10 Fun Things To Do In Auckland With Kids This December

Sleigh bells are ringing and carollers (and Mariah Carey... and Michael Bublé) are singing... it must be December! As to be expected, this month is chock-a-block with all things festive, from iconic Christmas light displays to the penultimate holiday event, Coca-Cola Christmas In The Park—as well as some hotly anticipated movie releases and other events to keep the juniors jolly.

Here are 10 kid-approved activities taking place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland throughout December.

Smith & Caughey's Christmas Window Display

Throughout December | Smith & Caughey's, Auckland CBD

All we want for Christmas is to see Smith & Caughey's famous animated window display, one last time. Yep, if you haven't heard, this slice of Auckland history is taking its final bow in 2024 and this time 'round features scenes from The Adventures of Hutu and Kawa, written and illustrated by Avis Acres. This annual display has been a favourite amongst Auckland families for more than 20 years, and was once named one of the five best Christmas window displays in the world. Take a peek in-store for more Chrissy goodness (think decorations, beautiful foodie gifts and of course, Santa's Enchanted Forest Experience).

Wicked

In Cinemas Now

Image credit: Event Cinemas / Facebook

You'd have to be living under a rock (or dare we say, a fallen farmhouse) not to have heard of the newly-released film, Wicked. Based on the second-highest-grossing Broadway musical of all time, this prequel to The Wizard of Oz is a cinematic masterpiece that will have you laughing, crying, and holding back the urge to go full soprano. Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Enviro as respective 'good' and 'bad' witches Glinda and Elphaba, this is one of the biggest cinema releases of the year and indeed, the decade. Fly (to your local movie theatre), my pretties!

Sky-High Christmas At The Sky Tower

Throughout December | SkyCity Auckland, Auckland CBD

Image credit: SkyCity / Supplied

Get in prime sleigh-spotting position (read: the sky) with a zoom up the Sky Tower this December. Here you'll find a range of Christmas-themed activities to get amongst, including gingerbread workshops on the weekends where you can decorate your very own Scotty the Sky Tower. On ground level, Scotty will also be back for his annual Christmas Spectacular alongside other entertainment and of course, the man of the hour (Santa) for all your festive snaps.

Moana 2/Moana 2 Reo Māori

In Cinemas Now

It's been a while since Moana graced our screens but now the Polynesian princess is back (along with Maui, Heihei and the rest of the gang) for an adventure-filled sequel. This new film—which takes place three years after the original—sees our ocean-loving protagonist come up against a cursed island and an angry god, amongst other challenges (just another day at the office, are we right?). And what's even cooler is that you can watch the entire thing in Te Reo Māori, thanks to a joint partnership between Matewa Media and Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Christmas Roller Disco

Saturday 7 December | New Lynn Community Centre, New Lynn

Now for something wheely cool... a Christmas-themed roller disco! Yes, grab the kids and dress in your festive best for this free community event hosted by Auckland Council, where you can glide to your heart's content (but also to the sweet sound of classic Chrissy tunes). You can even borrow skates on the day if you don't have your own, though numbers for these are strictly limited. Register online to secure your spot.

Franklin Road Christmas Lights

Saturday 7-Tuesday 24 December | Franklin Road, Ponsonby

Image credit: Kathryn Steane

Top of your to-do list with the kiddos this month should be a stroll up Auckland's most festive street, Franklin Road. Its residents sure know a thing or two about decking the halls—we're talking lights (LOTS of them), elaborate window displays, and even snow (albeit fake), bringing you the ultimate festive feels throughout December. This one's best enjoyed with a cup of something hot to-go, dressed in your ugliest Christmas sweater (finally, wearing one of these is socially acceptable). Click here for the rest of the best Christmas lights around town.

Coca-Cola Christmas In The Park

Saturday 14 December | Auckland Domain, Parnell

Can you really call yourself an Aucklander if you haven't spent at least one Christmas celebrating amongst the crowds at the city's biggest Christmas party, Coca-Cola Christmas In The Park? Pack a picnic, brush up on those carolling skills and head along to this festive extravaganza descending on Auckland Domain on December 14. Amongst the artists performing this year are Georgia Lines, Sweet Mix Kids and Che Fu, with appearances also expected from a gigantic 22-metre-high Chrissy tree, and an epic fireworks show.

Family Fun For Book Lovers At Hogwarts Christmas

Sunday 15 December | Old Masonic Hall, Warkworth

Christmas at Hogwarts has never been much of a reality... until now. And it's all thanks to a group of local legends including the Warkworth War Memorial Library, who will together be transforming the Old Masonic Hall into a festive, Hogwarts-inspired setting on December 15 complete with a Honeydukes-inspired lolly bar, themed desserts, and Butterbeer ot hot choccy to wash it all down. There will also be a number of fun Christmassy activities to get amongst, including an easy craft and book quiz, to test your budding wizard/witch's HP IQ. Kids' tickets cost $16.58 each and also include a chocolate frog (whoop!); entry for adults and babies is free. P.S. There's also a similar event being hosted the night before. Oh, and don't forget to dress up!

Sonic The Hedgehog 3

In Cinemas From Thursday 26 December

Image credit: Event Cinemas / Facebook

Everyone's fave bright blue hedgehog with a penchant for speed and golden rings (not to be confused with the ones in that Christmas carol) is back, in the third instalment of the Sonic franchise. This time around, he and his cohorts (Tails and Knuckles) must join forces with some unlikely allies to battle a powerful new foe in the form of Shadow, voiced by the one-and-only Keanu Reeves. Expect lots of action, lots of laughs, and lots of Keanu (his voice, at least).

Kiwi Slip 'N Slide

Until Sunday 9 February | Next To Snowplanet, Silverdale

Image credit: Kiwi Slip 'n Slide / Facebook

Bigger is better (certainly when it comes to slip and slides, anyway). Enter Kiwi Slip 'N Slide, aka one of the world's largest slip and slides, which is taking up residence alongside Snowplanet for the summer. Bust out the togs and enjoy unlimited rides down four gigantic slides, each measuring a whopping 110 metres in length (that's longer than a rugby field!). Suitable for all ages, however children under seven must be supervised by a paying adult. Tickets are limited, so get in quick.

Wanna know what else is happening this month in AKL? Check out our running list of the best events in Tāmaki Makaurau, here.

Main image credit: Coca-Cola Christmas In The Park / Supplied