What’s On In Auckland This Week, This Month And This Year 2025

Festive wonderlands, morning raves; vintage wares, Santa runs, and drinks under the sun. Silly season is upon us, and with it, a calendar more stacked than your plate at Christmas lunch. So without further ado...

Here's what's on in Auckland this week, as well as what's just around the corner. And here's all the wicked stuff happening this weekend.

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JUMP TO: 

• Don't Miss
• Christmassy Events
• Free And Budget-Friendly Events
• Food And Drink Events
• Arts And Culture 
• Gigs
• Outdoor Activities
• Coming Soon

Don’t Miss

Whittaker's Christmas Window

'Til 22 December | 188 Ponsonby Road | Free

Image credit: Whittaker's | Vicki Young

The Whittaker's Christmas Window is officially open (from 6-22 December) on 188 Ponsonby Road in Tāmaki Makaurau. With a peek behind the scenes at a whimsical Chocolate Pod factory created by Whittaker's and a creative collective of talented people (Think Packaging, AO Studios, Watermark Creative, Bootleg Design and Bastion Shine), step into a moment of Christmas wonder with the paper creation of Whittaker's Chocolate Pods coming to life. Pop by on your walk through to the Franklin Christmas lights, and pick up a few treats of your own while you're there. - Vicki Young

Christmassy Events

Paint And Wine Night In Auckland—A Starry Christmas

16 December | Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen | $$

Paintvine, The Original Paint & Wine Night, are putting on their own Christmassy sip and paint evening down at Sweatshop on Tuesday—and it's A Starry Christmas. Think van Gogh with tinsel, and all you have to do is buy a ticket, take a brush and produce a masterpiece (after a few sips, of course). It's really that simple.

Christmas At SkyCity

'Til 24 December | SKYCITY Auckland Main Plaza | Free/$

SkyCity has a bunch of merry stuff on all the way until Christmas Eve. There's too much to detail here, so go check out all the festive fun here.

Lights

Image credit: MOTAT | Website

Mercy Hospice Lights to Remember

Te Korowai Atawhai Mercy Hospice is dressed in cascading lights until Sunday. A beautiful evening of remembrance—each light represents an enduring bond with a loved one, and you're welcome to go have a look until 10.30pm each evening.

Ōtara Block Christmas Lights

If you're South Auckland born and bred and don't fancy a trek to Franklin Road for Xmas lights, then this year, you're in luck. After a two-year hiatus, the Ōtara Block lights are back on, baby. Shining nightly from 7:30pm, the original block around Clayton Avenue is now joined by a second display on Hamill Road. Live entertainment, street kai, sausage sizzles, and genuine manaakitanga.

MOTAT Christmas Lights

With another Christmas coming up, MOTAT are coming through once more with all that glitter and gold. This beloved festive spectacle turns the museum grounds into a wonderland of sparkling lights, heritage tram rides, carol singers, outdoor games, and visits with Hana Kōkō Santa in his workshop. Treats from the food truck market, picnic in the Historic Village, and even operating steam engines under the lights. Running select nights from 8-11pm. Tickets required; under 5s free.

Franklin Road Christmas Lights

And how could I forget Auckland's iconic festive street? I couldn't. It'll be lighting up again this year—homes along Franklin Road decked out in dazzling displays of holiday magic. Open nightly; no tickets needed.

Christmas in Aotea Square

'Til 21 December | Aotea Square | Free

Another classic for the Kiwi Christmas calendar (in the big smoke) has to be Christmas in Aotea Square. For most of the month, the square transforms into an extravaganza of holiday cheer, where you and the whanau can get down and enjoy it for free. All the info here.

The Great Elf Hunt

'Til 22 December | Ponsonby Central | Free

Image credit: Ponsonby Central | Website

Pons Central is putting on the cheer this Xmas. And here's one of a few merry events they have going down...

Eleven cheeky elves. Eleven secret letters. One mystery phrase, and five $100 Ponsonby Central vouchers up for grabs. Grab the kids (or just your competitive mates) and hunt your way through Ponsonby Central to crack the code. Start in the back lane by the lifts; finish with lunch, a cool beverage, and a smug sense of victory.

