Things to do  |  12 Dec 2025

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Celebrate summertime in Christchurch and get into the festive fun - here's your low cost guide to the weekend.

Pool Party - School’s Out For Summer!

What time is it? Summertime! Say goodbye to schoolwork and hello to the ultimate pool party at Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre to kick off your summer break. Whether you want to have a splash, test your obstacle course skills, or bounce into summer on a bouncy castle, we’ve got something for you! Head along to Te Hāpua from midday to 5pm Saturday.

Plus, get amongst the fun and join us for the second heat of our summer-long manu competition. Hit the water and afterwards enjoy free ice-cream from our sponsor, Streets, and unwind on our GIANT inflatables. More info on our website.

New Brighton Seaside Christmas Parade

Come along to the seaside in New Brighton for a lively community parade, Christmas shopping and lots of festive fun. Meet Santa on the beach and watch a fun community Christmas Parade.

Listen to live entertainment and enjoy a wonderful array of arts, crafts, giftware and delicious food. The New Brighton Seaside Christmas Parade will be on from 10am – 2pm Saturday.

Festive Fun 2025

Festive Fun is back at The Arts Centre for 2025. Celebrate the season with our packed Festive Fun programme of concerts, singalongs, a Holiday Fun Zone, sweet treats, Christmas shopping, and a sleigh-load more.

Make Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre your destination for all things merry and bright this festive season. Check out the full programme online, on until Sunday 21 December.

South Christchurch Farmers' Market Christmas Market

Come along to the South Christchurch Farmers' Market Christmas Market and check out all your usual quality, fresh produce stalls plus seasonal fruits and extra arts, crafts and specialty stalls created by local artisans.

Stock up on fresh, quality local produce for Christmas Day and browse the additional arts and crafts at 370 Colombo Street this Sunday.

The Vegan Night Mākete - Christmas Special

Christchurch’s monthly Vegan Night Mākete is back, and this time it’s a Christmas special. The Christmas Special event boosts extra stalls, many gift-related, as well as our annual raffle draw, a Santa Clause lolly scramble, and special guests in the form of Irish Dancers.

Come along to Phillipstown Community Hub from 5 – 8pm Saturday.