So, you’ve put up the tree, locked in the menu for the big day, and sorted an outfit for the work party. Wondering what else to add to your Christmas bucket list this year? If a series of holiday markets hosted by the city's premier shopping destination sounds like your cup of festive tea—then listen up.
The shopping destination we're referring to is, of course, Commercial Bay, a visit to which should be right up there with the festive movie marathons and Christmas light crawls—because when it comes to the holidays, we know you'll share our sentiment that the more events you can get amongst, the merrier.
Pick Up Last-Minute Prezzies At The Christmas Market
This downtown shopping spot is swinging into full festive mode, with an exciting line-up of holiday-themed events planned and already underway in the lead-up to the big day. The headline? An awesome Christmas Market held across four dates in December: Saturday 2 December, Thursday 7 December, Saturday 9 December, and Thursday 14 December.
Bringing together all the elements of a perfect holiday market—think live music and festive performances, including those from Auckland City Bass, All Together Choir, and Mariachi NZ—the festive event will dial up the Christmas spirit. You’ll also score amazing giveaways and a tonne of local food options. To miss out on this, would be sillier than the silly season itself.
Many stores will also be offering festive deals for the occasion, meaning you can make a dent in that Christmas gift list—or treat yourself, we’re not judging. Add a complimentary, customised calligraphy message or festive quote when you visit on Thursdays, to really impress the recipient (or again, yourself).
Get The Whole Fam In The Christmas Spirit
Keep spirits high with bevvies from DOE Donuts and Harker Herbals, who will be on hand with limited-edition doughies and mocktails (and all on top of the regular food and beverage offering at Commercial Bay, we might add). Then, get yourself decked out like a legit Christmas tree thanks to an exclusive Eco Glitter bar, which will also be running on Thursdays.
The kids will have their fair share of fun, too, with the opportunity to meet Santa and the Commercial Bay Christmas Fairy (both of whom will be roaming the complex on Saturdays). There’ll also be face painters and a bonafide balloon twister in action—all keeping the kids occupied as you tuck into the complimentary candy floss, soft serve, and cookie dough pops.
Score Free Christmas Gift Wrapping And Meet Santa
As for the rest of the festive season at Commercial Bay, here's what to expect. Santa's glorious two-storey Magic Mail Machine AKA the coolest way to get your letter to the North Pole is back for another year (its fourth, in fact), bringing with it the chance to win one of four $1,000 Commercial Bay gift vouchers. How good!
The Concierge Desk on Level 1 has also been transformed into an enchanted Christmas workshop, and from Thursday 7 December will offer complimentary gift wrapping for those who spend $25 or more at any Commercial Bay store. Score a gorgeous Santa sack created with recycled fabric from some of the precinct's designer retailers if you spend $150 or more.
Christmas is upon us and we can't think of anywhere better to get into the holiday spirit than at Commercial Bay, where the festive fun has already begun with the whimsy Christmas Market, starting Saturday 2 December.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Commercial Bay. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Image: Commercial Bay