The ultimate Christmas hot spot, filled with performances, workshops and entertainment, is coming to Aotea Square
Published: Wednesday 5 November 2025
Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square
Friday, 28 November – Sunday, 21 December 2025
Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square is back for 2025, bringing another joyful line-up of free live music, visual arts, karaoke, circus and fun for all ages to the heart of Auckland city.
From Friday, 28 November to Sunday, 21 December, Aotea Square will transform into the ultimate Christmas destination - filled with performances, workshops and entertainment for everyone. Whether it’s relaxed summer evenings with friends, a family day out, or a great way to experience the Christmas spirit in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, there’s something for everyone this season.
Across 24 days and 22 performances and events, the programme will bring Aotea Square to life. Thursday and Friday evenings will feature the sounds and the summer vibes with exciting performances from some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading contemporary musicians including Holly Arrowsmith, Lou’ana, Romi Wrights, Island Vibes, Sabreen, Zoe Moon, Moana Rising , MOHI, Jordyn with a Why, Ella Monnery, Paige and more. Have a laugh with comedians Courtney Dawson and Janaye Henry, or pull on your cowboy boots for a festive line dancing class.
Weekends are all about family-friendly workshops, performances and creative play.
Highlights include:
- Meet the Artist & Friends featuring A Taste of Art Battle – A full day of live painting and fun as top New Zealand artists compete in a speed painting-showdown. Enjoy DJs, colour and creativity.
- Outdoor movie night: Arthur Christmas – A Christmas favourite on the outdoor big screen in Aotea Square. Enjoy face painting, games, free popcorn and ice cream.
- Christmas Karaoke with Friends – Sing your favourite festive tunes (fa-la-la!) with a live pianist, plus performances from the Waitākere Brass Band and The Madeleines.
- The Elves Are AWOL by The Dust Palace – Come and try circus workshops as well as two performances of a 20-minute show of trapeze, aerials and comedy. Great for the whole whānau.
- K-Pop Dance Party – Join one of New Zealand’s top K-pop crews for an unforgettable dance session. Learn the choreography from KPop Demon Hunter, then stick around as Elit-is opens the floor for a full K-pop dance party.
- NYEGE: A Festive Wellness Carnival – A joyful day of rhythm, movement and connection with Black Creatives Aotearoa. Experience live drumming, DJ sets, yoga and dance in this vibrant Afro-diasporic celebration of community and summer in the heart of the city.
- Yuletide Ukulele with The Nukes – Join Aotearoa’s favourite ukulele trio for a fun, family-friendly workshop and performance. Learn a few festive tunes and sing along!
Visitors can also grab some kai from The Terrace or the Container in the Square.
Returning this year is The Pavilion, a bright, colourful lighting installation described as a festive chessboard and rainbow kaleidoscope. Co-created by award-winning designers Angus Muir and Matt Liggins, The Pavilion will light up Aotea Square and become the stage for all the performances throughout the season. New to the event this year is Angus Muir’s The Neon Star - a four-metre-tall light installation which will shine from the Queen Street steps of Aotea Square.
There’s something so special about this time of year,” says Daniel Clarke, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Director of Performing Arts, leading Auckland Live.
“Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square has become a pillar of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s great free summer traditions. It’s a celebration of our city and its creativity. A place where artists, whānau and communities can come together to share joy and aroha throughout the season.
“This exciting programme is also part of our wider strategy to turn our beautiful city itself into a stage, where our public spaces are filled with incredible live events and experiences – for all of Auckland to enjoy.”
Auckland Live Christmas in Aotea Square is an Auckland Council Event and proudly supported by the city centre targeted rate.