Enchanted Christmas

'Til 24 December | Teed Street, Newmarket | $$

Image credit: Enchanted Christmas/NBA | Supplied

Newmarket's gone full North Pole—and we're not just talking a tree and some tinsel. Enchanted Christmas is a two-hour, fully immersive walk-through wonderland featuring 200 themed trees, 150,000 twinkling lights, a kilometre-long garland path, and photo ops with both Santa and The Grinch (choose your fighter). There's a European Christmas market with 20+ artisan stalls, crafting workshops for the kids, and dedicated pet sessions so your furry mate can have their moment with the big man. Tickets from $40 for one adult and one child.

What's more, the Chrissy magic spills across the whole precinct. Six towering Nutcracker statues stand guard with QR codes for a $1,000 shopping spree draw, there's a scavenger hunt running daily prizes 'til December 20, and an 11-metre walk-through tree with a Santa mailbox bound express for the North Pole. And over at Westfield, Santa himself is ready for photos (including Sensitive Santa sessions).

Free And Budget-Friendly Events

Final Ponsonby Central Vintage Market Of The Year

20 December | Ponsonby Central | Free Entry

Image Credit: Ponsonby Central Vintage Market | Instagram

For the vintage vultures, get your mitts on some seriously cool finds at the final Ponsonby Central Vintage Market of the year. Unearth a treasure trove of pre-loved goodies, from retro threads and funky furniture to quirky homewares and handmade art at this bona fide Saturday classique. Doors fling open at 10am, entry is free, and the rummaging goes 'til 4pm. Make a day of it and refuel at one of Ponsonby Central's many gorge-worthy eateries afterwards—'cause treasure hunting is hungry work.

Summer Tree Trail: Myths and Legends

'Til 11 January | Cornwall Park | Free

This self-led trail through Cornwall Park is the ultimate summertime stroll. 1km of beautiful, big trees and their connections to myths and legends from around the world. And just in time for Pohutukawa szn. Say hi to the lambs! Here's the route.

Food And Drink Events

truth/dare x Kenji Yoshitsuka: Season of Sparkles

21 December | truth/dare | $$

Image credit: truth/dare | Supplied

It’s the season of sparkles, and what better way to bring in Christmas early than to get a spot at truth/dare’s Season of Sparkles afternoon tea collab with NZ Pastry Chef of The Year Kenji Yoshitsuka (Head Pastry Chef at Advieh, Intercontinental Auckland). Sponsored by Piper Heidsieck, sip on champagne on arrival, followed with a bespoke celebration cocktail from truth/dare’s mixologist magician Theodore Ian Tjandra, savoury delights by truth/dare chef Yovin Sius and sweets from Chef Kenji. Expect fluffy shokupan with scampi and chilli, savoury corn mille-feuille, black sesame financiers with sesame brittle, as well as gin and yuzu macaron to name a few treats from the menu. Tickets are $90 per person with three sittings this Sunday (12pm, 2pm and 4pm). DM or email truth/dare to secure your spot, stat. - Vicki Young

Veuve Clicquot x Ki Māha & Mudbrick

From 21 December | Ki Māha & Mudbrick, Waiheke | $$/$$$

Image credit: Veuve Clicquot | Supplied 

Make your way over the water to Waiheke, where Veuve Clicquot is bringing elevated summer moments to Ki Māha and Mudbrick. Soak in the sunshine and good vibes at Ki Māha’s Sun-Day Sun Club from 3-6pm, every Sunday (from this Sunday) with roaming champagne trolleys, signature seafood towers, and live DJ sets. Then make your way over to the Clicquot Terrace at Mudbrick for golden hour, with views over Tīkapa Moana. Jump on their socials to check out the range of events thanks to this iconic champagne house. - Vicki Young

Arts And Culture

Walker & Hall Presents Christmas Cheer

19 & 20 December | Auckland Town Hall | $

The Auckland Philharmonia is doing what it does best by bringing the joy of Christmas through a musical celebration. ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’, ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You', ‘It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas’, ‘Joy to the World’... yep, allllll the classics. And for just 20 bucks.

Piri The Pīwakawaka Saves Christmas

'Til 19 December | The PumpHouse Theatre | $/$$

Pumphouse Theatre have produced possibly the most heartwarming addition to your chocolate Christmas calendar this year: "When Santa’s sleigh breaks down over Aotearoa, it’s up to a brave little pīwakawaka named Piri to save the day. With determination, quick thinking, and help from friends she meets along the way, Piri must find a way to get Santa flying again in time for Christmas." One for the whole whanau featuring catchy songs, colourful characters, and interactive fun for tamariki. It's also an original.

