We confirmed 10 Christmas events for kids in Christchurch for 2026. The first is CSO Christmas at Tūranga on 21 November, and the season runs until 23 December with Christmas Wā Kōrero Storytime (Shirley). 7 of them are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in New Zealand.
The short version
- 10 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Christchurch and Rangiora
- First: CSO Christmas at Tūranga, Christchurch, 21 November
- Free events: CSO Christmas at Tūranga, Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park (Christchurch), McAlpines Mitre10 MEGA Rangiora Christmas Party In the Park, Rangiora Toyota Santa Parade, VIP Frames & Trusses Christmas Show Parade (Christchurch Santa Parade), Teddy Bear Sleepover and more
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by area, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (booking, ages, what is included).
Christchurch Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 10 confirmed for 2026
- Suburbs and towns
- Christchurch and Rangiora
- Season
- 21 November to 23 December
- Free events
- 7
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Christchurch
8 confirmed events in Christchurch, soonest first.
CSO Christmas at Tūranga
Christmas showFreeChristchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi · Christchurch
- Host
- Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Tūranga, 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch 8011
- When
- Saturday 21 November, 11am to 12pm
- Cost
- Free, no booking needed
- Ages
- All ages and stages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christchurch City Libraries is hosting a festive Christmas performance at Tūranga, the central library, featuring brass, woodwind and harp players from the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. The concert runs from 11am to 12pm on Saturday 21 November and is designed for all ages and stages, so babies, preschoolers and older children are all welcome.
It is free and there is no need to book. A live chamber group in the library is a lovely, low-key way to introduce children to orchestral instruments, and afterwards you can explore the children's area or borrow some Christmas books to take home. Tūranga is in Cathedral Square in the central city, and the event is listed on the Christchurch City Libraries calendar as suitable for preschoolers, children, teens and adults alike.
Parent tip: No bookings required; arrive a little early for a good spot with small children.
See dates and details from Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi (opens in a new tab)Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park (Christchurch)
Christmas showFreeCoca-Cola Christmas in the Park · Christchurch
- Host
- Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- North Hagley Park, Harper Avenue, Christchurch 8013
- When
- Saturday 28 November, from 7.30pm
- Cost
- Free, no ticket needed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park comes to North Hagley Park on Saturday 28 November, with the programme starting at 7.30pm. It is a free community concert with live music and entertainment, ending with a fireworks finale, and you do not need a ticket.
Bring a picnic or browse the Coca-Cola Food Fest, which serves everything from Kiwi favourites to new flavours. Families with young children may like to arrive early to find a good patch of grass before the crowds build. Organisers suggest leaving dogs at home because of the large crowds, loud music and fireworks, although certified assistance dogs are welcome. The Christchurch event allows concert-goers to bring alcohol, unlike the Auckland one, so families may prefer a spot towards the edges of the crowd.
Parent tip: Check Metro bus information before you go, and leave the dog at home because of the fireworks.
See dates and details from Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park (opens in a new tab)VIP Frames & Trusses Christmas Show Parade (Christchurch Santa Parade)
Santa paradeFreeChristchurch Christmas Show Parade · Christchurch
- Host
- Christchurch Christmas Show Parade (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Canterbury Agricultural Park (The Showgrounds), Curletts Road / Hayton Road, Wigram, Christchurch 8042
- When
- Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December, 11am to 4.30pm (parade Sunday at 2pm)
- Cost
- Free entry
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Christchurch Christmas Show Parade is a festival-style event over two days at Canterbury Agricultural Park. Gates open at 11am on both Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December, with two entertainment stages, amusement rides, displays, a Christmas market and food vendors running until 4.30pm.
The parade itself starts at 2pm on Sunday, so that is the day to go if seeing Santa and the floats is the priority. Entry is free and you are welcome to bring a picnic or buy food on site. On Sunday, free parking is through the Hayton Road entrance, while on Saturday parking is via Curletts Road. A free Santa Express bus run by Bentley Coachlines operates all day Sunday from The Hub Hornby, the Christchurch Bus Interchange and Eastgate Mall.
Parent tip: Use the free Santa Express bus on Sunday to avoid parking queues; Sunday parking is via Hayton Road. Pack sunhats, sunscreen and water.
