Things to do  |  1 Dec 2023

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With the first weekend of December upon us, it’s time to get into the Christmas spirit! Here’s a list of low-cost, festive activities to enjoy this weekend.

Avebury Xmas Night Market

The Avebury Xmas Night Market is back and bigger than before with more than 40 stalls and food vendors. The market is kicking off at 3:30pm until 7pm this evening at Avebury House, 9 Eveleyn Couzins Ave Richmond.

Stalls will be packed with goods including skincare, garden goodies, artork, knit and crochet crafts, woodwork, jewellery, puzzles, mosaics, preserves, cookies and candles.

Christmas in the City

Bring your whānau and follow Santa and Mrs Claus as they punt the Avon River from Margaret Mahy Playground to the steps of The Terrace. Starting at 10:30am Saturday, Santa and Mrs Claus will enter New Regent Street being serenaded by carols, before making their way to Margaret Mahy Playground and beginning their punt at 11am.

Children will have the chance to speak with Santa when he sits on the Riverside Market sleigh and again when he makes his way to The Crossing’s sleigh. Find more information here.

Christmas decorations in central city

The Garden City Christmas Mākete

The Garden City Mākete is coming back to Ōtautahi to get the festive season started with a bang! Discover a diverse array of offerings, from food to fashion, unique jewellery, captivating art, handcrafted pottery, lush plants and more. Meet your favourite princesses and superheroes wandering around the event - plus, bring your little ones to get involved in glitter tattoos, hair tinsel and face painting. 

The Mākete will be open from 5pm - 9pm Friday and 10am - 2pm Saturday, and will be held at The Transitional Cathedral, 234 Hereford Street. 

Christmas at Riverside Market

From 9am to 6pm Saturday the Riverside Market will be spreading the festive cheer. Browse through the Christmas Gift Market in the Riverside Market parking space, featuring a diverse selection of goodies from local producers and creators. Embark on a Christmas Treasure Trail after searching for the starting letter in the tree at Riverside Market.

Bring a wrapped and labelled gift for a child ages 5-12 and place it under the tree as part of Cholmondeley Children’s Centre Christmas gift appeal. Plus, enjoy live music from midday to 2pm as Sideline Swing will be belting out the Christmas tunes with a jazzy twist.

Carols on the Avon

Join Punting on the Avon in conjunction with the Salvation Army for special punt rides featuring live Christmas music. There will be festive, 30-minute rides departing at 11am, midday, 1pm and 2pm on Sunday, with local performing groups playing carols and other music on board.

Share some festive cheer with the community this holiday season. Please note bookings are essential for these Christmas punt tours, and prices begin at $20.

Ferrymead Christmas Night Market

Ferrymead’s December Christmas Night Market will be underway from 4pm – 8pm Saturday at Ferrymead Heritage Park. Foor just a $2 entry you can immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit, enjoy local food vendors, craft cider, stall holders, train and tram rides, live music and more.

Come and do some Christmas present shopping whilst supporting local. Dogs are more than welcome to come along, please note some stalls require cash.

Other events

To find out about other events happening in the greater Christchurch area, visit What's on.