Experience the magic of a winter Christmas!
Bring the family to Greytown this July and experience the most magical little Christmas Festival in New Zealand.
Greytown will be glowing like never before with an incredible programme of lights, decorations, and activities taking place for the entire month.
The Festival has all the hallmarks of a cosy Northern Hemisphere winter escape – with spectacular lighting displays right along our Main Street, interactive family activities, Night Markets, Matariki, Christmas parties, celebrations, and more. With free family activities taking place every day, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Here are our top picks that all the family will love.
Main Street Glow
Every night from 5pm, Greytown’s Main Street will be glowing with spectacular lighting displays and world-class projections. Stroll along each evening at your leisure and soak up the special festive atmosphere.
Matariki Art in the Park
A community event celebrating Matariki Art, created by the talented art students and children of Greytown on Saturday, 3 & 10 July from 10am - 3pm at Stella Bull Park.
Family Fun each Saturday at Cobblestones!
At Cobblestones Museum, history will come alive every Saturday afternoon throughout July. There will be old-fashioned games: stilts, hobby horses, quoits, hula hoops on the lawn for the kids and a sausage sizzle plus afternoon teas for the adults.
Festival of Christmas Night Market
European Style Night Markets and street dining will be on from 5-8pm every Saturday throughout July. Rug up and enjoy street dining at its best – right in the centre of Greytown. Sample a Schoc hot chocolate or a heart-warming mulled wine, delicious food and other goodies – and keep toasty by the outdoor heaters. The festive lights will be glowing, the live music will be playing – just like Christmas in the movies!
Celebrate Matariki at Cobblestones
Play traditional Maori games, make poi, and hear the origin story of Matariki from Greytown's own TiMaTa Collaborations. Enjoy Fried Bread, hot soup and ham rolls, and mulled wine while listening to live NZ music by local folk musician Niels Gedge on Saturday 10 July from 1pm.
Kids Clay Christmas Decorations with Ventana Creative
Using air-drying clay to make Christmas decorations is so easy, and so much fun! Kids will be able to roll out clay, cut out shapes and decorate on 14 & 22 July from 10am.
Schoc Kids Chocolate Discovery Workshop
Kids can get behind the scenes of Schoc Chocolates and create their own unique chocolate creatures. They’ll learn some tips and tricks and most importantly taste chocolate on Friday 16 & 23 July with two session times.
The Magic of Miniatures Exhibition
A lovely wee handcrafted exhibition for all the family to enjoy. View life in miniature - from the Crown Jewels to a kitchen sink! Includes a children’s competition, a free workshop for children, and a chance to buy your own miniatures. No need to book, just pay at the venue with a family concession on 17 & 18 July at 10am.
Drive-in Movie Night with Greytown School
Watch a classic movie on the outdoor screen from the warmth and comfort of your vehicle. Grab a bite from local food trucks, and enjoy delicious homemade treats made by the families on Friday 30 July with two screening at 5pm and 8pm.
Kids Art Workshop with Jo Tyson
Jo Tyson is an artist, a mother, a teacher and an artist who paints the environment, who has travelled from Nelson to share her joy with Greytown! In this session on Friday 30 July at 3.30pm, Jo teaches the love of art to children with acrylic paint and pastels.
With so many brilliant family-friendly events, why not stay for the school holidays. We can't wait to see you and your family this July as we celebrate a little Christmas winter magic in Greytown Village.
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