Festival of Christmas

Come and be part of the Greytown Festival of Christmas this July, with a month-long programme of spectacular lights, workshops, events, Matariki activities, markets, parties, food and family fun.

This July, the forecast is for snow, a sparkling winter wonderland through the streets, where Matariki celebrations bring a distinct kiwi flavour, and whanau, friends and family can come together to shop, eat, and drink!

Check out the highlights below, or click here for the full programme.

The WBS Big Switch 
Saturday 1 July from 3pm
See the magical lights switched on for the first time, with live music, street performers, Night Markets, fireworks, and of course snow! Check out the Main Street Glow every night from 5.30pm.

Matariki Magic
Matariki long weekend from 13 – 16 July
Mark the start of the Māori lunar new year and celebrate our cultural heritage with Matariki Art in the Park, free Matariki Stargazing, and free kids Matariki Harakeke Whetū workshops.

Let it Snow
Every Friday and Saturday night from 6pm - 8pm
Snow will flurry outside the Town Hall set to music and lights, a guaranteed magical snowfall selfie experience! 

Mid Winter Feasting
Check out delicious menus and special feasting events including the famous Oyster Saloon at Aperitif, a Mid-Winter Party at Rose & Smith, Alexia Hotdogs & Wine and Alexia Pinot & Pies, along with food trucks galore and plenty more!

The White Swan Gin & Spice Pop Up Bar
Every Friday and Saturday from 3pm
Set in the amazing garden bar at The White Swan with scrumptious foodtruck fare, hot chocolates and marshmallows to roast over the open fire!

Festive Crafternoons
Get your creativity flowing with an abundance of workshops. Try Schoc Chocolate Therapy, Honey Spa, Jolly Jumper Workshop, Velvet Stencilling, Winter Flower Arranging, Pinot & Picasso, or Creative Styling at Designer Clothing Gallery. Check out plenty more here. 

The festival has quickly grown into a new tradition, with all the hallmarks of a Northern Hemisphere winter escape, but with our own kiwi flavour. It brings together families, school children, community groups and locals, and attracts people from all around New Zealand to eat, drink, shop and celebrate in Greytown.