The Complete Auckland Christmas Lights Guide
Nothing gives you that ‘festive Christmassy feeling’ than taking a trip with the family to see a Christmas Light display. We love that feeling so we have put together a list of must-see spots in Auckland for 2023.
Franklin Road
Ponsonby
Franklin Road is back in 2023. If you didn’t already know, every year, the residents of Franklin Road light up their houses and decorate their gardens for everyone to enjoy. They turn on their lights from 1st December, 7:30pm until 11pm each night, until Christmas Eve. This can be enjoyed by either car or foot. Make sure you schedule enough time to check out the surrounding streets and even local businesses that love to be included. Last year, we even spotted carolers and fake snow. It is truly a beautiful, festive outing to be enjoyed by your family or friends! Check out their Facebook page here to be kept up to date.
Glenbrook Vintage Railway
Waiuku
Glenbrook Vintage Railway will again be lighting up with festive cheer this year with its award-winning Christmas experience at Glenbrook Station. The Trains at Night Christmas Lights will run over 12 nights from 8th – 10th December and 15th – 23rd December from 6pm to 11pm. Make sure you take the kids to Santa’s grotto, enjoy the night markets, train rides, and so much more. Come and experience Waiuku’s best kept secret and find more information on bookings here.
Smith and Caughey’s
Auckland City
Create wonderful memories at Smith & Caughey’s with their Enchanted Forest, Santa Visit in his ‘Cosy Cottage’ and festive animated window display. With their Christmas Experiences available to book from mid-November it’s the perfect ‘first tradition’ to start the festive season and a memorable time you will not forget. Don’t forget to take a wander down Queen Street to check out some other pretty displays after your picture with Santa.
MOTAT
Point Chev
Over 12 spectacular nights MOTAT will be transformed into a festive wonderland running Wednesday – Saturday from 6th December – 23rd December. Not just incredible Christmas Lights but your ticket also includes live music, entertainment, tram rides, Santa visits and so much more. This Christmas attraction is very popular and sells out so if you are ready to book click here!
The Christmas Light Show
Come and join the Eastgate Christian Centre with their incredible Christmas Light Show! Their building will be transformed into a magical wonderland of LED lights that dance and flicker along to festive music and sounds. You can enjoy the show from the comfort of your car or watch the spectacle from the footpath. This is a free community event and is suitable for all ages from the 2nd – 23rd December at 8:30pm.
Millwater
It’s worth the 20 minute (from Albany) commute North to enjoy the Christmas Lights that residents of this coastal suburb put on. The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Millwater! We recommend tiki-touring your way through the neighbourhood, as there are homes all over the place that are covered in Christmas lights. Special mention goes to Springtide Place – a small cul-de-sac where almost every house is washed with lights and decorations.
Other streets you should check out in Millwater are – Miller Rise, Harris Drive, Cilliers Drive and Major Henry Greens. Special mention also goes to 223 West Hoe Heights, Orewa which is just over the hill in Orewa. Head here for more info.
Vista Motu Drive and Panorama Court
Once you get to Millwater, you can drive 5 minutes up the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and check out the epic displays on Vista Motu Drive. Some people say this street is better than Franklin Road! We’ll leave it up to you to judge. On the way up or back to/from Vista Motu, you should take a quick detour on Panorama Court to check them out too.
Sky Tower Christmas Lights
Auckland City
Make an evening of it and head into the city! Every year throughout December, the Sky Tower lights up beautifully with a Christmas theme of green and red.
