With December upon us, the city bursts with cultural delights, from electrifying concerts and dazzling light shows to must-see theatre, ballet, art exhibitions, and local designer salons. There are plenty of family-friendly happenings to keep everyone satisfied. Whether you’re craving full festive cheer or one last cultural calendar date before the year ends, our definitive guide spotlights the very best events to book this December.
Sanderson’s Summer Exhibition 2025 – 2026
When & Where: December 10th – 1st Feburary, Sanderson Gallery, Newmarket, Auckland
Sanderson is delighted to unveil their Summer Exhibition for 2025-2026, a vibrant group show that brings together an exciting array of works by the gallery’s talented artists. Guests of the gallery can expect standout pieces from Josephine Cachemaille, Kate van der Drift, Zara Dolan, Stephen Ellis, Liam Gerrard, Loren Marks, Ray Haydon, Julia Holderness, Simon Kaan, Damien Kurth, Paul Martinson, Yoshiko and Shintaro Nakahara, Llenyd Price, Mickey Smith, Kāryn Taylor, Katherine Throne, Molly Timmins, Jon Tootill, Freeman White, and Natasha Wright. This exhibition is a joyful celebration to mark the year’s end, honouring the creativity and achievements showcased by the gallery’s artists throughout the season.
Christmas at Commerical Bay
When & Where: Now till the 24th December Commercial Bay
Struggling to find the festive spirit? Head on down to Commerical Bay where there’s enough yuletide action to get even the grinchiest of us into the swing of things. From portraits in Santa’s Studio, to an evening Christmas tree light show, mailboxes to send wishlists direct to Santa’s workshop, after-dark DJ sessions to keep you going on those late night shopping trips, free 4pm scoops of Ben & Jerrys to keep you fuelled, and more, there’s enough going on for both adults and little ones to make Christmas shopping seem even enjoyable.
Sonnie x Fruzio Pool Party at Pt Erin Pools
When & Where: 4 pm – 6pm December 11th, Pt Erin Pools, Herne Bay, Auckland
Fruzio and local favourite Sonnie are making a splash this December with the School’s Out Pool Party at Pt Erin Pools, Herne Bay. Celebrate the end of the school year and the debut of Fruzio’s Smoothie Pops at this vibrant, family-friendly event. While pool entry applies, everything else is on Fruzio: free Smoothie Pops, a sizzling sausage barbecue thanks to Bostock Brothers Organic Free Range Chicken and Daily Bread, a live DJ spinning summer tunes, plus competitions and exclusive Sonnie spot prizes. Little ones can dive into pool toys and giant bubbles, while the older kids can take on the diving boards, slides, aqua run, and more. There’s something for everyone, making this the perfect way to launch into what we hope is set to be a long, hot summer.
Westfield Santa Pet Photography
When & Where: Throughout December, various Westfield shopping malls, Auckland
Animates is delighted to bring the magic of Westfield Santa Pet Photography to life, a cherished holiday tradition for animal lovers. Pet owners everywhere can now invite their furry friends to join in the beloved Santa photo festivities. Whether you’ve got a playful pup, a relaxed feline, or a curious rabbit, dress-ups are encouraged, so deck your pet out in their most adorable Christmas outfit and snap a keepsake photo to cherish. Whether you’re in matching sweaters or pint-sized elf hats, go big or go home. Bookings are essential for this in demand seasonal offering, be sure to secure your spot today.
Garbage
When & Where: December 3rd, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland
Alt-rock icons Garbage will perform one show in New Zealand this December, ahead of their Australian tour dates. Reigning as one of the most influential alternative rock bands of modern times, the band – Shirley Manson, Duke Erikson, Steve Market, and Butch Vig — are considered true pioneers, selling over 20 million albums and responsible for a catalogue of era-defining hits. The upcoming December tour date will mark the band’s first appearance in Auckland since 2013.
Twilight Tuesdays at The Auckland War Memorial Museum
When & Where: Throughout December, The Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland
Experience the magic of The Auckland War Memorial Museum after hours, where you can wander through every exhibit until 8:30 pm on Tuesday nights. Immerse yourself in the powerful spirit of 1970s activism with a new exhibition celebrating the newspaper that amplified Māori and Pacific voices. Embrace the festivities by crafting your own wooden bauble or sending wishes directly to Santa’s mailbox. Let the sounds of Auckland choirs in the Grand Foyer wrap you in the warmth of the season.
