Christmas lights · Auckland
Christmas Lights Auckland 2026
Franklin Road Christmas Lights, MOTAT Christmas Lights, Te Manaaki, Auckland's Giant Christmas Tree. 2026 dates are added when organisers publish them.
15 places · checked October 2026
- Franklin Road Christmas LightsLast season: 1-24 December 2025, nightly from 7pm to 10pm; a one-off light show at Te Rimutahi (254 Ponsonby Road) on 17 and 18 December, 8.30-10.30pmFree
- MOTAT Christmas LightsLast season: 12 nights in 2025: 5-8, 12-15 and 19-22 December, 8pm-11pm (last entry 10.45pm); sold out2025: adults $10, children 5-15 $5, under 5s free but must book a ticket; booking fee applies, no door sales
- Te Manaaki, Auckland's Giant Christmas TreeLast season: 2025: lighting ceremony Saturday 22 November (music from 7.30pm, lights on at 8.15pm); tree stayed up until 4 January 2026, lit from 6pm daily; lightshow until 26 DecemberFree
- Glenbrook Vintage Railway: Christmas Lights Trains at NightLast season: 2025: 5-7 December and 11-23 December, 6pm-11pm (17 nights)2025: general admission $18, under 2s free; ticket includes one train ride and entry
- Ōtara Block Christmas LightsLast season: 2025: nightly to 25 December, 7.30pm-11.30pm (NZ Herald, 12 December 2025)Free
- Light Me Up ManurewaLast season: 2025: nightly from 12 December to New Year's Day, from 8.45pm to 10.30pm; the show lasts about 45-60 minutesFree
- Christmas Lightshow and Walkthrough at EastgateLast season: 2025: light show 5-24 December from 8.30pm to 11pm; free Christmas Walkthrough 18-23 December, 7pm-10pm nightlyFree
- Lights to Remember at Mercy HospiceLast season: 2025: 4-21 December, 8pm-10.30pm dailyGates open in the evenings; light dedications raise funds for the hospice
- Torbay Christmas LightsLast season: 2024 season: 14 December to Christmas EveFree; gold coin donation for Variety New Zealand
- Stockade Hill Christmas LightsLast season: 2024 season: switch-on Friday 15 November, music and performances before the lights; lights then on every night until ChristmasFree
- Browns Bay Christmas Tree LightsLast season: 2025: lighting on Friday 14 November, 4.30pmFree
- Onehunga Christmas in the ParkLast season: 2025: tree lighting Friday 28 November, 7pm-9pmFree
🧒 With kids
- Franklin Road Christmas Lights · Auckland
- MOTAT Christmas Lights · Auckland
- Te Manaaki, Auckland's Giant Christmas Tree · Auckland
- Glenbrook Vintage Railway: Christmas Lights Trains at Night · Auckland
- Ōtara Block Christmas Lights · Auckland
- Light Me Up Manurewa · Auckland
✨ Date night
- Franklin Road Christmas Lights · Auckland
- MOTAT Christmas Lights · Auckland
- Te Manaaki, Auckland's Giant Christmas Tree · Auckland
- Glenbrook Vintage Railway: Christmas Lights Trains at Night · Auckland
- Lights to Remember at Mercy Hospice · Auckland
- Sky Tower Christmas Lighting · Auckland
🎉 With friends
- Franklin Road Christmas Lights · Auckland
- MOTAT Christmas Lights · Auckland
- Te Manaaki, Auckland's Giant Christmas Tree · Auckland
- Ōtara Block Christmas Lights · Auckland
- Light Me Up Manurewa · Auckland
- Christmas Lightshow and Walkthrough at Eastgate · Auckland
Light street or trail
IllustrationLight street or trail · Auckland
Franklin Road Christmas Lights
A street of homes decorated by the residents themselves: fairy lights, inflatable reindeer, stars and quirky Christmas scenes, built house by house for more than 30 years. Ponsonby businesses also light some of the street's trees.
🧒 With kids✨ Date night🎉 With friendsWhat's there
- Residents decorate their own homes, a 30-year community tradition
- Lit trees along the street sponsored by local Ponsonby businesses
- Ponsonby Road is round the corner for dinner, cocktails or dessert after
- Light show at Te Rimutahi on two nights in December 2025
What visitors sayGoogle 4.4 ★ · 104 reviews
Aucklanders call it the one that feels like Christmas - and the one that is always busy. The NZ Herald said in December 2025 that Franklin Road still reigns supreme among Auckland's lights, and a family-events site called it a yearly family favourite despite the crowds.
