Itineraries
Planning a trip to the festival, but unsure on where to start? Check out our itinerary ideas, so you can make the most of your visit.
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Foodies and Couples
One for the lovers…of food, mulled wine and gin, adventures and a good ol’ belly laugh…
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Quality Family Time
Have good old fashioned fun and make special memories with the young, and the young at heart…
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Girls Weekend
A fabulous girls getaway with shopping, crafting, eating and drinking. Indulgence and joy at its best. What more could you ask for…
Foodies and Couples
One for the lovers of food, mulled wine and gin, adventures and themselves.
Friday
Arrive, Sip, and Stroll Beneath the Lights
Arrive in Greytown and check in to one of its character-filled boutique stays like The White Swan, Greyfriars Motel, Oak Estate or further up the road in Masterton at the Copthorne. Village Shuttles are your goto transport from North Wairarapa to South. Once you’ve unpacked and put on something warm and cosy, wander hand-in-hand down the Main Street and enjoy the night sparkle of the village. Fairy lights burst to life, snow falls gently from above (yes, even in New Zealand!), and the entire town takes on the glow of something magical. Take those selfies that you’ll treasure in years to come.
Dinner Option: Book a table at The White Swan for a refined winter menu with local wines, or get cosy at Simplicity for delicious winter fare. After dinner, toast to the weekend with a mulled wine or a Greytown Distilling Co. gin in the best kept secret Garden bar.
Saturday
Morning Markets, Afternoon Tastings, and Bonfire Romance
Begin your day with a late brunch at Main Street Deli or The Offering Café, both known for hearty, beautifully plated meals and great coffee. Then explore the boutique shops of Greytown, filled with local artisan goods, handmade pantry treats, and small-batch spirits. Pick up a treat to take home (or eat immediately).
In the afternoon, make your way to Martin Bosley’s Oyster Saloon. Enjoy the oyster-shucking magic while you sip on crisp Champagne or a warm mulled wine on dates
If you're feeling more casual, graze your way through the food trucks and vendors at festival hotspots. Is wine and cheese your thing? Make the trek to Alexia Urban Winery to enjoy cheesy with fondue washed down with a local Blanc de Blanc or white Pinot.
Dinner Option: Keeping with the midwinter warmers, head to the Orchard Festival Bonfire. A stunning, fiery gathering held at Molewood Orchard Rug up and head out to sip mulled wine around the flames, listen to live music, toast marshmallows, and sneak in a little stargazing from your byo picnic chair. It’s rustic, cosy, and perfect for couples.
Sunday
Slow Starts, Miniatures & A Taste of Nostalgia
Enjoy a slow morning with breakfast in bed or grab takeaway pastries then make your way to The Wonderful World of Miniatures, a delightfully intricate and free exhibition where the attention to detail will charm even the most serious foodies. Afterwards, if you're feeling hands-on, check if the festival workshops are open, some sessions welcome adults and offer a fun, relaxed way to be creative together.
Stroll through the beautiful shops for a quiet moment together among snow-dusted trees and fairy lights. Cap it off with a ride on the Vintage Carousel, you’re never too old for a little whimsy.
Before leaving town, take a final wander through those gift shops for momentos snap a few romantic photos beneath the glittering trees, and enjoy one last workshop on the ultimate calming ritual, making a good cup of tea.
Lunch Option: Wrap up your romantic weekend with a long lunch at the The White Swan enjoying delicious espresso, seasonal menu, and Wairarapa wines served in a relaxed, cosy spot that feels like a secret find.
Please note: not all events and workshops are on every weekend.
Check out the full programme here to see what’s on while you’re in town.
Quality Family Time
Bringing the family? Plan your with some itinerary suggestions:
WeekEND Whānau Fun!
Friday
Check in and feel the Festival Cheer
Roll into Greytown just as the school holiday energy kicks in. Once you’ve checked into a warm and welcoming local motel, think comfy beds, easy parking, and space for the whole crew. Bundle up and head into town for the first big night of the festival. It all starts with Greytown Lands Trust Big Switch Opening Night, when Greytown's Christmas lights are officially turned on. There’s live music, street food, excited kids running under twinkling lights, and even a gentle snowfall along Main Street. Don’t worry, it’s the magical kind that doesn’t melt!