Gigs & Live Music

Junglebird Jazz & Cocktails

Multiple Nights | Caretaker, Auckland CBD | Free For Patrons

Image credit: Caretaker | Instagram

Smooth, flowing, late-night jazz at an underground alleyway cocktail club. It's either the ideal date idea or the perfect chance to live out your neo-noir dreams of sitting in the shadowed corner, sipping on something stiff and sitting back to enjoy one of Caretaker's Junglebird Jazz and Cocktail nights.

Takapuna Comedy Club

17 December | Takapuna Beachside Cinema | $

Takapuna Beachside Cinema is hosting its festive edition of the best live comedy show on that side of the bridge. Some of Auckland's best up-and-coming stand-up comedians are bringing the laughs for one night of raucous comedy. And tickets are under $25. How good.

Morning People Feat. Chris Keene

19 December | Neck of the Woods | $

Image credit: Morning People | Instagram

Our fave morning rave is back for a dawn doozy down at Neck of the Woods this Friyay. Chris Keene is the ace behind the decks this time around, with over a decade of experience across production, performance and touring up his sleeve. Expect a high-energy start to your day (and weekend) in a 360 boiler room style set up at Neck. It's the last Morning People for '25, and don't forget to tuck into some Altezano Brothers coffee, All Good Bananas, and Karma Drinks while you're at it. Alcohol free, dress to sweat and #partyfirstworklater.

SETS & SAILS 2025

19 December | DOUBLE WHAMMY | $$

Image credit: Collekt House Group | Instagram

The grass-roots groovesetters over at Collekt House Group are back behind the wheels for another legendary SETS & SAILS throwdown showdown. They’ll be indulging in all that is electronically intimate and sonically rich at DOUBLE WHAMMY this Friday, with the event back for its 6th year with 2 internationals and 10 local artists across 2 stages. Yeeeeew.

Outdoor Activities

EBRC's Santa Run & Christmas Market

18 December | Little Creatures, Hobsonville Point | $

Picture this: hundreds of Santas jogging around Bomb Point at sunset, Christmas bangers blaring, and spot prizes that include flights to Fiji. Come 18 December, Early Bird Run Crew's 5km Santa run/walk is turning Catalina Bay into a sea of red and white—every adult entry includes a full Santa suit to keep, with all proceeds going to Hospice West Auckland. Kids 12 and under go free (elf costumes encouraged). What's more, Catalina Bay Farmers Market is running a Christmas market alongside the event, and there'll be post-run party vibes at Little Creatures. Ho ho, how good.

Coming Soon

Maribou State

29 December | The Tuning Fork | $$

Maribou State are bringing their lush, soulful electronica to Tāmaki Makaurau for a special one-night performance on December 29, promising an evening of deep hypnotic soundscapes and that unmistakable warmth the UK duo are loved for worldwide. It's part of their NZ tour (28th Hagley Park, 30th R&V) and although it's sold out already, here's the heads up anyway as there's always a few resells. Ain't there? 

New Year's Eve at Sunset Rooftop Bar

31 December | Sunset Bar, Sudima Auckland CBD | $$

Image credit: Sunset Bar | Supplied

Ten floors up, champagne in hand, city lights sprawling below.... There are a helluva lotta worse ways to ring in 2026. Sunset Rooftop Bar is throwing a refined but far-from-stuffy NYE with a stacked DJ lineup (Nyntee through to The Loneliest Hunk), signature cocktails, and bites like wagyu tacos and market oysters to keep you fueled past midnight. Tickets from $69 include entry and a glass of bubbles; R18, limited capacity.

Matt Rife: Stay Golden World Tour

1 January | Spark Arena | $$

Image credit: @nerdgangceas | Instagram

Global sensation and Instagram-reel-clap-back-clip sensation Matt Rife is gracing us with his talented presence and chiselled jawline at the very start of next year. On New Year's Day of all days, he'll be packing out and amusing Spark Arena for his only Auckland show on the Stay Golden World Tour. Love his stuff? GA is just $99, so make sure you grab a ticket before it's too late.

ASB Classic

5-17 January | Manuka Doctor Arena | $$

Image credit: ASB Classic | Supplied

What is summer for Auckland? Beaches, sailing, roadies, rock pools, fish and chips and world-class tennis—just to name a few. Yep, I can't believe I'm saying this, but in a short while, one of the hottest fixtures in the '09 summer calendar—the ASB Classic—will be back to rock the Manuka Doctor Arena, serving another stellar lineup of global stars including Naomi Osaka, Gael Monfils, hometown hero Lulu Sun AND the very venerable Venus Williams. Yes. Ma'am.