Auckland's classic free Christmas lights street - go on a weeknight, walk it, and combine it with dinner on Ponsonby Road.
- Dates
- 1-24 December 2025, nightly from 7pm to 10pm; a one-off light show at Te Rimutahi (254 Ponsonby Road) on 17 and 18 December, 8.30-10.30pm
- Cost
- Free
Getting there and parking
- Franklin Road runs off Ponsonby Road; the organisers ask visitors to use public transport or a rideshare to avoid the traffic.
- Walking the street is described as the best way to see the lights.
Worth knowing
- Lights are switched off around 10-11pm and residents go to bed after 10pm - keep voices down.
- Traffic on the street is the main complaint; avoid driving in on weekends.
IllustrationLight street or trail · Auckland
Ōtara Block Christmas Lights
Residents of the Ōtara block light up their houses for everyone, with live street entertainment and food stalls. Two display areas make up the trail: the Ōtara block itself and the Hamill Road lights.
🧒 With kids🎉 With friendsWhat's there
- Two separate display areas
- Live street entertainment
- Food stalls selling kai
- Open every night up to and including Christmas Day
A big, free South Auckland street party of lights - bring a picnic mat and park up to walk it.
- Dates
- 2025: nightly to 25 December, 7.30pm-11.30pm (NZ Herald, 12 December 2025)
- Cost
- Free
Getting there and parking
- Please park and walk. One-way access: for the Ōtara block enter via Everitt Road and exit via Clayton Road; for the Hamill Road lights enter via Johnstone Road and exit via Hills Road.
Worth knowing
- Bring friends, a picnic mat and your Christmas spirit (organisers' words).
- Open to 11.30pm, so it works for a late evening.
- Illustration
Light street or trail · Auckland
Light Me Up Manurewa
A house light show where the lights dance to Christmas and children-friendly top 40 music, run by a family in Clendon Park.
🧒 With kids🎉 With friendsWhat's there
- Lights choreographed to Christmas and top 40 music
- Show lasts roughly 45-60 minutes
- Runs every night until New Year's Day
A free neighbourhood light show with music - go for the whole 45-60 minutes and view from across the road.
- Dates
- 2025: nightly from 12 December to New Year's Day, from 8.45pm to 10.30pm; the show lasts about 45-60 minutes
- Cost
- Free
Getting there and parking
- Park up and take a short walk to the viewing area. A road block may be in place with only residents' cars allowed into the street.
Worth knowing
- Do not block the neighbours' driveways.
- The organisers say it is best viewed from across the road.
- Illustration
Light street or trail · Auckland
Torbay Christmas Lights
Described as the biggest Christmas lights display on the North Shore, run from a Torbay home; visitors are invited to leave gold coins for the charity Variety NZ.
🧒 With kids🎉 With friendsWhat's there
- Biggest display on the North Shore
- Gold coin donations for Variety NZ
The North Shore pick - bring gold coins for the charity.
- Dates
- 2024 season: 14 December to Christmas Eve
- Cost
- Free; gold coin donation for Variety New Zealand
Getting there and parking
- 57A Killarney Avenue, Torbay; check the display's Facebook page for the current season.
Worth knowing
- Dates above are from the 2024 season - confirm 2026 on the Torbay Christmas Lights Facebook page.
Light festival
IllustrationLight festival · Auckland
MOTAT Christmas Lights
The museum, its village, heritage buildings and trams are covered in more than a million fairy lights by the La Lumiere crew, with a Light Tunnel, a giant Christmas tree, tram rides and Santa in his workshop. Tickets are bought online in advance and the 2025 event sold out.
🧒 With kids✨ Date night🎉 With friendsWhat's there
- More than one million lights, including a redesigned colour-changing Light Tunnel
- Short ride on an illuminated heritage tram
- Santa in his workshop, carol singing by local choirs and the Lollyman's candy-making
- Food truck market and a low-sensory cottage for a quiet break
- Model Christmas Village and selected exhibitions open with the ticket
What visitors say
On Reddit, Aucklanders remind each other to book MOTAT early, and debate the timing trade-off: an earlier slot means smaller crowds, but the lights look much better once it is properly dark.
The big paid-but-cheap lights night for families - book the moment tickets go on sale, because it sells out.
- Dates
- 12 nights in 2025: 5-8, 12-15 and 19-22 December, 8pm-11pm (last entry 10.45pm); sold out
- Cost
- 2025: adults $10, children 5-15 $5, under 5s free but must book a ticket; booking fee applies, no door sales
Getting there and parking
- Use public transport, bike or walk: MOTAT says parking around Western Springs is a challenge. Bike Auckland ran a bike valet each night in 2025.
