Central city, Things to do  |  Yesterday

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North Hagley Park will be the place for young and old to come together and countdown to the start of 2026 with music, dance, singing and fireworks.

After last year's Christchurch City Council New Year’s Eve events were cancelled due to bad weather, organisers are hoping for a sunny afternoon and a starry night on Wednesday 31 December.

Starting at 4pm the whānau-friendly NYE Kids Countdown with Hydrate IHF includes three hours of games, live music, dance battles - and a special kids’ countdown at 7pm.

Food vendors will be on-site along with free water stations to keep people fed and hydrated. 

Lucy Blackmore, Council Manager of Arts and Entertainment says there will be a party atmosphere at the event, which is safe and fun for all the family.

“We’re lucky to have What Now? alumni Trubie-Dylan Smith return as host this year; he’s a wonderful entertainer who loves to make people laugh and have a good time.

“He’ll be joined on stage by a talented lineup of young performers including headliners The Backseats who'll be leading the celebrations with songs and child-friendly entertainment. We've also got some incredible dancers from That Dance Studio, and DJ Chick will be bringing the beats to get everyone on their feet.”

A massive mock countdown at 7pm with streamers and confetti canons brings the early part of the evening to a close.

Celebrations continue from 8pm to midnight with the main show  NYE25 powered with Hydrate by IHF featuring the genre-bending sounds of roots-reggae-funk-rock band Kora, rising country-rock star Brad Staley, and  high-octane dance duo Dillistrate who last month took home the APRA Silver Maioha Award for their uplifting drum’n’bass waiata Kei Whati Te Marama.

"Along with soul, house and party classics from DJ Sambora we'll wrap up the night and welcome in 2026 with an epic fireworks display. Don't miss it! Entry to the event closes at 11.45pm," says Ms Blackmore. 

NYE25 is a free, all-ages event but is best suited to those aged 15 and up. The New Year’s Eve celebrations are smoke, vape and alcohol-free events. Learn more at What’s On.