Christchurch starts Christmas early. The two biggest events are both before December begins, so put them in the calendar now.
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park: Saturday 28 November 2026
The free Christmas concert returns to Hagley Park on Saturday 28 November 2026 from 7.30pm, with Canterbury performers on stage and a fireworks finale. It has been running for more than thirty years and draws a huge crowd.
- Go early for a spot, with a rug and a picnic.
- Evenings in Hagley Park cool down fast. Take jackets.
- Catch the bus. Parking near the park fills up early.
- Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park
Christmas in the City: Saturday 28 November, 11am
The same day, the central city launches its Christmas season with a family parade from the Margaret Mahy Playground at 11am. Santa then travels by punt down the Avon to the Bridge of Remembrance, with entertainment along the way. It is free, and the playground alone is worth the trip.
The Christchurch Santa parade
The city's Santa parade is now part of the Christmas Show Parade, a festival day at the Canterbury Agricultural Park showgrounds with rides, a Christmas market, food and picnic areas. In 2025 it was held on Sunday 23 November, with gates open from 11am and the parade at 2pm, and in past years a free Santa Express bus has run from around the city. Check the council's events page for the 2026 date.
New Brighton Seaside Christmas Parade
New Brighton does it differently: Santa arrives by boat on the beach near the pier, and the parade follows. In 2025 it was on Saturday 13 December from 10am. Take togs for afterwards.
Around Canterbury
- Rangiora's Santa parade, on the first Sunday of December in 2025.
- Many Canterbury towns hold their own parade and Christmas market. The Waimakariri and Selwyn council sites list them.
- Carol services in the city's churches and parks through December.
Christmas lights in Christchurch
- Neighbourhood displays are listed each year by the city libraries and the local paper.
- A Christmas lights bus tour has run on December evenings in past years.
- The central city's trees and decorations around Cashel Mall and the Bridge of Remembrance.
- Christmas in Christchurch, from Christchurch City Libraries
Family ideas
- The Margaret Mahy Playground, then lunch at Riverside Market.
- Punting on the Avon.
- The Botanic Gardens for a picnic under the trees.
- A swim at Sumner or New Brighton on a hot day.
See what other cities have planned in our national guide to Christmas events.
Bring Santa home afterwards
Parades and lights are for crowds. The moment children remember is the one that is only for them. Santa can ring your phone, ask for your child by name and ask what they would like for Christmas. You choose the day and the minute, so it can ring as you get home from the parade or the lights.