Look out for this year’s mascot, Hari, the happiest singing and dancing up in Greytown." Pop your noggins through the holes in the photo cut out boards, to instantly transform into Hari yourself! Stop in at The Offering or The White Swan for a hot chocolate to refuel, and while you’re there, do the colouring competition, or decorate a Hari to hang on the Greytown Lands Trust Community Tree.
And don’t miss the Vintage Carousel, limited nights available with ticketed rides ($6 pay on arrival). It's set up right in town and will quickly become a family favourite. The next two weekends will feature a blow up Nightclub! Laughter, music, and unforgettable memories await. No disco entry fee or age limit.
Saturday
Markets, Lights & Carousel Delights
Start the morning with a big breakfast at a local café, then head straight to the Stallkeepers Greytown Markets. Held in the Town Hall, it’s a treasure trove of stalls selling everything from handmade toys to sweet treats. It’s a great place for kids to pick out their own little holiday souvenirs, and you might even find a few early Christmas gifts. Duck across the road to Meeneez for a sweet treat, loaded cookie or gelato. It’s never too early or cold for ice cream!
Sam’s Art features two fabulous Children’s Craft Workshops, for ages 5-14 years. Bookings are essential for creating heirlooms such as “Make an Awesome Waterless Christmas Snow Globe” or “Make a Funky Mini Christmas Chandelier”. If your visit lines up with the fourth weekend of the festival, ensure you stay for the Light-Up Tractor Parade where you can vote for your favourite vehicle.
Sunday
Miniature Worlds and a Wintery Farewell
Ease into Sunday with a trip to The Wonderful World of Miniatures at the South Wairarapa Workingmen’s Club. This exhibition is full of tiny, detailed scenes from dollhouses to Christmas villages and kids love spotting the little surprises tucked into each display.
The Greytown Art Gallery has created a photo competition where those unforgettable captured moments can be rewarded. Enter your photos of vibrant costumes, dynamic performances, or the joyous atmosphere of the Wairarapa Festival of Christmas. Anyone can enter!
WeekDAY Whānau Fun!
Tuesday
Park Play and Afternoon Lights
Midweek crowds are smaller, making it a relaxing time to explore. Start your day with a family walk or scooter ride to and look out for this years’ mascot, Hari, the all singing dancing happiest pup in Greytown. Make him dance. Pop your noggins through the holes in the photo cut out boards, to instantly transform into one yourself! Pack a picnic or pick up lunch from one of Greytown’s family-friendly cafés nearby.
In the evening, head to Cobblestones Museum for the ILLUMINATION Night Walk. This illuminating experience runs two sessions at 5:30pm or 7.30pm from 2-7 July and is absolutely magical for kids and adults alike. With glowing pathways, light installations, and a beautiful setting among Greytown’s historic buildings, it’s like stepping into a Christmas fairytale. Don’t forget to swing past the Carousel Fun Zone before you head home—rides run from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm from 2-7 July.
Wednesday
Explore, Create, and Enjoy the Festival Vibe
Just in time for the school holidays, young performers can join the Kids Circus School with expert circus trainers for a week of juggling, handstands, tumbling, and aerial arts, culminating in a special kids' showcase performance.
Fill those pukus with some sweet time behind the scenes of a chocolate shop to create your own delicious handmade treats. Explore Schoc Chocolates, Greytown's boutique chocolate shop where the Wednesday workshops in the school holidays lend themselves to this sweet creation day!
Thursday
Creative Mornings and Lazy Afternoons
Cobblestones is well worth a visit during the day, not just the night! If you’re into space, the Mars Blueberry Astrobiology Dome is New Zealand's one-of-a-kind portable planetarium experience. It's round, it's blue, and inside it, your mini astronauts will learn about planets, galaxies, the origin of life, and whether aliens are out there.
Or how about building and painting a home for Hari at the Toy Doghouse School Holiday Workshop with woodworker Wayne. It’s the cutest kennel for the cutest festival pup!
In the afternoon, take a slow wander through town again to see if you’ve missed any light displays, or visit one of the local playgrounds or reserves. Many motels offer kitchenettes, so pop into FreshChoice to pick up a relaxed family dinner back “home” while the kids chat about their day. You might just then want to stay the weekend at your new home away from home…
Please note: not all events and workshops are on every weekend.
