Festival Highlights

Kick off the festivities on Saturday 27 June with a spectacular rural celebration. Main Street turns into a Town and Country show of sorts, where you can spin the wheel to win a meat pack, cheer on your favourite backyard hero in our Ride on Lawnmower Grand Prix, or play old-school games. As darkness falls, see the magical lights get switched on for the first time, and enjoy the much-loved Light Up Tractor Parade as it rolls through the village.

Browse the Night Markets and sample delicious food truck treats, grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine, enjoy the entertainment, the snowfall and festive music through the streets.

Main Street will be closed to traffic so you can roam freely and soak up the atmosphere. Throw on your winter coat or your Christmas jumper and join us for an opening night to remember, thanks to Greytown Lands Trust.

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Back by overwhelming demand, our Illumination Night Walk returns after a sellout season in 2025, and it’s set to shine even brighter this year. Now extended to 10 magical nights during the school holidays, from 3–12 July, the grounds of Cobblestones Heritage Museum will once again transform into an enchanting, interactive light experience for the whole family. 

See fresh light installations and new interactive elements and soundscapes, as you wander through dazzling illuminated displays, in this one-of-a-kind evening adventure. Tickets also include a glow in the dark play dough station.

Festival Sparkle Pack early bird tickets are open now. Book here

For one night only, Molewood Orchard becomes a glowing wonderland. Step through the hidden door and follow illuminated pathways into the heart of the orchard, where hot air balloons are inflated and will glow, tethered to the ground and set to music. There’s also plenty of old-school rural entertainment, like cornhole, gumboot throwing and tug of war, where local towns battle it out for the title.

Grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks, toast marshmallows over the open fire, and gather around the bonfire as you soak up the magic of this unforgettable evening. Proudly supporting the Greytown Fire Brigade.

Festival Sparkle Pack early bird tickets are open now. Book here

Experience the grand finale of Aotearoa’s happiest mid-winter festival! Main Street will be closed, giving you the perfect spot to enjoy the last flutterings of snow while you feast, drink, and be merry. Explore bustling markets, cheer on a country-style street parade, enjoy fabulous entertainment, and discover surprises that will dazzle and delight.

And yes… there will be fireworks! Gather friends and family for a ten-minute spectacle of colour and cheer. An unforgettable, explosive end to the 2026 Festival, country style.

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Centrally located in an alleyway on Main Street, Truckstop is the perfect outdoor dining spot. With festoon lights, braziers, music and plenty of seating, it’s ideal for tucking into smashed burgers, Asian street food and sweet treats, best enjoyed with a mulled wine or hot drink by the fire. It’s mid-winter dining as it should be - made for catching up with friends.

Just across the road, Food Truck Central keeps things going against a snow-filled, musical backdrop at The Town Hall, with sweet and savoury bites, heaters and festive tunes.

Further along, The White Swan Garden Bar pours its famous mulled gin alongside local wines and food truck fare, with live music and a roaring outdoor fire. More options await at Stella Bull Park. Every Friday and Saturday evening, plus Thursday 9 July.

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A festival favourite returns! MetService has confirmed that magical snow flurries will fall outside the Town Hall every Friday and Saturday night throughout the festival. Plus there’s an extra flurry to welcome the stars before Matariki on Thursday 9 July.

With music, lights and a flurry of snow, you can experience the charm of a Northern Hemisphere White Christmas right here in Greytown. Step into the snowfall, snap a festive selfie, and enjoy the winter magic.

Pick up something delicious from the nearby food trucks, rug up warm, and gather your friends and whānau for this enchanting winter moment. A firm festival highlight – no visit to the festival is complete without it.

Proudly supported by Fresh Choice Greytown.

Right in the heart of Greytown - and at the centre of the festival - you can dine under the snow.

Greytown’s iconic country hotel, The White Swan, brings a distinctly Wairarapa take on mid-winter Christmas. Set on the front deck of this much-loved local, you’ll dine outdoors as soft flurries drift down overhead to a backdrop of festive feel-good music.

Expect generous, delicious food, a perfectly spiced mulled gin in hand, and the warm, welcoming hospitality The Swan is known for. It’s festive without the fuss -just good food, good company, and a touch of winter magic in the centre of town.

Available Sunday – Thursday throughout the festival.

Book now

Back for 2026, Raybon Kan returns to the festival stage with a brand-new stand-up show, live at Studio 73 in the heart of Greytown. Known for his sharp wit, thoughtful humour and unmistakable style, Raybon brings a fresh set of laughs to two nights only, on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July.

