Our Favourite Christmas Activities this Festive Season
December is finally here, which means now is when the Auckland Christmas activities begin to ramp up!
You might have some of the usual events planned—a work function with a secret Santa or some family time on Christmas eve—but there are so many other things to see and do to make your lead up to Christmas even more special. A lot of the action is happening in or around Parnell—and even within walking distance of our Parnell accommodation! So if you’re looking for more Christmas fun, read on!
North Shore Brass - Christmas at Holy Trinity Cathedral
Just a two-minute drive or a 15-minute walk from Auckland Rose Park Hotel is Holy Trinity Cathedral—one of Parnell’s most iconic buildings. Christmas and music enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that on Saturday 3rd December, North Shore Brass will be putting on the concert of all concerts at Holy Trinity to celebrate the upcoming Christmas. One of New Zealand’s best community bands, there are over 80 members involved, and they always put on a great show! The concert starts at 7.30pm and includes Westlake Girls High School’s Cantare Choir. Adult, senior, student and family tickets are all available.
Christmas Saturdays in the City Centre
If you’re still getting through your Christmas shopping, make sure you take a trip into the City Centre to experience the Christmas festivities. Auckland CBD is just a short, direct bus ride away from the Auckland Rose Park Hotel—or if the weather is fine, you might prefer to walk the 30-minute journey. Each Saturday in December, from 11am until 3pm, there are street performers, Christmas displays, pop-up activations, and entertainment galore! And if you have kids in tow, be sure to book in to meet Santa at his enchanted forest within Smith & Caughey's on Queen Street.
Elf the Musical
About a ten-minute drive from our Auckland hotel is the ASB Waterfront Theatre—the home of the Auckland Theatre Company. From 8th to 11th December, you can catch Elf the Musical—based on the 2003 comedy starring Will Ferrell. If you’re looking for a bit of wholesome entertainment starring some of Auckland’s best young performers, Elf the Musical will offer it in spades. The show runs for around two and a half hours and there are afternoon or evening tickets available, as well as a one-off 11am show on Sunday 11th December.
Christmas in Heard Park
On Friday 9th of December, Christmas well and truly arrives in Parnell with evening festivities galore at the second best park in Parnell - Heard Park. From 5pm until 7.30pm, discover a new kind of Christmas wonderland through the giant bauble light installation. There will be photo opportunities galore and even the chance for little ones to meet and get a photo with Santa and his elves. We know it’s right at dinner time, but there will be food trucks, gelato and hot coffee to keep you going. If it’s Christmas carols that really get you feeling festive, keep an ear out for the roving saxophonist playing all your favourite Christmas tunes. Heard Park is just a 12-minute walk from our Parnell Hotel—a great excuse to take a stroll through the suburb on a warm evening.