Check out the full programme here to see what’s on while you’re in town.
Girls Weekend
A fabulous girls getaway with shopping, creating, eating and drinking. What more could you ask for…
Wednesday
Arrive & Light Up the Holiday
Arrive in Greytown and settle into your boutique stay, The White Swan, a charming cottage, or a comfy motel such as the Oak Estate. Head into town where Main Street transforms into a twinkling wonderland of fairy lights, festive music, and magical snowfall. Join locals and visitors alike for the twinkling Christmas light as Main Street comes alive with music, laughter, and the joyful glow of fairy lights strung between trees and rooftops. Even the buildings will dress for the season with three historical stunners sparkling with their own personality and check out those shop windows for amazing displays of carnival whimsy.
Wrap up your night with cocktails and comedy at The White Swan, a hilarious welcome to your festive vacation.
Thursday
Explore, shop and experience
Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Greytown and discover the boutique shops and fashion that make this town truly one of a kind. From handcrafted gifts to locally made treats, there’s something for everyone—and it’s the perfect excuse to get a head start on your Christmas shopping.
Keep an eye out for special Festival of Christmas deals throughout town and shop and play Festival Bingo where you can go in the draw to win $100 voucher every week. Ideal if you’re hunting for the perfect gift or a little something just for you…
From 5:30pm, Hillview Property Investments invites you to a truly celestial experience at The White Swan with Cocktails and Constellations. Step outside to explore the cosmos with Star Safari. Sip on handcrafted cocktails by Greytown Distilling Co., stargaze with friends, and enjoy a night of wonder, science, and sparkle.
Friday
Queen’s for a Day!
Start off with a walk along Greytown Rail Trail, and then head to Meeneez for coffee, and devour some fresh homemade waffles and ice cream – you’re earned it! Or why not book in for a pamper at Alluminus Day Spa. Those weary shopping feet will need some rejuvenating before you head to the Night Food Markets.
If you're visiting on Friday 18 July, don’t miss the first-ever Mid-Winter Christmas House Tour. Step inside eight handpicked Greytown homes, each beautifully decorated and transformed with festive flair. It's a visual feast for design lovers and anyone looking to bring a touch of seasonal magic into their own home.
Let dinner be a sumptuous affair as you step back in time for enchanting evening at The Royal Hotel in Featherston for their Queen Victoria Mid-Winter Christmas Feast. Indulge in a lavish 3 or 4 course feast with beverages to match - a menu inspired by Queen Victoria’s royal banquets. If you’re staying at the Copthorne, Village Shuttles will be operating a service to get you home safely.
Saturday
Indulge, Create, Shop & Celebrate
Start with breakfast at The Offering—try the Eggs Bene or French Toast. Then get creative at workshops: make Giant Crepe Flower Workshop, Floral Scented Candle Making Workshop, Polymer Clay Jewellery & Accessories Workshop or Giant Knitting!
Stop for wine at Alexia, chocolates at Schoc, or compare mulled wines around town. Join the Honour Your Wardrobe styling session at Designer Clothing Gallery, where you'll learn to create multiple looks from a few key pieces, complete with wine and nibbles.
As night falls, ride the Vintage Carousel. Don’t miss the snowfall on Main Street and the dazzling lights from 6pm. Dine under the stars with street food from Truckstop, Food Truck Central, and more. Sip mulled wine, sample sweet treats, and soak in the atmosphere. Or head to Aperitif for fresh oysters shucked by Martin Bosley and a glass of champagne. Or grab a stone-baked pizza at Cuckoo to finish the day on a delicious note.
Sunday
Style, Browse & Wind Down
Salivate over a late brunch at Main Street Deli or The Offering Café, both known for delicious fare and great coffee. Spend the day going back to those shops and pick up the items you had your eye on!
Wrap up your girls’ getaway with a quiet moment in town capturing the lights. Pop into The Crown cinema for a 4pm screening of a classic film, or stroll the lights one last time. It’s the perfect way to end a fabulous holiday of laughter, creativity, indulgence, and festive magic with your favourite people.
Please note: not all events and workshops are on every weekend.
Check out the full programme here to see what’s on while you’re in town.