Expect clever, offbeat comedy with plenty to savour, delivered with the ease of a performer who knows exactly how to read a room. Whether you’re a long-time fan or catching him for the first time, this is festival comedy at its best—intimate, intelligent, and not to be missed.

Tickets on sale 1 May.

Aotearoa’s culinary legend Martin Bosley returns for two nights only, where he’ll be shucking fresh, delicious oysters in the Aperitif courtyard. Sip on crisp French Champagne or mulled wine, enjoy live tunes by the outdoor heaters, with the amazing lighting as your backdrop. It’s your perfect excuse to gather your friends and lean into the festive feels. 

You’ll be hard pushed to find a better way to soak up the festival atmosphere. Last year, Boz was shucked out in two hours, so get there early and indulge like there’s no tomorrow. Located in the Aperitif courtyard, right in the heart of Main Street.

Saturday 27 June and Saturday 25 July. No booking required.

Have you met Ruru, the festival’s cheeky little owl mascot? 🦉 He’s full of festive magic, dancing in light projections, sprinkling snow, and bringing heaps of holiday cheer! Watch him make it snow while you enjoy the festive fun.

The only way to get your very own Ruru soft toy is to grab a festival pack and pick him up, and don’t forget to snap a photo with him while you’re there! Or, grab a Ruru pin to show your support both financially and in spirit, with a portion of your purchase going towards the cost of this free, joyful festival of fun.

See you at the festival, can’t wait for all the magic and fun!

Buy Ruru now!

At Alexia Urban Winery, winemaker Jane Cooper brings the energy with a series of lively weekend events celebrating wine, flavour and fun. Join Jane in conversation with Mrs Blackwell’s Village Bookshop owner, Millie Blackwell, as they explore the art of matching books to wine, at Between the Wines & the Lines.

Then there’s Pies & Pinot. Nothing beats a classic wine and pie combo, so 2026 sees the return of this world-famous (in Greytown) pop-up.

Then there’s Champagne Country: An Insider’s Méthode Traditionnelle Experience – say no more!

Or our personal favourite, Hot Cheese Shack, where you can celebrate the greatest wine and food combination of all….wine and hot cheese! Come thirsty, curious and ready for seriously good times.

Buy Tickets to Between the Wines & the Lines.

Buy Tickets to Champagne Country: An Insider’s Méthode Traditionnelle Experience

More info on Hot Cheese Shack and Pies & Pinots

Get creative this winter, or learn something new with our Crafternoon series. Discover the joy of writing by hand with the Introduction to Italic Writing, or add art to your travel journal in a relaxed and welcoming workshop.

Kids can also be part of the fun and make their own festive reindeer out of recycled crafts, or for those who want to do the mahi and get the treats, the Schoc chocolate workshops are a must. A great thing to do with friends or on your own for a bit of self-discovery.

Recycled Reindeers, book here

Scented Candles, book here

Aperitif are bringing a touch of elegance to the festive season. Enjoy a delightful mid-winter Christmas High Tea with all the good bits, where you can indulge in scrumptious finger sandwiches, the fluffiest of scones, and beautifully crafted petite fours.

If you’re more of a traditionalist, the Roast Toast and Be Merry is a must. A delicious Christmas Roast, just as you’d expect it, with tender cooked meats, seasonal sides, and all the festive trimmings.

Book now for the high tea

Book now for the Christmas Roast

Our Community Christmas Tree stands proudly in the centre of town, adorned with lights and our gorgeous 2026 mascot Ruru the Morepork, decorated by local children. It’s the perfect spot for a photo.

Even better, head to The Offering or The White Swan to decorate your own. Located in Max Edridge Piazza, and proudly supported by Greytown Lands Trust.

Celebrate the joy of creativity at the New Zealand Festival of Christmas with three inspiring workshops that bring words, colour and memory together.

Slow down and capture the magic of Greytown through the art of travel journaling, learning simple watercolour techniques to turn observations, colours and moments into expressive pages. Then discover the timeless beauty of elegant handwriting in a gentle introduction to italic writing with Gareth Rapson, who will guide participants through a series of lessons designed to transform everyday handwriting into something graceful and expressive.

Suitable for all ages and skill levels, these relaxed sessions invite you to sketch, write and reflect. Participants will even create a festival-inspired journal page to take home, the perfect beginning to a travel journal filled with memories of the festival. Handouts are provided, and traditional fountain pens will be available to try on the day. Your gift cards just levelled up.

Rediscover the Joy of Writing by Hand: Introduction to ​I​talic Writing

Learn to Add Art to Your Travel Journal with Elena Brambilla

Travel Writing Workshop: How to Write a Journey