A Christmas Carol
When & Where: December 2nd to 7th, Civic Theatre, Auckland
From December 2nd to 7th, Charles Dickens’ timeless holiday tale lights up Auckland’s Civic Theatre. Overflowing with music, laughter, and festive spirit, A Christmas Carol promises a magical experience for all ages. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve as four mysterious ghosts guide him through the wonders and lessons of Christmases past, present, and future.
Christmas Lights at MOTAT
When & Where: December 5th – 8th, 12th – 15th, 19th – 22nd, MOTAT, Auckland
Back by popular demand, MOTAT’s sellout seasonal extravaganza returns, promising more lights and more wonder than ever. Prepare to be transported as the museum grounds, heritage buildings, and trams come alive with Christmas lights, music, and festive cheer, designed in collaboration with La Lumiere. Running for 12 select dates from December 5th through December 22nd, enjoy tram rides and carol singers, outdoor games, and a visit with the big man himself, alongside delicious food offerings, while taking in the festive lights.
A Christmas Crisis
When & Where: December 10th, Q Theatre, Auckland
Q Theatre rolls out the red carpet for a hilarious Christmas comedy from the dynamic duo Tom Sainsbury and Lara Fischel-Chisholm. Step into the holiday spirit with Auckland’s beloved dance troupe and get ready for a night of laughter that will echo well beyond the final bow.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet presents The Nutcracker
When & Where: December 5th – 13th, Aotea Centre, Auckland
Officially opening on December 4th, The Nutcracker has woven itself into Christmas memories for generations. Presented with a distinctly Kiwi flair, Act I whisks audiences to the sunlit nostalgia of childhood beach holidays, then sweeps them into the snowy Southern Alps in Act II. This fresh vision comes to life under RNZB Artistic Director Ty King-Wall, with Tracy Grant Lord behind the production’s enchanting sets and costumes, Jon Buswell lighting the stage, and POW Studios adding visual marvels; the show is set to the unforgettable music of Tchaikovsky.
Franklin Road Lights
When & Where: Throughout December, Franklin Road, Freemans Bay, Auckland
Every December, Auckland’s iconic Franklin Road bursts into a breathtaking community display of lights and festive joy. As night falls, this Freeman’s Bay location transforms into a magical wonderland, offering a free and unforgettable holiday experience for families and friends alike.
Föenander Spring Summer Edition
When & Where: On now until December 3rd, Föenander Galleries, Parnell, Auckland
From now until December 3rd, seize your last chance to immerse yourself in an extraordinary creative showcase at the renowned Parnell space. Fresh from the gallery’s appearance at Melbourne’s Spring 1883 Art Fair, Föenander Galleries presents a handpicked collection from some of the nation’s most original artists. With standout works by Israel Tangaroa Birch, Andrea Bolima, Lottie Consalvo, Nick Herd, Monique Lacey, Roger Mortimer, Monica Rani Rudhar, and Jess Swney, this exhibition celebrates a noteworthy collaboration between Jess Swney and Roger Mortimer.
Pop to Present
When & Where: The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland
A must-see for art historians, Pop to Present features a staggering back catalogue of American pop art, on loan from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Opening with an iconic 1948 drip painting by Jackson Pollock, this unparalleled collaboration will feature 52 compelling works that have shaped American art and culture, dating back to 1945. Guests can expect an up-close and personal view of works by Andy Warhol, Benny Andrews, Rosalyn Drexler, Elaine de Kooning, Willem de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaler, Roy Lichtenstein, Mark Rothko, Kiki Smith, Clyfford Still, and Cy Twombly, among others. Open now, Pop to Present will be exhibiting at the Auckland Art Gallery until March 2026.
Love Actually in Concert
When & Where: December 21st, The Civic Theatre, Auckland
With four screenings scheduled in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington, Love Actually in Concert returns to New Zealand audiences this festive season — and it’s promising to be just as magical as ever. From December 21st, this heartwarming festive favourite comes to life with the Auckland Festival Orchestra performing the unforgettable soundtrack live as the film plays out on the big screen. Celebrate over 20 years of love, laughter, and those memorable moments that have made Love Actually a timeless Christmas classic.
