It’s that magical time again and this weekend’s lineup reads like a pretty rad Christmas wishlist. From LEGO creations to decadent French treats, cuddles with kittens, a dance party, yoga in an art gallery, and the chance to watch creators attempt to fly. Plus, we’ve got all the best spots to see Christmas lights and where to score yourself a real Christmas tree.
Here are 19 epic things to do in Tāmaki Makaurau this weekend.
Friday 9 December
Let Your Imagination Run Wild With LEGO
Giant LEGO Christmas baubles are taking over Aotea Square and we’re here for it. From playing backyard cricket and building sandcastles to eating ice cream and chocolate fish, four giant baubles will be decorated with intricate LEGO bricks featuring all the amazing Kiwi things that epitomise Christmas in Aotearoa. Made from over 42,000 bricks and a total of over 551 hours to build, be sure to show this festive pop-up some love.
Pause For A Moment Of Cuteness
Some days you just want to cuddle a kitten and, luckily, today is that day. Thanks to Nine Lives Orphanage, if you swing by Bunnings Manukau from 5 ‘til 8pm you’ll get to snuggle a kitten for a gold coin donation. While you’re at it, treat yourself to a slice of cake and support all the incredible work 9 Lives Orphanage does to care for and rehabilitate injured, sick and scared cats and kittens.
Dance Yourself Clean
Cult-favourite dancehall, Soap, only has two weeks left on their lease and if that makes you want to cry forever (we feel you) you’ll want to get along to their Penultimatum Party. Featuring Muirs, DJ Azaleas Az and Sophia on the decks, the party starts at 9pm and entry is free so get ready to bust a move. Vibes.
Feast On Tāmaki Makaurau’s Tastiest Food Trucks
The Food Truck Collective is slingin’ all your fave eats this weekend so head along to Onehunga Bay Reserve. The lineup includes Double Dutch Fries, Grownup Donuts, K Pork, Langos, Taste of Rwanda, Vege Pulse, The Roaming Berry and more. Busy Friday? No problem! We’ve also got it on good authority that there’ll be an equally mouthwatering lineup at the Redbull Flugtag on Saturday.
Saturday 10 December
Giggle At The Least Aerodynamic Machines Ever Created
Usher In Christmas With A Massive Celebration
After a two-year hiatus, Tāmaki Makaurau’s biggest Christmas party, a.k.a. Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, is back. Pack a picnic, brush up on those carolling skills, and head along with your friends and fam to this epic event at Auckland Domain. Performers include L.A.B., Lavina Williams, Vince Harder, Tom Batchelor, Ella Monnery Nyree Huyser. Be sure to bring some coin with you on the night to donate to Youthline.
Sort Your Christmas Shopping, Stat
Ceramics are taking centre stage at The Clay Centre Handmade Maker’s Market in Ellerslie which will feature beautiful creations from more than 40 emerging and established potters and ceramicists. From sculptural pieces to jewellery and tableware, there’ll be a tonne of unique Christmas gifts up for grabs (and perhaps even a few gifts for yourself). Swing by from 10am-4pm or check out the other rad markets taking place this weekend.
Spring Clean Your Tech
Speaking of stuff, if you’ve got any old electronics kicking around that you’ve been meaning to get rid of forever, swing by Pakuranga Trinity Methodist Church and get that e-waste recycled once and for all. Hosted by Computer Recycling Ltd you can ditch a whole lot of tired goods for free—from computers and monitors to tablets, modems and phones. Other bits and bobs are accepted for a small fee.
Sunday 11 December
Make Your Sunday A Little French
Little French Cafe is serving seductive French treats. You won’t be able to look away and you’ll, for sure, want to get involved. Your ticket includes a glass of Charles Orban Champagne, a French cheese platter, Christmas savoury puff pastries, honey-glazed ham brioche rolls, Christmas sweet treats a plenty, and a mouthwatering masterclass with chef Ben Chèvre. Grab your ticket to Little French Christmas, stat.
Find The Artistry In Your Yoga Practice
Yoga meets Picasso in these immersive Hatha-style yoga sessions at the Auckland Art Gallery. Surrounded by an ever-changing array of historic and modern artwork this is a yoga class like no other, and it’s your last chance to get amongst for 2022. The class runs from 9-10am and is guided by qualified yoga teacher, Penny Hacking. Stretch, strengthen and expand your understanding of self and life in a stunning setting. Namasté to that.
