Summer, sun, beach, blooming pohutukawa trees escort Christmas in New Zealand and influence Christmas decorations and the way New Zealander celebrate.
Events small and big bring people and communities together. There are advent fairs, Christmas parades, Christmas in the park and many family gatherings to sing along Christmas carols.
Local communities meet in parks to sing and picnic. They also organise their own Christmas parade where schools and businesses walk along or accompany floats. Leading to the pivot day: Christmas day the 25th December.
This is one of the very rare days in New Zealand that everything is closed but a camp ground. The New Zealand holiday season has a double meaning. For one it is Christmas at the same time it is the beginning of the summer break in school and companies. Therefore it happens for travellers to witness scenes like on this Christmas photo.
Students finished their final term and are looking forward to an exciting summer vacating, outdoor, and beach activities. Many trade and service businesses close until the second January week.
While all tourism related services and retail outlets have their busiest time of the year. It is peak travelling time for New Zealander and overseas tourists alike.
Christmas Events Leading Towards Christmas Day:
Advent Fair
Sunday 22nd November 10 am – 3pm
5 Helios Place, Titirangi
Location is the Titirangi Steiner School who invites the whole family for a Christmas preparing day out. Theme related activities like story telling, live music, New Zealand Christmas shopping of unique Christmas gifts, creating your own advents wreath, take a cafe break, and let the children absorb in many other craft actions.
Sunday 29 November 2009, 2 pm – 3.30 After Party 3.30pm – 5.30 Rain date Sunday 6 December 2009 Queen Street, Auckland
One of Auckland’s main streets, the Queen Street comes very differently alive. Closed for traffic, footpaths filled with young and old excitedly awaiting the Christmas Parade. Celebrities and well known Characters by foot and on floats interchange with music groups present a colourful spectacle.
The after Party fills Lorne and Rutland Streets with music and TV2 celebrities.
Parking will be FREE for vehicles exiting between the hours of 12 noon and 6pm Downtown, Victoria Street, Karangahape Road
www.santaparade.co.nz www.maxx.co.nz Public transport www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/parking Parking info