Epic rallies, summertime vibes and bubbling champs, all to be expected. Unforgettable moments, on and off the court, guaranteed.

Arthur Hill: Stella Aus NZ Tour

17 & 19 January | The Tuning Fork | $$-$$$

Image credit: Arthur Hill/Secret Sounds | Supplied

The twenty-twenties are the age of TikTok stars touring to The Tuning Fork. Who woulda thunk it. Well, for one, Arthur Hill, who's gone from internet phenom to bona fide artist touring all the way to the antipodes. You can catch him at the aforementioned Fork in all his melodical glory, come Monday, 19 January—his first Saturday show has already sold out.

OneRepublic: The Sweet Escape Tour

February 4 | Spark Arena | $$$

Image credit: OneRepublic | Facebook

Pop legends and purveyors of banger after banger, OneRepublic will be adding their name to a simply insane lineup of international acts in early 2026. They'll be playing at Spark on February 4, and if you want to see Ryan and the band, you'd better act quick.

Laneway

6 February | Western Springs | $$$

Image credit: Laneway | Chontalle Musson

Heard the news? The big one is back.

St Jerome's Laneway Festival will once again be packing the grass of Western Springs for what some consider the flagship of Aotearoa's gig calendar. The lineup has been dropped to much fizz—Chappell Roan headlining—and look at that, tickets are already selling like hotcakes.

ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix Auckland

14 & 15 February | Online | $$$

Image credit: Sail GP | Supplied

With 2025's Grand Prix blowing fans out of the water, I feel it's very prudent that I inform you all that ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix Auckland tickets are on sale this week. Keen? Jump onto Sail GP to score a ticket, and hopefully get so close you can feel the salt spray from these boat cowboys. Yeeeehaw.

Jason Aldean

19 February | Spark Arena | $$$

Image credit: Jason Aldean | Facebook

Country juggernaut Jason Aldean is coming to NZ shores in February. Where exactly? Why, the only arena that can handle such stardom.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

19, 20 & 21 February | Eden Park | $$

Image credit: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo | Supplied

For the first time in its 75-year history, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is marching all the way to Auckland, and lock-step with them will be over 1,100 performers from more than 12 countries. Talk about a show. Fresh from selling out Edinburgh Castle throughout August (230,000 people can vouch for the spectacle), this world-class lineup includes UK Military Bands from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF, the New Zealand Defence Force, Australian Defence Force, His Majesty's Royal Marines, Norway's King's Guard Band and Drill Team, Japan's Air Self-Defense Force, Tonga's Royal Corps of Musicians, and fan-favourite Top Secret Drum Corps. Scottish actor Terence Rae brings the storytelling, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei delivers the welcome, and local bands, including Auckland Police Pipes and Drums, join the mix. Stirring music, military precision, cultural displays, cutting-edge lighting, immersive sound, and stunning visuals all under the stars at Eden Park for three nights of pageantry that blends timeless British Armed Forces tradition with modern performance. It's the Tattoo's most ambitious international stadium production to date.

Splore Festival

20-22 February | Tāpapakanga Regional Park | $$$

Image credit: Splore Festival | Supplied

A true icon of the summer calendar, Splore Festival is back for yet another celebration in the sun. Returning to Tāpapakanga Regional Park on February 20-22, this latest iteration centres around the theme 'being' and includes the likes of Röyksopp, Nightmares on Wax, Parson James, Franca and a host of grassroots talent to turn your taringas to. Tickets on sale now.

By day a divorcee. A wildly successful 'cliterature' author with a devoted online following. Tūī Matelau's award-winning debut is sharp, shameless, funny and especially relevant if you've been keeping an eye on booktok at all lately.... Part of Auckland Arts Festival 2026; early bird tickets from $33.

Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival 2026

5–22 March 2026 | Various Venues | Free/Various Pricing

Image credit: Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival | Supplied

The blue whale of Auckland's Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival 2026 is an eighteen-day, city-wide festival returning in March next year. Powerful storytelling, spectacular performance, and the kind of joyful chaos that makes March in Tāmaki Makaurau something special. Tickets on sale, along with the full programme found here (so you can get onto your planning!)

WET

5-15 March 2026 | Te Pou Theatre | $$

Image credit: Te Pou Theatre | Supplied

By day, a mum, a divorcee. By night, a wildly successful 'cliterature' author with a devoted online following. Tūī Matelau's award-winning debut is sharp, shameless, funny and kinda poignant if you've been keeping an eye on booktok at all lately.... (I'm looking at you, Morning Glory Milking Farm). Part of Auckland Arts Festival 2026; early bird tickets from $33.

