The New Zealand Festival of Christmas returns to Greytown for a month long celebration with a fresh new theme, A Very Country Christmas. 

Expect five winter weekends of festive fun, including light-up vintage tractors, night markets, rural games, snow, and the popular Illumination Night Walk. 

Much-loved favourites are returning bigger and brighter, alongside a lineup of brand-new country Christmas experiences for 2026, including a Winter Town & Country A&P-style Show, a spectacular Festive Balloon Glow and Bonfire, and the Ride-On Lawnmower Grand Prix, adding unmistakable rural flair to the festival.

Festival highlights for 2026 include:

Big Switch Opening Night – Greytown’s Main Street bursts into life with sparkling lights, country-style fun, Night Markets, and crowd favourites like the Ride on Lawnmower Grand Prix and the much-loved Light Up Tractor Parade

Illumination Night Walk – the sell-out favourite returns, inviting families to wander through a magical, immersive world of lights and interactive wonder at Cobblestones

Festive Night Glow – for one unforgettable evening, Molewood Orchard glows with hot air balloons, crackling bonfires and nostalgic country games under the winter sky

Snowfall on Main Street – step into a winter wonderland as gentle snow flurries, twinkling lights and festive music create a truly magical mid-winter moment

Grand Finale Spectacular – wrap up the festival in style with a lively country street party, complete with markets, a parade, snowfall and a dazzling fireworks final

Many events are free, with ticketed experiences also available, along with kids and adults packages to provide the ultimate experience. 

Keep an eye out for the full programme coming soon.