Kiwi Music Icon Bic Runga To Headline Auckland’s Christmas Tree Light-Up
Published: Thursday 5 November
Heart of the City, Precinct Properties and Auckland Live join forces to kick off the festive season, with a month of live entertainment, festive surprises and one-off experiences across Auckland’s city centre.
One of New Zealand’s most-loved musicians, Bic Runga, will headline Auckland city centre’s Christmas celebrations with a special live performance at the iconic Te Manaaki Christmas tree light-up on Saturday, 21 November 2026.
The free performance forms a special launch event presented by Heart of the City, Precinct Properties and Auckland Live, supported by Auckland Council Events. The iconic eighteen-metre Christmas tree will light up Te Komititanga, marking the start of a month-long programme featuring entertainment, seasonal experiences and special events across Auckland’s city centre.
Built around the idea that Christmas is the perfect excuse to go a little extra, the programme invites Aucklanders to embrace the season's indulgences. From candlelit gospel choirs and high-energy Japanese drummers to Christmas bonbons, festive cocktails, and unexpected retailer experiences, there's every reason to say yes to that extra treat, spontaneous purchase, or festive night out.
Viv Beck, CEO at Heart of the City, says: “It’s not every day you get to see a live concert under Auckland’s giant Christmas tree, so we’re expecting a pretty special night. And that’s just the beginning. Local businesses are getting involved, with plenty of surprises and some great excuses to indulge along the way. Christmas is a time to enjoy with friends and family, and we’d love to see Aucklanders making the most of everything on offer right here in the city centre.”
Scott Pritchard, CEO of Precinct Properties, adds: “It’s fantastic to see people coming into the city and gathering in Te Komititanga to enjoy Christmas together. This outstanding civic space comes to life when it's full of people, music, and activity. Te Manaaki and the Christmas programme give Aucklanders a wonderful reason to spend time here, and we look forward to this continuing to be a tradition people return to.”
Daniel Clarke, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director of Auckland Live, says: "Te Manaaki brings a wonderful sense of occasion to the city centre, and we're delighted to support free live performances at Te Komititanga. Working with Heart of the City and Precinct Properties, we're creating opportunities for Aucklanders and visitors to come together, enjoy live entertainment and celebrate the festive season."
BIC RUNGA KICKS OFF THE UNMISSABLE FESTIVE CALENDAR
Three major live events will anchor the celebrations in Te Komititanga:
- Christmas Tree Light-Up, Saturday 21 November, 7.30 pm: Bic Runga will headline the launch night with a special live performance as Auckland’s iconic Christmas tree is illuminated. The festive gathering will mark the official beginning of Heart of the City’s Christmas programme.
- Candlelight Gospel Choir for Auckland City Mission, Saturday 28 November, 7.30 pm: A soulful evening of gospel music and much-loved Christmas carols will fill Te Komititanga. Visitors will be invited to make a gold-coin donation for a candle, creating a sea of light, with proceeds supporting Auckland City Mission - Te Tāpui Atawhai.
- Drummers Drumming, Sunday 13 December, 7.30 pm: Local Japanese drumming group Tamashii Taiko will bring powerful rhythms, movement and traditional percussion to the square for a high-energy festive finale.
FESTIVE FLAVOURS, SHOPPING SURPRISES AND FAMILY MOMENTS
The celebrations won’t stop at the stage. Businesses around Te Komititanga will join the fun with special-edition products, seasonal menu creations and one-off experiences spread across November and December.
From Christmas-inspired cocktails and sweet treats with a distinctly Kiwi twist to creative gifting surprises, festive beauty experiences and a little magic for the whole family, there will be plenty of reasons to make another trip into Auckland’s city centre.
And while there are still a few surprises under wraps, here's a little taste of what's to come:
- Something sweet: Honest Chocolat, J’aime Macarons and Bluebells Cakery are among the businesses putting their own spin on festive indulgence.
- A festive twist: Origine, a Bistro by Ahi, Reign & Pour and Advieh are cooking up unexpected takes on Christmas favourites.
- A little extra sparkle: Ecoya, MorArt and The Art of Nails will bring fresh inspiration to Christmas gifting and festive preparations.
With surprises unfolding across the city centre in the lead-up to Christmas, Aucklanders will have to come and discover what's next, with the full programme launching today here.
Other established city-centre festivities will add to the atmosphere, including Santa's Magical Wonderland at SkyCity from 14 November, the Farmers Santa Parade on 29 November, the opening of Commercial Bay's Santa Studio on 1 December, Auckland Live's Christmas in Aotea Square from 2 – 28 December, and Christmas markets at Te Komititanga on 12 December.
The programme runs from 21 November. Individual experiences, participating retailers and final event details are subject to confirmation.
For more information and updates, visit https://heartofthecity.co.nz/
