Dunedin likes to call itself the opening ceremony of Christmas, with a whole weekend of free events at the end of November. Bring a coat as well as a sun hat. Both get used.
Dunedin Santa Parade
The Santa Parade has run for more than 25 years. Floats, pipe bands, marching teams, community groups and sports teams travel down George Street to the Octagon, with Santa at the end.
- When: a Sunday at 3pm at the end of November. In 2025 it was on Sunday 30 November.
- Streets along the route close from about 2pm, and every side street off George Street is affected once the parade starts.
- Stand on the sunny side of the street.
- Stay in town afterwards. Shops and cafes stay busy and the Octagon has entertainment.
Christmas in the Garden
The day before the parade, the Botanic Garden hosts hours of free entertainment for families, finishing with a Christmas show and a visit from Santa. In 2025 it was on Saturday 29 November. Take a rug and warm layers.
The Octagon Christmas tree
A tall Christmas tree goes up in the lower Octagon each year, hung with thousands of lights. It makes a good family photo with the cathedral behind.
Christmas markets
- Wingatui Christmas Market at the racecourse, on a Sunday in early December.
- The Otago Farmers Market at the railway station on Saturday mornings, for cherries, cheese and presents.
- The Mosgiel Market, which runs Christmas dates.
Christmas lights in Dunedin
Households in suburbs such as Fairfield are known for big displays, and the Otago Daily Times writes about the best ones each December. It does not get dark until nearly 10pm this far south, so this is one for older children, or for a special late night.
Family ideas for a Dunedin December
- St Clair and St Kilda beaches. St Clair has the hot salt water pool for cooler days.
- The Otago Museum and its butterfly house.
- Tunnel Beach or the peninsula for a picnic.
What to wear
Layers. A Dunedin parade day can start at 10 degrees and finish at 22, or the other way round.
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.