Is Christmas Like in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s Christmas happens in the middle of summer, so the whole vibe feels bright, warm, and outdoorsy. Here’s the quick snapshot:
When Does the Festive Season Start in New Zealand?
The Christmas season in New Zealand kicks off early, with decorations and festivities beginning in December and even a few notable events in late November. Here’s a look at the typical holiday timeline:
- Early December: Homes, shops, and public spaces are decorated with Christmas lights and holiday themes. Community carol services also start around this time.
- Mid-December: Santa Parades roll through major streets, Christmas markets open, and people gather for festive treats and gifts.
- Christmas Eve: Kiwis often spend a relaxed evening at home with family, while some attend midnight mass or community church services.
- Christmas Day: Christmas Day starts with opening presents, a big holiday lunch, and outdoor activities, like beach trips or backyard cricket games.
- Boxing Day: A public holiday that extends the festivities, often celebrated with beach outings, summer sales, or the start of a camping trip.
- Mid-Winter Christmas: The Kiwis even celebrate the holiday twice, called a “mid-winter Christmas” in June or July, complete with hot meals and cozy fires, offering a taste of the traditional “winter” Christmas experience.
What Makes Christmas in New Zealand Unique?
Christmas traditions in New Zealand stand apart from other winter festivities of the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a season of beaches, outdoor gatherings, and uniquely Kiwi traditions that reflect the country’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.
A Summer Christmas Instead of Snow
While many countries celebrate Christmas with snowflakes and fireplaces, New Zealand does it under the summer sun. December means:
- long sunny days
- blue skies and warm temperatures
- beach picnics instead of staying indoors
- road trips, camping, and swimming
The vibe is relaxed and cheerful, with more sunscreen and fewer scarves. If you’re traveling during this time, expect a holiday season that blends Christmas spirit with classic summer fun.
The Pōhutukawa is New Zealand’s Christmas Tree
Forget artificial trees, New Zealand has its own iconic Christmas flower.
Every December, pōhutukawa trees burst into bright red blooms along coastlines and clifftops, earning the nickname “the New Zealand Christmas tree”.
You’ll see pōhutukawa everywhere:
- on Christmas cards
- in decorations
- in local artwork
- along scenic coastal drives
Its stunning red blossoms add a distinctly Kiwi touch to the season and make the landscape feel festive all on its own.
Māori Christmas Traditions & Pacific Cultural Influences
Christmas customs in New Zealand reflect the country’s rich multicultural heritage. From Māori and Pacific Island traditions to unique summer celebrations, these customs bring warmth and a distinctive Kiwi spirit to the season:
- Many people say “Meri Kirihimete”, the Māori greeting for Merry Christmas.
- Some families prepare a hangi, an earth-cooked feast that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
- Christmas songs and carols often feature Māori lyrics or references to native birds and plants.
This cultural blend gives Christmas in NZ a friendly, inclusive feel that travelers instantly notice.
Kiwi-Style Santa: What Santa Looks Like in New Zealand
Santa in New Zealand definitely doesn’t dress for snow. Because Christmas happens in summer, he swaps the heavy red suit for something more… Kiwi.
You might spot a summer Santa New Zealand wearing:
- jandals (flip-flops) instead of boots
- red shorts or breezy summer pants
- a rugby jersey, because of course
- sunglasses and sometimes even sunblock on his nose
And instead of arriving on a sleigh, Kiwi Santa often shows up on a jet ski, a surfboard, or even a boat during coastal parades.
This fun, laid-back version of Santa perfectly matches New Zealand’s summer vibe, and it’s a favourite sight for both locals and travelers.
How Kiwis Celebrate Christmas?
If you’ve ever wondered what Christmas looks like in a country where December feels like midsummer, the Kiwi version might surprise you.
Kiwis celebrate the holidays in a way that blends familiar traditions with uniquely outdoor, easygoing rituals that only make sense in New Zealand. Here’s what a typical Kiwi Christmas really looks like.
Food & Drink – A Summer Feast
Christmas food in New Zealand reflects both tradition and the summer season.
- Many families enjoy a traditional roast dinner with turkey, ham, or lamb.
- Others prefer a casual barbecue, grilling sausages, seafood, or steaks outdoors.
- Pavlova—a meringue dessert topped with whipped cream and summer fruits—is a Kiwi Christmas icon.
- Light, refreshing drinks replace winter classics like mulled wine.
- “Bring a plate” is a common Kiwi tradition in which everyone contributes a dish to the shared meal.
Decorations & Holiday Traditions
Kiwis decorate much like the rest of the world, but with a few local twists.
- Homes often feature both traditional Christmas trees and native pōhutukawa branches.
