Join your neighbors in holiday celebrations in Gisborne! Discover all the events with our guide. Whether you're a longtime resident or a curious visitor, our guide showcases the holiday highlights of Gisborne.
Popular Events: Experience the excitement of Rhythm and Vines, where you can enjoy live music against the stunning backdrop of the region's vineyards. Another festive gathering, the Christmas Street Festival, brings joy with its market stalls, local food, and community entertainment. And the Kiwiana Christmas Workshop is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering hands-on fun with creative, Māori-inspired crafts for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Gisborne
- Rhythm and Vines
- Christmas Street Festival
- Kiwiana Christmas Workshop
- Visits from Santa at the library
- Present-wrapping HQ at the library
- Workshops for children at the library
- Photo booth at the library
- Fashion parade on a candy cane runway
- Face painting
- Twinkle light tunnel
See these and even more events listed below!
Gisborne Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Rhythm and Vines
What to Expect:
Unique festival setting in a vineyard and by the beach.
Description:
Rhythm and Vines is a three-day music festival held in Gisborne, New Zealand, featuring eclectic dance music genres like EDM, dub, and reggae. The event is set in a picturesque vineyard and by the beach, offering a unique festival experience with good acoustics and a lively atmosphere.
Where: Gisborne | More Info: Rhythm and Vines
Kiwiana Christmas Workshop
What to Expect:
Interactive workshops and Santa visits.
Description:
The Kiwiana Christmas Workshop at the HB Williams Memorial Library offers visits from Santa, music, a photo booth, workshops for children, and a present-wrapping HQ throughout December.
Where: Gisborne | More Info: Kiwiana Christmas Workshop
Gisborne Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Street Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive floats and community activities.
Description:
The Christmas Street Festival is a vibrant event held at the Grey Street Skate Park, featuring food trucks, craft stalls, and a parade float stall with a public vote. The theme is Beach Days, with activities including a twinkle light tunnel, face painting, games, carols, and a fashion parade along a candy cane runway. Santa will be present, and there’s a worst-Christmas-jersey competition.
Where: Gisborne | More Info: Christmas Street Festival
Present-wrapping HQ at the library
What to Expect:
Interactive gift-wrapping workshops for children.
Description:
At the HB Williams Memorial Library, the Present-wrapping HQ offers a variety of workshops and activities for children to learn the art of gift wrapping. This event provides a creative outlet for kids to express themselves while preparing for the holiday season.
Where: Gisborne | More Info: Present-wrapping HQ at the library
Visits from Santa at the library
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa visits with festive activities.
Description:
Visits from Santa at the library offer a delightful experience with Santa Claus, music, photo booths, workshops for children, and a present-wrapping HQ.
Where: Gisborne | More Info: Visits from Santa at the library
Photo booth at the library
What to Expect:
Interactive family photo opportunities with festive decorations.
Description:
The photo booth at the HB Williams Memorial Library offers a fun and interactive way for children to capture memories of the Kiwiana Christmas workshop. With festive decorations and holiday cheer, it's a great spot for family photos.
Where: Gisborne | More Info: Photo booth at the library
Workshops for children at the library
What to Expect:
Hands-on holiday crafts and activities for children.
Description:
Workshops for children at the library offer a variety of activities, including face painting, games, and crafts, providing a fun and creative space for kids to engage in holiday-themed activities.
Where: Gisborne | More Info: Workshops for children at the library
Christmas tree on Peel Street and Gladstone Road
What to Expect:
Local community effort with decorated wooden trees.
Description:
The Christmas tree on Peel Street and Gladstone Road is a beloved local tradition, featuring wooden trees decorated by businesses and schools.
Where: Gisborne | More Info: Christmas tree on Peel Street and Gladstone Road
Wooden Christmas trees in the CBD
What to Expect:
Interactive wooden Christmas trees lining the CBD.
Description:
The Wooden Christmas trees in the CBD are a local effort involving businesses and schools, adding to the festive atmosphere with their presence.
Where: Gisborne | More Info: Wooden Christmas trees in the CBD
Worst-Christmas-jersey competition
What to Expect:
Humorous competition for the ugliest Christmas jerseys.
Description:
The Worst-Christmas-jersey competition is a fun event where participants can show off their most hideous Christmas-themed jerseys, with Santa judging the worst ones.
Where: Gisborne | More Info: Worst-Christmas-jersey competition
Twinkle light tunnel
What to Expect:
Interactive light tunnel for all ages.
Description:
The Twinkle Light Tunnel is an immersive experience featuring a colorful and vibrant tunnel of twinkling lights, perfect for families and children to explore and enjoy.
Where: Gisborne | More Info: Twinkle light tunnel
Face painting
What to Expect:
Unique face painting designs by skilled artists.
Description:
Face Painting by Julia offers a vibrant and creative experience where skilled artists transform faces into stunning designs, perfect for any occasion.
Where: Gisborne | More Info: Face painting
Fashion parade on a candy cane runway
What to Expect:
Vibrant outfits on a colorful candy cane runway.
Description:
The fashion parade on a candy cane runway features vibrant outfits and models strutting down a colorful, festive runway.