Bask In The Sounds Of Summer
Live it up this Sunday with round two of the Steinlager Summer Sessions. With Dick Johnson on the decks and special deals on icy cold Steinlager Ultra Low Carb, not to mention a lip-smackingly good Fish & Chippery on site to keep you fueled. If this sounds like a bit of you, head to Northcote Tavern from 12-5pm. Entry is free.
Treat Yourself With Kindness
If you’ve had a bit of a rough week, or maybe you’re working through something at the moment, you might like to head on over to the Ellen Melville Centre this Sunday. From 11am-2pm every Sunday anyone in need of a chill space can hang out and chat to one of the team members over a cuppa, for free. All are welcome.
All Weekend
Go Full Weekend Warrior
Fancy yourself low-key fit AF? Maybe you eat burpees for breakfast and climb ropes like it’s nobody’s business. If that’s the case you’ll want to nab a cheeky last-minute ticket to one of the Spartan Auckland races happening this weekend at Barry Curtis Park. Choose from a 10km Night Trail, a 10km Super (with 25 glorious obstacles), a 5km Sprint (with 20 obstacles), a kids' race or something called a Hurricane Heat. Get ready to flex. AROO.
Treat Yourself To A Real Christmas Tree
Nothing says ‘festive’ like a real Christmas tree and the gorgeous scent of fresh pine needles that comes with it. Now that it’s officially December, the time is now—secure yourself the real deal, raid your attic for the decorations and go full festive. Not sure where to scoop up some serious pine? We’ve done the hard work for you. Read this.
Glow-Bathe In Christmas Lights
Strolling up and down a street full of brightly lit houses is practically a rite of passage at Christmastime (as well as a jolly way of getting your steps in). Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up all the best spots for getting your glow on in Tāmaki Makaurau, from Franklin Road and the Sky Tower, to Glenbrook Vintage Railway and everything in between. Pick your fave and get ready to pound the pavement. It’s going to be lit (sorry not sorry).
Deck The Halls With Loads Of Laughter
Get ready to jingle your bells, Basement Theatre’s highly-anticipated annual Christmas show is back and runs all the way until 23 December. This year the festivities are brought to life by Heartthrobs, some of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most hilarious improvisers led by Brynley Stent, Alice Canton and Rhiannon McCall, and featuring a different celebrity guest each night. Who will save Christmas before the mall closes? Watch, spellbound, as these talented artists SLEIGH the night.
Meet Barbs
Auckland Museum’s getting steamy with the arrival of Barbara, a female T. Rex skeleton set to pair off with the hyper rare male T.Rex, Peter. Promising to be “the envy of every museum around the world” get yourself along for a peep, armed with a whole lot of woahhh. Barbara will be with us until the end of 2023 so you can expect bones on bones for quite some time. What a time to be alive.
Stumble Upon A Relic Of The Past
Take a wander along Queen Street and you’ll likely discover an impressive glass orb. The WW1 Memorial Beacon was first lit on 17 December 1915 to represent a safe journey home for our troops who were being evacuated from Gallipoli. Recently restored using 3D modelling tech, the structure stands tall once again, in striking remembrance of those gone before.
Be Awe-Inspired By The Art Of Black Grace ⅕
If you think you know immersive events, think again. The Art Of Black Grace ⅕ is a mesmerizing dance experience that’s part performance, part exhibition, and part archive. Step into a massive 360-degree structure lined with LED panels and prepare to be blown away. We don’t want to give too much away but rest assured you should definitely get yourself a ticket and then pop along to Wynyard Quarter’s Karanga Plaza between now and 10 December.
Get Your Fix Of Frida
If you haven't heard, artworks by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are at the Auckland Art Gallery in a spellbinding exhibition called 'Art & Life In Modern Mexico'. Cast your eyes on over 150 artworks by cultural icons Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, including Kahlo's stunning self-portraits, and learn all about their drive to articulate a new Mexican art. Alongside beautiful paintings, you can expect drawings, murals, photography and work by other leading artists.
In a bit of a present crisis? Check out our jam-packed Christmas gift guides.
Image credit: RedBull Flugtag.