The Christmas countdown has officially begun, and while most of us are still working our way through an increasingly ambitious gift list, Commercial Bay is making a very good case for getting into the festive spirit early. From Santa’s much-anticipated return and an enormous Christmas tree to treasure hunts, festive shopping and plenty of excellent places to eat and drink, the city centre is gearing up for a particularly merry season.
Whether you’re looking to entertain the little ones, tick off the Christmas shopping or simply enjoy a little festive cheer, here’s what’s happening at Commercial Bay this Christmas.
Lights, camera, Santa
Santa is returning to Commercial Bay, and this year he’s setting up shop somewhere rather special. From 1st to 24th December, the much-loved Santa’s Studio will find a new home in Te Komititanga, just outside Waitematā Station, beneath the spectacular Te Manaaki Christmas tree, as part of the festive programme presented by Heart of the City, Precinct Properties and Auckland Live, with support from Auckland Council Events. Families can meet the man himself and capture the obligatory Christmas portrait, with a $40 booking deposit fully redeemable as a Commercial Bay voucher. A digital portrait is included, with beautifully framed prints available to purchase separately. Book your visit here.
Rockin’ around the Christmas tree
Nothing signals the arrival of Christmas quite like a spectacular tree, and Auckland’s Te Manaaki is certainly not one to do things by halves. Standing an impressive 18.4 metres tall in Te Komititanga, the tree will officially be illuminated on Saturday 21st November, with none other than Bic Runga performing live for the occasion. The free celebration will kick off a series of festive events across the city centre, bringing plenty of Christmas atmosphere to downtown Auckland.
All I want for Christmas
For little ones with a particularly long wish list, Commercial Bay’s Magic Mailboxes are making their return. Located in Te Komititanga and beside Concierge on Level 1, the beautifully decorated mailboxes invite children to send their Christmas requests directly to Santa. Better still, every letter posted goes into the draw to win a $1,000 Commercial Bay voucher. We suspect a few parents might be particularly pleased about that last part.
Do you want to build a snowman?
There’s a new Christmas adventure awaiting the kids this year, with Commercial Bay introducing a festive snowman scavenger hunt. Young explorers will be tasked with following Christmas-themed clues throughout the precinct, collecting everything from raisin eyes to twig arms and a knitted scarf to complete their snowman. Those who successfully piece him together will go into the draw to win a $250 shopping voucher and festive prize pack. A clever way to keep the little ones entertained while you tackle the Christmas shopping.
A little Christmas shopping, anyone?
Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a little shopping, and Commercial Bay has plenty of inspiration for even the trickiest people on your list. Alongside its impressive collection of fashion and lifestyle boutiques, this year’s additions include Canadian outdoor label Arc’teryx, the returning Christmas Heirloom Company, Aleph Beauty and a limited-edition Dermalogica store.
And when the shopping bags start getting heavy, Harbour Eats and Commercial Bay’s excellent restaurants and bars are on hand for everything from a quick bite to a celebratory long lunch or well-deserved glass of Champagne. With extended trading hours throughout December, including late-night Thursdays until 9pm from 10th December, there’s every reason to make an afternoon, or evening, of it.
So, whether you’re determined to get ahead of the Christmas rush or simply need a little help finding your festive spirit, Commercial Bay has plenty to tempt you into town this season.
