New Zealand Festival of Christmas

The happiest festival in New Zealand is back this winter! 27 June – 25 July 2026

Get your Christmas jumpers (and gumboots) ready!
The New Zealand Festival of Christmas returns this winter with a brand-new theme for 2026:

A Very Country Christmas

This July, Greytown transforms into Aotearoa's cosiest destination, celebrating classic kiwi Christmas with a proudly rural, mid-winter twist.

Crackling braziers, glowing lights, festive food and drinks, mulled wine and gin, all wrapped in small-town hospitality. Rug up and wander Main Street with friends and whānau.

Much-loved favourites return bigger and brighter: the iconic Light Up Truck & Tractor Parade, Cocktails and Comedy, and the magical Illumination Night Walk.

New for 2026: a Winter Town & Country A&P-style Show, spectacular Festive Balloon Glow and Bonfire, and the Ride-On Lawnmower Grand Prix - adding unmistakable rural flair.

It's a full month of festive fun, country-style. It may not be the biggest festival in the world, but it is the happiest. Block out your calendar for Greytown this winter, we have some amazing, memorable events, workshops and winter fun for the whole whanau"