LINKIN PARK: From Zero World Tour

11 March | Spark Arena | $$$

Image credit: Linkin Park | Facebook

Remember that mixtape you burnt and scrawled with vivid to give to your high-school crush? I do. And I'm pretty sure it featured a few bangers from these guys. Linkin Park, yes, Linkin Park are coming to NZ in March with their new headliner and I, for one, am fizzed. So here's a PSA to go grab those tix.

Mānuka Phuel SYNTHONY Festival

21 March 2026 | Auckland Domain | $$-$$$

Image credit: SYNTHONY | Supplied

Last year, 40,000 people packed the Domain for NZ's biggest one-day music event. In 2026, they're going bigger. Faithless brings their full live band, Peking Duk flies in from across the ditch, and homegrown heroes Shapeshifter, The Black Seeds, and The Exponents round out a stacked main stage. And they're all backed by the SYNTHONY orchestra doing what they do best, plus over on the Pepsi DJ Stage, it's Nice 'n' Urlich, Flamingo Pier, Scary B. Mean, and more keeping the energy relentless. Over 20,000 tickets already gone; don't sleep on this one.

Soweto Gospel Choir

29 March | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre | $$

Image credit: Soweto Gospel Choir | Stefan Meekers Concertphotography

The three-time Grammy®-winning Soweto Gospel Choir is bringing their globally acclaimed show to Christchurch's Town Hall, and if you missed their two sold-out nights earlier this year, now's your second chance to nail down tickets. If you aren't familiar with these incredible performers, they celebrate Nelson Mandela's Freedom Movement and the Civil Rights era with South African liberation songs, gospel classics, and contemporary hits from legends like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Sam Cooke. Dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music—it's an all-ages affair.

& Juliet

9-26 April 2026 | The Civic | $$-$$$

Image credit: G&T Productions | Supplied

What if Juliet didn't follow Romeo into the crypt—and chose her own fate instead? The global smash-hit musical finally lands in Aotearoa, flipping Shakespeare's tragedy into a feel-good, glitter-soaked celebration of second chances, stuffed with Max Martin bangers ('Since U Been Gone,' 'Roar,' '...Baby One More Time'). Kristin Paulse leads as Juliet, with Matu Ngaropo picking up the quill as Shakespeare and Awhimai Fraser—the voice of Matangi in Moana 2—as Anne. Tickets on sale now.

Deftones (& Interpol)

13 May | Spark Arena | $$$

Image credit: Deftones | Facebook

If you like loud guitars and heavy lyrics, then you're probably familiar with both these bands. And if you're familiar with both these bands, then you'll understand how massive this gig is. Deftones are playing at Spark Arena next May, with special guests Interpol and Ecca Vandal on the bill. Not much I can really say other than, hell yeah.

5 Seconds of Summer: Everyone's A Star! World Tour

24 October 2026 | Spark Arena | $$$

Image credit: 5 Seconds of Summer | Facebook

PSA: Aussie pop-rock juggernauts 5SOS are bringing their Everyone's A Star! World Tour to Spark Arena next year. What started as four mates making noise in a Sydney garage has evolved into one of the biggest live acts on the planet, delivering arena-shaking anthems and sing-along moments that hit right in the feels. So here's a heads up—it's an all-ages show, and tickets are live.

Alan Davies: Think Ahead

1 August 2026 | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre | $$

Image credit: Alan Davies | Supplied

Here's something Quite Interesting: after a decade away, beloved QI funny man, Alana Davies, is back on Kiwi shores. Touring nationwide with a brand new hour of material, Think Ahead sees him reckon with getting old. Aren't. We. All.

Dita Von Tesse: Nocturnelle

23 August | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre | $$$

Image credit: @fiestabanphoto | Supplied

The ever-reigning queen of burlesque, Dita Von Teese, returns to New Zealand’s grand stages and awaits audiences in August 2026, with her most enchanting show to date. Nocturnelle will see Dita unveil a bewitching new vision: an exquisite blend of old-Hollywood allure, theatrical magic, and the high-art “Stripscapes” she is known for, all inspired by the magicians of the 19th century. Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch. You know the drill.

Not in Auckland? Check out what's on in Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown this year.

Main image credit: ECBRC | Supplied

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