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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 2025 mascot!

Our 2025 festival mascot Hari – the delightful festival pooch - will be spreading joy and cheer. Make sure you’re part of New Zealand’s happiest festival. Block out your calendar, and be sure to visit Greytown this winter.

FESTIVAL DATES: FRIDAY 27 JUNE - SATURDAY 26 JULY 2025

Scroll down to see our festival highlights, or click here for the calendar of events.

Festival Highlights

  • Big Switch Opening Night

    Be on Main Street on Friday 27 June, for a special opening night to kick off the festivities. We're closing off Main Street, so you can roam through the village and enjoy live music, entertainment, food trucks and Night Markets. Hot air balloon burners will fire up the centre of Main Street, adding drama and warmth! Once darkness falls, see the magical projection lights being switched on for the first time, admire the incredible WWII spotlight that shines far up into the sky, and bask in sprinklings of snow. Rug up, get some festive food, hot chocolates and mulled wine, and soak up the festive atmosphere. An opening night for the whole community to enjoy, thanks to Greytown Lands Trust. Don't miss it!

  • 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.

  • Roll up to The Circus Hub

    Discover the magic of the big top, and learn your own performances! Kids Circus School workshops, hosted by the expert trainers from The Circus Hub, will teach the fundamentals of hand balancing, juggling, and tumbling. Children can learn amazing skills and have a blast—circus-style! This will be the ultimate school holiday activity, with options for different ages and abilities.

  • 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, a mid-winter feast at Greytown Hotel, 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 croqueting and kids snow globes, you’ll be inspired and learn something new! Make a crafternoon of it, and get your creativity flowing.

  • A Creative Christmas with Sylvia Sandford

    Celebrate the season in style with two inspiring events from Grace Greytown, hosted by the ever-talented Sylvia Sandford – designer, decorator, speaker, writer, and culinary creative.

    The Art of Living: Get practical tips for transforming your home, inside and out.

    Cook & Taste: Enjoy tastings, lively conversation, and a take-home recipe workbook.

    Be inspired, and add a dash of creativity, style and flavour to your home.

  • Grand Finale Spectacular – Carnival-style!

    Experience the grand finale of Aotearoa’s happiest mid-winter festival. We're closing off Main Street, so you can soak up the last fluttering’s of snow, and eat, drink and be merry! There will be markets, a street parade with a carnival twist, fabulous entertainment, fireworks and surprises that promise to dazzle and delight! A huge thanks to our friends at South Wairarapa District Council.

  • Did someone say Fireworks?

    Yes. Yes we did.

    Witness this unforgettable celebration as part of the 2025 Festival Grand Finale.

    Gather with friends and family for a spectacular ten-minute show of vibrant colours and holiday cheer. It wouldn’t be an explosive end to the festivities without it. Takes place at 7.45pm.

  • Christmas House Tour

    Step inside with Greytown’s inaugural Mid-Winter Christmas House Tour — a rare chance to explore a handpicked collection of beautifully decorated private homes, each transformed with inspiring Christmas furnishings.

    Whether you’re a design lover, a Christmas enthusiast, or simply after a dose of winter magic, this tour is a must-do.

    Sponsored by Dave and Jennah of Property Brokers, supporting Hospice Wairarapa, this will be a celebration of style, creativity, and cheer.

    Email Shelley@hospicewairarapa.co.nz for advanced ticket access.

  • Illumination Night Walk

    Wander through an enchanting interactive light show at Cobblestones gardens, as it transforms into a glowing wonderland, filled with bright displays, magical soundscapes, and delightful surprises. Hop across colour-changing pathways, weave through the illuminated paths and explore this nighttime adventure.

    Perfect for all ages, this immersive experience blends fun with creativity. Tickets are limited and will sell fast. Don’t delay.

  • Carousel Family Fun Zone

    Take a nostalgic spin into the past with a ride on our vintage carousel—providing classic fun for the whole family! With hand-painted horses, joyful tunes and gentle lights, it’s filled with old-school, charm. Tucked in a laneway just off Main Street, complete with glow sticks and family-friendly treats, it’s an essential stop on your festive experience.  Proudly supported by Holmes Construction.

  • 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.

  • Oysters and Champagne with Martin Bosley

    Martin Bosley is back in the Aperitif courtyard, for two delicious nights. Join the culinary legend himself 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.

  • Light-up Tractor & Truck Parade


    The beloved Light-up Tractor Parade is back, and this year we’re adding trucks, vintage cars and even ride-on lawnmowers! This crowd favourite will light up Main Street with a procession of glowing beauties, lovingly decorated by their owners.

    Bring your whānau and friends to enjoy the Christmas convoy. Then head to Greytown Primary School to see them up close, grab a bite to eat, and vote for your favourite vehicle. Great prizes from One NZ, proud sponsor of this fantastic evening of light, community, and fun!

  • 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.

  • Molewood Orchard Festive Bonfire Inferno

    One epic fire. One magical night. Join us at Molewood Orchard for the Festive Bonfire Inferno, where flames reach for the stars. This fiery celebration features the region’s biggest-ever bonfire, lighting up the night sky in spectacular style.

    This event is in support of Greytown Fire Brigade, who’ll be on site keeping things safe. Come and support our local heroes while enjoying one of the season’s hottest highlights.

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