- Santa parades, carol singing, and community events are common across the country.
- Families exchange gifts, hang stockings, and decorate with a mix of classic and uniquely Kiwi ornaments.
Activities & Atmosphere
Because Christmas falls in the middle of summer, most celebrations happen outdoors.
- Families head to the beach for swimming, picnics, sunbathing, and games.
- Beach cricket, frisbee, and even impromptu games of rugby are classic holiday activities.
- It’s normal to see people wearing Santa hats with swimsuits, embracing the tropical holiday spirit.
- Many Kiwis spend part of the break escaping to a bach (holiday home) by the beach, in the mountains, or near a lake.
- The overall atmosphere is relaxed, sunny, and family-focused, with plenty of time spent enjoying the outdoors.
Upcoming Christmas Events in New Zealand 2025
New Zealand’s festive season is packed with iconic concerts, dazzling light shows, and family-friendly celebrations.
If you’re visiting in November or December 2025, these are the can’t-miss events that truly capture the Kiwi Christmas spirit.
01. Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park
One of New Zealand’s most significant and most beloved annual Christmas events, featuring live performances, dancers, choirs, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
Free entry and perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers, soaking up the summer holiday atmosphere.
- Christchurch: Saturday, November 29, 2025 — North Hagley Park
- Auckland: Saturday, December 13, 2025 — Auckland Domain
02. MOTAT Christmas Lights (Auckland)
Dates: December 5–8, 12–15, and 19–22, 2025
MOTAT transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland with:
- thousands of lights
- festive music
- meet-and-greet with Santa
- heritage tram rides
- food trucks and photo spots
A must-see for families and anyone who loves immersive light displays.
03. Christmas at the Bowl (New Plymouth)
Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025 — 5 PM
Held at the scenic Bowl of Brooklands, this community event features:
- a festive variety show
- carol singing
- relaxed picnic vibes
- a big fireworks finale to wrap up the night
A perfect blend of summer evenings and holiday spirit.
04. North Pole Express – Kāpiti
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025 — 10:00 AM
A magical Christmas train ride departing from Paraparaumu Train Station, designed especially for families:
- Santa and his elves are on board
- themed entertainment
- festive decorations
- a fun, nostalgic “North Pole” experience
A charming pick for kids and adults who love Christmas-themed adventures.
Beyond these major public events, New Zealand offers plenty of smaller festive experiences to explore, from Christmas markets and creative workshops to themed dining events and lively holiday parties.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll never run out of places to go or things to enjoy this Christmas in New Zealand.
Wrap Up
Christmas in New Zealand is a celebration unlike anywhere else, with a blend of sunshine, relaxed summer traditions, cultural flavours, and a festive spirit that fills beaches, cities, and small towns alike.
Whether you’re watching Santa parades, sharing a barbecue with friends, exploring pōhutukawa-lined coastlines, or joining one of the many events across the country, Christmas here feels joyful, welcoming, and wonderfully Kiwi.
For travelers, it’s the perfect time to enjoy New Zealand at its brightest: long days, warm evenings, and endless ways to celebrate.
If you’re planning a holiday escape, Christmas in NZ is ready to surprise you with its charm, culture, and sun-soaked magic!
FAQs
Is Christmas a big thing in New Zealand?
Yes — Christmas is widely celebrated in New Zealand, with families gathering for meals, gift-giving, and summer activities. Many New Zealand Christmas traditions include beach trips, BBQs, and festive community events.
Why is Christmas in summer in New Zealand?
Because New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand Christmas weather in December is warm and sunny.
This creates an entirely different festive vibe compared to winter celebrations in the Northern Hemisphere.
What is “Christmas in July” in New Zealand?
New Zealand Christmas in July isn’t the real Christmas — it’s a fun, winter-themed celebration held in June or July so people can enjoy a cozy, traditional “winter Christmas” atmosphere with roasts, mulled drinks, and festive décor.
Where to spend Christmas in New Zealand?
Some of the best spots for travelers wondering where to spend Christmas in New Zealand include Auckland for significant events, Queenstown for adventure, and coastal towns like Mount Maunganui for a classic Kiwi beachside Christmas.
How is Christmas celebrated in New Zealand?
Kiwis enjoy a relaxed, outdoorsy holiday with BBQs, beach trips, pōhutukawa trees, and family gatherings — all core elements of New Zealand Christmas traditions shaped by summer weather and multicultural influences.
I am Leilani Miller – I research focusing on Vanuatu – volcanic landscapes, blue holes, coral reefs & rainforests. I have over five years of experience researching and sharing insights on tourism and environmental activism. Explore and experience without limits through my latest article.
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