HELP SPRINKLE A LITTLE MORE MAGIC INTO OUR FESTIVAL

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HELP SPRINKLE A LITTLE MORE MAGIC INTO OUR FESTIVAL ⭐ DONATE HERE ⭐

27 June - 26 July 2025

Greytown is home to the happiest festival in New Zealand

the Festival of Christmas

In the depths of winter, whilst most people are staying inside watching Netflix, here in Greytown we’re donning our Christmas jumpers, gathering around the outdoor braziers and having some good old fashioned fun. Our mid-winter festival is a month-long celebration designed to bring friends and family together. Set to a backdrop of spectacular lighting, festive food, events, night markets, workshops, beautiful displays, live entertainment and even snow, it’s a place to get together and create special memories.

Meet Hari, our adorable 2025 festival mascot!

This delightful pooch will be spreading joy throughout New Zealand's happiest winter celebration. Don't miss out - mark your calendar and join us in Greytown for an unforgettable experience!

Festival Highlights

  • Make Hari dance!

    Meet Hari, our gorgeous mascot for this year’s festival. This precious little pooch will be spreading Christmas cheer all month! Hari will be making appearances delightful ways to welcome guests from near and far. One minute he’ll be sprinkling snow, nek minute he’s dancing on our buildings (through animated light projections). There are even collectable Hari soft toy’s that you can take home.

    But perhaps the most clever of his tricks is making him - and his four-legged friends - dance. Simply scan the QR code, pick a dog’s name, and they’ll perform their best dog tricks. Best seen at night, at the Town Hall. Proudly supported by Harvey Norman Masterton.

  • Cocktails & Comedy

    Get ready for a cracking night of entertainment, as Greytown Distilling Company brings world-class stand-up comedy to Greytown once again. See award-winning kiwi comedians perform live by the fireplace at The White Swan every Wednesday. Four different comedians in all.

    Each evening includes a Greytown Distilling Company Gin Cocktail and 45 minutes of belly-laughing entertainment. With strictly limited tickets they’ll sell out fast! Make a night of it and add on a pre- or post-show meal.

  • Snowfall on Main

    In what has become a firm festival favourite, Met Service have confirmed that glorious snow will be flurrying outside the Town Hall every Friday and Saturday night throughout the festival.

    Set to music and lights, get a taste of a northern hemisphere White Christmas right here in NZ, and enjoy this magical selfie experience! Grab a bite to eat from the range of food trucks on offer, and prepare for snow. Proudly supported by FreshChoice Greytown.

  • Food Glorious Food

    An abundance of festivities are packed into one month with parties, delicious menus and special feasting events including the famous Oyster Saloon at Aperitif, and some specially curated Christmas menus from our amazing cafés and restaurants. Plus there’s food trucks galore dotted throughout the village for your eating pleasure as you soak up the atmosphere.

  • Get Your Craft On

    We have an incredible array of creative workshops this year. From wreath-making and letter press workshops, through to giant knitting, Christmas crocheting and kids snow globes, you’ll be inspired and learn something new! Make a crafternoon of it, and get your creativity flowing.

  • Agatha Christie's The Count & The Curse: A Play for Live Radio

    Greytown Little Theatre presents a special 1940s Radio Play POP UP at Cobblestones during the Festival of Christmas!

    Two Hercule Poirot radio mysteries in one! In this radio play, Agatha Christie’s dapper detective is on the case in two of his earliest whodunnits, “The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman” and “The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb.”

  • Cocktails & Constellations

    An evening of stars, stories, superb cocktails. Start with a welcome cocktail and canapés. Then, armed with the most excellent time machines, Hari and Sam from Star Safari — an astrobiologist and an astrophysicist — take alien spotting to a whole new level. Using their extra-large telescopes, they’ll take you back in time.

    This will be a memorable night indeed. Proudly supported by Hillview Property Investments.

  • Outdoor Dining, Winter-Style

    Cosy up under the stars with epic outdoor dining spots dotted in and around Main Street from 4pm – 8pm every Friday and Saturday this festival season.

    At Truckstop, you’ll find smashed burgers, Asian street food, sweet treats, and mulled wine around the brazier. Then there’s Food Truck Central, set amongst the snow at The Town Hall, with sweet and savoury food, leaners, outdoor heaters, and festive music. The Gin Garden Bar at The White Swan brings festive cocktails, live music, and mulled gin magic. There’s more deliciousness at Stella Bull Park and The Greytown Lands Trust Food Hub. You’ll be spoilt for choice.

  • Alexia’s Winter Wine Series

    This July, Alexia Urban Winery invites you to three spectacular Saturdays of wine, food, and festive fun — each event full of flavour, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.

    First up, ‘Carnevale’ Paninoteca Bar brings a slice of Venice to Greytown.

    Then it’s time for a twist on tradition with Pinot Noir Mardi Gras — a not-so-serious Pinot masterclass. It’s informal, informative, and irresistibly Wairarapa.

    Finally, say grüezi to the Alps at the Fondue Chalet, Alexia’s one-day-only wine and fondue festival.

    Three events. Three unforgettable Saturdays. One fabulous little winery.

  • The Crown Picture Theatre

    Opening for a short pop-up season The Crown returns as Greytown’s boutique picture theatre.

    With a cosy 40 seats per screening and the very latest big screen and sound technology supplied by the wonderful team at Newbolds 100% Masterton, get ready to relive some classic films at special 4pm screenings during the Festival. You’ll also be able to enjoy a delightful range of snacks and beverages during your entertainment experience.

    Choose from a range of romantic classics sponsored by Mrs Blackwell’s Village Bookshop or immerse yourself in the 1970s and 80s with Mr Blackwell’s childhood heroes on the giant Crown screen, thanks to Newbolds 100%.

  • Oysters and Champagne with Martin Bosley

    Martin Bosley is back in the Aperitif courtyard, with one delicious night during the Finale. Join the culinary legend himself as he works his oyster-shucking magic while you sip on crisp Champagne or a warming mulled wine. With live tunes, outdoor heaters and amazing lighting as your backdrop, it’s your perfect excuse to gather your friends and lean into the festive feels.

    No bookings, no fuss — just rock up, rug up, and indulge.

  • Christmas Carnival Grand Finale

    Did someone say Fireworks?

    Yes. Yes we did.

    The action kicks off from 3pm for the Grand Finale of Aotearoa’s happiest mid-winter festival. We’re closing off Main Street so you can wander freely, soak up the last flutterings of snow, explore the Night Markets, and eat, drink, and be merry.

    When evening falls, get ready for an unforgettable street party and Carnival parade – Wairarapa style!

    Fireworks take place at 7.45pm.

Let’s make Festival of Christmas 2025 the most magical yet.