- Entry is from Stadium Road. A 155-space car park was provided at the MOTAT Aviation Hall on Motions Road in 2022, with a scenic walk through Western Springs Lakeside Park.
Worth knowing
- Bookings are essential - there are no door sales.
- It runs rain or shine.
- No alcohol is served at the event.
- The giant tree in front of the Pumphouse is lit nightly from 1 December, so you can see it without a ticket.
- Illustration
Light festival · Auckland
Glenbrook Vintage Railway: Christmas Lights Trains at Night
The charity railway dresses its trains, station and buildings in Christmas lights and runs a special Christmas Express, with visits from Santa and a Christmas market. Trains leave about every half hour to the workshops and return.
🧒 With kids✨ Date nightWhat's there
- Lit-up steam-era trains and station
- Special Christmas Express service
- Santa visits and a Christmas market
- Trains roughly every half hour
Pick it when you want a ride as well as lights - book ahead, it is a ticketed evening, not a drive-by.
- Dates
- 2025: 5-7 December and 11-23 December, 6pm-11pm (17 nights)
- Cost
- 2025: general admission $18, under 2s free; ticket includes one train ride and entry
Getting there and parking
- Glenbrook is in the Franklin district south of Auckland; it is a drive from the city (check the railway site for current directions and parking).
Worth knowing
- Book in advance; the 2025 nights were limited.
- A train ride is part of the ticket.
- Illustration
Light festival · Auckland
Christmas Lightshow and Walkthrough at Eastgate
An annual light and sound show projected onto the front of the church building (21st year in 2025), plus a free half-hour walk-through of four scenes with larger-than-life characters and festive songs.
🧒 With kids🎉 With friendsWhat's there
- Light and sound show on the building front, 21st year in 2025
- Free walk-through of four scenes, around 30 minutes
- Christmas lounge with tea, coffee, photo booth and kids' activities afterwards
A free, low-key east Auckland option, good with younger kids who like a short show.
- Dates
- 2025: light show 5-24 December from 8.30pm to 11pm; free Christmas Walkthrough 18-23 December, 7pm-10pm nightly
- Cost
- Free
Getting there and parking
- Eastgate Christian Centre, Ben Lomond Crescent in Pakuranga.
Worth knowing
- No booking needed for the walk-through - door hosts move the queue along.
- Dates vary between sources (the light show was listed from 1 or 5 December); check the current listing.
IllustrationLight festival · Auckland
Twilight Christmas at Howick Historical Village
A heritage village decorated for Christmas with carol singers, a mini-market of handmade goods, Christmas crafts and Santa in the Puhi Nui homestead; the village is lit up with twinkling lights as the sun sets.
🧒 With kids✨ Date nightWhat's there
- Heritage buildings lit after dark
- Live carol singers and sing-alongs
- Santa in the homestead and Christmas crafts
- Mini-market of handcrafted pieces
The gentle, old-fashioned option - cosy rather than spectacular.
- Dates
- 2025: Saturday 6 December, 5.30pm-9.30pm (an extended lights weekend was also announced)
- Cost
- General admission at the door only: adults $18, children 3-15 $10, under 3s free, students/seniors $13, family $40
Getting there and parking
- Lloyd Elsmore Park, Bells Road, Pakuranga.
Worth knowing
- Door sales only.
Christmas tree
📷 Paora · CC0
Christmas tree · Auckland
Te Manaaki, Auckland's Giant Christmas Tree
An 18.4-metre Christmas tree in Te Komititanga square, built from 10,000 LED lights, 4,000 pohutukawa flower decorations and more than 200 giant baubles (2024 figures). In 2025 a short light projection played on it every ten minutes.
🧒 With kids✨ Date night🎉 With friendsWhat's there
- 18.4 m tree in the middle of the CBD
- Free public lighting ceremony with live music and carols
- Five-minute light projection every ten minutes in the evening
- Restaurants and shops at Commercial Bay and the surrounding laneways
The easy, free one for a CBD evening - pair the tree with dinner at Commercial Bay and a walk up a lit Queen Street.
- Dates
- 2025: lighting ceremony Saturday 22 November (music from 7.30pm, lights on at 8.15pm); tree stayed up until 4 January 2026, lit from 6pm daily; lightshow until 26 December
- Cost
- Free
Getting there and parking
- Te Komititanga, at the bottom of Queen Street beside Britomart station and Commercial Bay.
