See the must-see holiday events in Rotorua! Discover all the top festive highlights with our guide. Whether Rotorua is your backyard or a new adventure, our guide brings you the best of the holidays.
Popular events this season include the Santa Parade in Auckland, a vibrant celebration featuring floats, music, and the jolly man himself, creating a delightful atmosphere for families. With stunning vistas and festive cheer, Christmas Party Nights at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar offer a lovely dining experience overlooking the city. And the enchanting Christmas Party Nights at Hidden Forest Venue is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing the beautiful outdoors with a unique festive twist. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Rotorua
- Christmas Party Nights at Hidden Forest Venue
- Christmas Party Nights at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar
- Santa Parade in Auckland (Auckland)
- Christmas Carols by Candlelight in Auckland (Auckland)
- Luge Rotorua Christmas Event
- Christmas Parade in Christchurch (Christchurch)
- Christmas Markets in Auckland (Auckland)
- SkySwing Rotorua Christmas Activity
- Hyfly Ziplines Christmas Activity
- Ziplining through the Redwoods
See these and even more events listed below!
Rotorua Holiday Light Displays
Franklin Street Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Community-driven light display with resident participation.
Description:
Franklin Road Christmas Lights is a community-driven event where residents of Ponsonby Street transform their homes with lights, nativity scenes, and festive characters. The display remains on all month, creating a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere in the heart of Auckland.
Where: Auckland | More Info: Franklin Street Christmas Lights
Rotorua Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Markets in Auckland
What to Expect:
Unique locally designed products and talented creators.
Description:
The General Collective Lifestyle & Design Market is a premier event showcasing locally made homewares, ethical New Zealand fashion, and stunning local art. Over 150 vendors will display diverse ranges of covetable homewares, trendy jewellery, and luxurious skincare, making it an ideal destination for those seeking unique gifts and supporting independent makers.
Where: Auckland | More Info: Christmas Markets in Auckland
Rotorua Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Party Nights at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar
What to Expect:
Sumptuous feast with quality wine and best views.
Description:
Celebrate your Christmas party at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar with stunning views, a unique location, and delicious food and drink. Indulge in a sumptuous feast, enjoy quality wine, and take in the best views in town.
Where: Rotorua | More Info: Christmas Party Nights at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar
Santa Parade in Auckland
What to Expect:
Dazzling display of fantasy floats and entertainment.
Description:
The Auckland Farmers Santa Parade is a cherished holiday tradition featuring fantasy floats, giant inflatables, musicians, and entertainment groups. It includes a pre-parade from 12pm to 1pm, followed by the parade from 1pm to 2:30pm, and concludes with Santa's Party in Aotea Square from 2:30pm to 5:00pm.
Where: Auckland | More Info: Santa Parade in Auckland
Christmas Carols by Candlelight in Auckland
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed concert with candlelit ambiance.
Description:
Join us for an intimate evening of Christmas carols performed by candlelight in Auckland, featuring a selection of beloved holiday classics.
Where: Auckland | More Info: Christmas Carols by Candlelight in Auckland
Christmas Parade in Christchurch
What to Expect:
Family-friendly festival with amusement rides and a Christmas market.
Description:
The Christchurch Christmas Show Parade is a festive event featuring entertainment, amusement rides, displays, a Christmas market, and food vendors. It culminates in a spectacular parade at 2 PM, offering something for everyone.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: Christmas Parade in Christchurch
Rotorua Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Party Nights at Hidden Forest Venue
What to Expect:
Secluded Redwood Forest setting with Gondola and Luge rides.
Description:
Celebrate your Christmas party at Hidden Forest Venue, a secluded event area in Skyline Rotorua's beautiful Redwood Forest. Enjoy a return Gondola ride, 3 Luge rides, and a buffet dinner with live entertainment.
Where: Rotorua | More Info: Christmas Party Nights at Hidden Forest Venue
Luge Rotorua Christmas Event
What to Expect:
Gravity-fueled Luge tracks through native trees and LED lit tunnels.
Description:
At Luge Rotorua, experience the world's longest Luge tracks, winding through 12,000 native trees and LED lit tunnels. Enjoy gravity-fueled fun for all ages, with unique braking and steering systems. Perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Where: Rotorua | More Info: Luge Rotorua Christmas Event
Hyfly Ziplines Christmas Activity
What to Expect:
High-speed ziplining through Redwood Forest treetops.
Description:
Fly through the Redwood Forest treetops overlooking stunning Lake Rotorua on Skyline Rotorua's unique 400-metre dual ziplines, reaching speeds of up to 60km/h. The Hyfly Ziplines offer a thrilling experience with parallel ziplines for racing friends and family.
Where: Rotorua | More Info: Hyfly Ziplines Christmas Activity
SkySwing Rotorua Christmas Activity
What to Expect:
High-speed, three-seated swing with a 50-meter drop.
Description:
Experience the thrill of Rotorua's highest and fastest adrenaline rush with the three-seated Skyswing, soaring 50 meters above Skyline Rotorua for a breathtaking view over Lake Rotorua.
Where: Rotorua | More Info: SkySwing Rotorua Christmas Activity
Volcanic Hills Winery Christmas Wine Tasting
What to Expect:
Unique wine tasting experience with personalized service.
Description:
At Volcanic Hills Winery, indulge in a Christmas wine tasting experience with breathtaking views of Rotorua. Savor a selection of award-winning wines while enjoying the serene atmosphere and stunning vistas. Each wine tasting is tailored to your preferences, focusing on what you enjoy and why. This unique event celebrates the art of wine in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Where: Rotorua | More Info: Volcanic Hills Winery Christmas Wine Tasting
Ziplining through the Redwoods
What to Expect:
Guided ziplining experience with stunning views of native fauna and redwood trees.
Description:
Ziplining through the Redwoods offers an exhilarating adventure amidst towering 120-year-old redwoods, with suspension bridges and ziplines providing a thrilling journey through the forest canopy.
Where: Rotorua | More Info: Ziplining through the Redwoods
Hike to the top of Mount Tarawera
What to Expect:
Unique blend of cultural heritage and stunning volcanic landscapes.
Description:
Embark on a guided hike to the summit of Mount Tarawera, a sacred site revered by the Ngati Rangitihi Iwi. This journey offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views and deep cultural insights into the region's rich history and spiritual significance.
Where: Rotorua | More Info: Hike to the top of Mount Tarawera
Auckland Botanic Gardens Christmas
What to Expect:
Unique plant collections and seasonal blooms in a festive garden setting.
Description:
The Auckland Botanic Gardens offer a serene and festive atmosphere during the holiday season, with beautifully landscaped gardens and various plant collections on display. Visitors can explore the gardens, including the African Garden, Camellia Garden, and Native Forest, while enjoying the seasonal blooms and unique plant species.
Where: Auckland | More Info: Auckland Botanic Gardens Christmas
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium Christmas
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with marine life exhibits.
Description:
Dive into the holiday spirit at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, where festive decorations and special exhibits create a unique holiday experience. Explore the aquarium's diverse marine life, including the southern hemisphere’s largest Sub-Antarctic penguin colony, amidst a colorful and lively atmosphere.