Make your holidays in Paraparaumu unforgettable with our event guide. For Paraparaumu natives and visitors alike, our guide reveals the city's holiday magic.
Popular events this season include the Diwali Festival of Lights, where the vibrant colours and joyful atmosphere celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. Additionally, you can savour the local flavours at the Kāpiti Food Fair, featuring delicious dishes and artisanal delights from local producers. And the Mad Hatter's Market Express is something you definitely don't want to miss with its unique range of handmade crafts and festive treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Paraparaumu
- Diwali Festival of Lights (Wellington)
- Kāpiti Food Fair
- NZ Brewers Fest 2024 (Upper Hutt)
- The Mad Hatter's Market Express (Paekakariki)
- River City Express (Paekakariki)
- The Kai Iwi Trekker (Whanganui)
- The Ashhurst Flyer (Woodville)
- Feast Whakatū
- Fringe in the 'Stings 2024
- Jan Preston's Boogie Circus
See these and even more events listed below!
Paraparaumu Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Mad Hatter's Market Express
What to Expect:
Steampunk-themed market day with live music and Crazy Hat Competition.
Description:
Join Steam Incorporated on The Mad Hatter's Market Express, a fun-filled day to Woodville's famed Mad Hatters Market Day. Hauled by Ja 1271, a 1956 built steam locomotive and beautifully restored Da class diesel locomotives, this journey includes live music, over 70 market stalls, and the annual Crazy Hat Competition. Enjoy a children's tea party and old-time games with a steampunk focus. Upon arrival, you can either walk around the square or travel by shuttle bus. The event features spot prizes for best costumes and hats, as well as goodie bags for all passengers.
Where: Paekakariki | More Info: The Mad Hatter's Market Express
Paraparaumu Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Fringe in the 'Stings 2024
What to Expect:
Celebrating local arts and culture with a variety of performances.
Description:
Fringe in the 'Stings 2024 is a celebration of the best little arts festival in the bay, featuring a diverse array of performances and events that showcase local talent.
Where: Paraparaumu | More Info: Fringe in the 'Stings 2024
Jan Preston's Boogie Circus
What to Expect:
Unique blend of boogie and blues with storytelling.
Description:
Jan Preston's Boogie Circus is a captivating performance featuring Jan Preston, Mike, and legendary guitarist Nick Charles. The show blends boogie and blues, with Jan Preston's original compositions and stories from her 50-year career. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the show starting at 7:30 PM.
Where: Paraparaumu | More Info: Jan Preston's Boogie Circus
High Tide 2024 - Wellington
What to Expect:
Iconic beachfront festival with diverse international and local talent.
Description:
High Tide 2024 in Wellington is a multi-genre music festival featuring international, national, and local talent across two stages at the water's edge. The event is centered around an all-inclusive and diverse ethos, aiming to create a safe festival environment that welcomes people sharing its vision. The lineup includes Friction, Sota, S.P.Y, Vibe Chemistry, Nicole Millar, and more.
Where: Wellington | More Info: High Tide 2024 - Wellington
Beats N' Bingo: Christmas Party
What to Expect:
Music-filled bingo with a two-course dining experience.
Description:
Join us for a night of music-filled bingo, two-course dining, and a lively atmosphere at Bracu Estate. Enjoy five thrilling rounds of bingo, a festive atmosphere, and plenty of sing-along fun.
Where: Wellington | More Info: Beats N' Bingo: Christmas Party
Swingin' with the Mighty Wurli
What to Expect:
Unique blend of swing and Dixieland jazz on a historic theatre organ.
Description:
Swingin' with the Mighty Wurli is a musical experience featuring Australian virtuoso organist Scott Harrison and the ever-popular Katikatz Jazz Band. The event blends lively swing and Dixieland jazz with grandeur and power, utilizing Baycourt's nearly 100-year-old Wurlitzer theatre organ. The concert includes solos and ensemble pieces, showcasing tunes from golden eras of Dixieland and silent film, as well as Disney movie classics.