Worth knowing
- Come after dark: the tree is lit from 6pm.
- The lighting ceremony draws thousands; arrive early or watch from a restaurant with a view.
IllustrationChristmas tree · Auckland
Stockade Hill Christmas Lights
Howick's annual Christmas tree lights event on Stockade Hill, run by the Howick Local Board, with music and performances before the lights come on.
🧒 With kids🎉 With friendsWhat's there
- Switch-on evening with music and performances
- Lights stay on each night until Christmas
A free community switch-on in Howick - go for the opening night, or any evening after.
- Dates
- 2024 season: switch-on Friday 15 November, music and performances before the lights; lights then on every night until Christmas
- Cost
- Free
Getting there and parking
- Stockade Hill, in the middle of Howick village.
Worth knowing
- In 2024 the opening event was cancelled due to weather but the lights still went on each night.
IllustrationChristmas tree · Auckland
Browns Bay Christmas Tree Lights
A giant Christmas tree returns to Phoenix Plaza; the switch-on is an evening of entertainment for children.
🧒 With kidsWhat's there
- Giant tree in Phoenix Plaza
- Switch-on with entertainment for kids
A small, free North Shore switch-on - fine for a short family stop.
- Dates
- 2025: lighting on Friday 14 November, 4.30pm
- Cost
- Free
Getting there and parking
- Phoenix Plaza in the Browns Bay town centre.
Worth knowing
- Event details come from the Browns Bay business association; check brownsbay.org.nz for the 2026 date.
- Illustration
Christmas tree · Auckland
Onehunga Christmas in the Park
A free community Christmas evening in Jellico Park with coffee, ice cream, a community BBQ, free Christmas crafts, Santa's grotto and performances; the tree was relit with new LED lights.
🧒 With kidsWhat's there
- Tree with new LED lights
- Community BBQ, ice cream and coffee
- Santa's grotto and free Christmas crafts
A friendly local-board event for families rather than a big light show.
- Dates
- 2025: tree lighting Friday 28 November, 7pm-9pm
- Cost
- Free
Getting there and parking
- Jellico Park, Trafalgar Street, Onehunga.
Worth knowing
- The event is run by the Maungakiekie-Tamaki Local Board; check its Facebook page for the 2026 date.
Garden lights
IllustrationGarden lights · Auckland
Lights to Remember at Mercy Hospice
Selected trees in the hospice grounds are hung with thousands of cascading lights, each one dedicated to a loved one; the dedications fund care for people with life-limiting illnesses.
✨ Date night🎉 With friendsWhat's there
- Trees covered in thousands of cascading lights
- Each light represents a bond with a loved one
- Gates open from 8pm to 10.30pm
A quiet, moving walk-through of lights - a good late stop near Ponsonby that supports a hospice.
- Dates
- 2025: 4-21 December, 8pm-10.30pm daily
- Cost
- Gates open in the evenings; light dedications raise funds for the hospice
Getting there and parking
- 61 College Hill, St Mary's Bay, close to Franklin Road and Ponsonby.
Worth knowing
- Lights are on from 8pm, so you need dark skies - go late.
City lights
City lights · Auckland
Sky Tower Christmas Lighting
SKYCITY lights the Sky Tower red and green each year on Christmas Eve in the lead-up to Santa's arrival.
✨ Date night🎉 With friendsWhat's there
- Whole tower lit red and green
- Visible from across Auckland
You do not need to go anywhere - but combine it with Te Manaaki and a walk down Queen Street.
- Dates
- Christmas Eve, 24 December 2025, from sundown
- Cost
- Free to view from the street
Getting there and parking
- In the CBD; visible from most of central Auckland and the harbour.
Worth knowing
- The lighting is announced on the SKYCITY lighting page.
IllustrationCity lights · Auckland
Christmas in Aotea Square: The Pavilion and Neon Star
Two installations by designer Angus Muir, the Christmas Pavilion and the Neon Star, sit in Aotea Square as part of Auckland Live's Christmas programme and are popular photo spots.
✨ Date night🎉 With friendsWhat's there
- Christmas Pavilion by Angus Muir
- The Neon Star
- Photo opportunity for the CBD stroll
A short photo stop on a CBD lights walk, not an evening in itself.
- Dates
- 2025: 28 November to 21 December
- Cost
- Price not stated in the source; the installations are in a public square
Getting there and parking
- Aotea Square at the top of Queen Street, near Aotea station.
Worth knowing
- The 2025 installations were by Angus Muir; the designs change from year to year.