Where: Wellington | More Info: Swingin' with the Mighty Wurli
Paraparaumu Other Holiday Activities
Kāpiti Food Fair
What to Expect:
Extensive variety of local and international food options.
Description:
The Kāpiti Food Fair is a vibrant foodie festival featuring 220+ vendors offering a wide range of packaged and ready-to-eat products, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and organic options. Enjoy live music, buskers, and circus acts, as well as a licensed bar and a free kids' zone with face painting.
Where: Paraparaumu | More Info: Kāpiti Food Fair
The Ashhurst Flyer
What to Expect:
Scenic train ride through the Manawatu Gorge.
Description:
The Ashhurst Flyer is a scenic train ride through the Manawatu Gorge, offering a unique perspective on the rarely seen river and its historical significance. The journey links the Manawatu and Hawkes Bay regions, traversing the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges. The railway line, completed in 1891, has been a vital transport link in the area, while the road through the gorge has a chequered history of closures due to land subsidence.
Where: Woodville | More Info: The Ashhurst Flyer
Diwali Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Cultural celebration with fireworks display.
Description:
The Diwali Festival of Lights is a vibrant cultural celebration featuring non-stop entertainment, Indian fashion and jewelry stalls, henna painting, lantern making, and delicious food from various regions. The event culminates with a fireworks display on Wellington Waterfront.
Where: Wellington | More Info: Diwali Festival of Lights
NZ Brewers Fest 2024
What to Expect:
A diverse array of beers and entertainment.
Description:
NZ Brewers Fest 2024 is an epic celebration of craft beer at Brewtown in Upper Hutt, featuring over 20 breweries, 100+ beers, live music, and street performances.
Where: Upper Hutt | More Info: NZ Brewers Fest 2024
River City Express
What to Expect:
Unique blend of steam train and river cruise experiences.
Description:
The River City Express is a scenic train journey from Kapiti to Whanganui, featuring both steam locomotive Ja1271 and heritage diesel electric locomotive Da1431. Passengers can choose to explore Whanganui, take a serene cruise on the Whanganui River aboard the coal-fired paddle steamer PS Waimarie, or venture further north to Kai Iwi.
Where: Paekakariki | More Info: River City Express
The Kai Iwi Trekker
What to Expect:
Steep railway gradient and heritage train ride.
Description:
The Kai Iwi Trekker is a special excursion train journey between Whanganui and Kai Iwi, featuring a combination of steam and diesel motive power. The train traverses the famed stretch of track north of Whanganui, including the steep Westmere Bank gradient and the relatively new Kai Iwi deviation.
Where: Whanganui | More Info: The Kai Iwi Trekker
Feast Whakatū
What to Expect:
Celebrating local arts and culture.
Description:
Feast Whakatū is a celebration honoring all that is feast-worthy about Nelson Tasman, featuring the best little arts festival in the bay.
Where: Paraparaumu | More Info: Feast Whakatū
Kupu Māori Writers Festival
What to Expect:
Celebrating Māori literature and storytelling.
Description:
The Kupu Māori Writers Festival is a significant celebration dedicated to showcasing Māori literature and storytelling. It features a diverse range of authors, workshops, and discussions that highlight the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand.
Where: Paraparaumu | More Info: Kupu Māori Writers Festival
Oktoberfest X Oysterfest
What to Expect:
Unique blend of German and seafood festivities.
Description:
Oktoberfest X Oysterfest is a celebration at The Old Packhouse in Kerikeri, featuring craft beers, oysters, oompah music, and a variety of sausages and BBQ meats. The event includes oyster eating competitions, giveaways, and live music by the Little Oompah Band and DJs.
Where: Wellington | More Info: Oktoberfest X Oysterfest
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Upper Hutt (15 miles)
- Porirua (17 miles)
- Lower Hutt (21 miles)
- Wellington (28 miles)
- Masterton (34 miles)