See dates and details from Christchurch Christmas Show Parade (opens in a new tab)Teddy Bear Sleepover
Christmas storytimeFreeChristchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi · Christchurch
- Host
- Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- New Brighton Library, 213 Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch 8061
- When
- Drop off Friday 11 December; storytime Saturday 12 December, 10.30am to 11.30am
- Cost
- Free, booking required
- Ages
- Ages 3 to 10 (adult supervision required)
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
New Brighton Library invites children to bring their favourite soft toy for a festive sleepover at the library, where the librarians will look after it overnight. Drop the toy off on Friday 11 December between 9am and 5pm.
On Saturday 12 December from 10.30am to 11.30am, children come back to collect their toy and join a special storytime with songs, books and rhymes, finding out what shenanigans their toy got up to overnight. It is aimed at ages 3 to 10 with adult supervision required, and the whole whānau is welcome at the storytime. It is free, but bookings are required through the library's booking link. The event is part of the Christchurch City Libraries Christmas programme and appears on the library calendar.
Parent tip: Book ahead and remember to drop the toy off on the Friday between 9am and 5pm.
See dates and details from Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi (opens in a new tab)Christmas Wā Kōrero Whānau Storytime (Redwood)
Christmas storytimeFreeChristchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi · Christchurch
- Host
- Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Redwood Library, 339 Main North Road, Redwood, Christchurch 8051
- When
- Friday 18 December, 10.30am to 11am
- Cost
- Free, no booking needed
- Ages
- Most suitable for 7 years and under
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Redwood Library is running a special Christmas edition of its Wā Kōrero whānau storytime on Friday 18 December from 10.30am to 11am. Expect festive stories, songs and rhymes, chosen to suit children aged seven and under, with babies and preschoolers welcome too.
All whānau and caregivers are welcome to join in. The session is free and there is no need to book, so you can simply turn up on the morning. At half an hour long it fits nicely into a December morning, and it is a good chance to borrow a few Christmas picture books to read at home in the week before Christmas. Redwood Library is at 339 Main North Road, and the session is part of the Christchurch City Libraries Christmas programme.
Parent tip: Free with no bookings; just arrive a few minutes before 10.30am.
See dates and details from Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi (opens in a new tab)Christmas Wā Kōrero Storytime (New Brighton)
Christmas storytimeChristchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi · Christchurch
- Host
- Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- New Brighton Library, 213 Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch 8061
- When
- Tuesday 22 December, 10.30am to 11am
- Cost
- Cost not listed; check the library listing
- Ages
- Perfect for 2 to 5 years
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
New Brighton Library is holding a special Christmas Wā Kōrero storytime for preschoolers on Tuesday 22 December from 10.30am to 11am. The session is packed with festive stories, songs and rhymes and is pitched at children aged two to five.
All whānau and caregivers are welcome to come along with their little ones. The library's listing does not mention any cost or booking requirement. With the library right on Marine Parade, it pairs well with a walk on the beach or along the pier afterwards, making for an easy outing in the busy days just before Christmas. It is part of the Christchurch City Libraries Christmas programme, and the regular Wā Kōrero storytime sessions continue across other branches too, so check the library calendar for more.
Parent tip: Combine with a walk along the New Brighton pier, right next to the library.
See dates and details from Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi (opens in a new tab)Christmas Wā Kōrero Storytime (South Colombo)
Christmas storytimeChristchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi · Christchurch
- Host
- Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- South Colombo Library, 363 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8011
- When
- Tuesday 22 December, 11am to 11.30am
- Cost
- Cost not listed; check the library listing
- Ages
- Perfect for 2 to 5 years
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The South Colombo library in Sydenham is running a special Christmas Wā Kōrero storytime on Tuesday 22 December from 11am to 11.30am. Preschoolers can enjoy festive stories, songs and rhymes chosen for children aged two to five.
All whānau and caregivers are welcome. The library's listing does not mention a cost or a need to book. Note that this location does not have an after-hours returns bin, so return any borrowed books during opening hours. At just half an hour, the session is a manageable outing for toddlers in the hectic lead-up to Christmas. It is part of the Christchurch City Libraries Christmas programme, and you can view all the regular Wā Kōrero storytime sessions on the library website if this time does not suit.
Parent tip: Arrive a few minutes early, as the session is only half an hour.
See dates and details from Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi (opens in a new tab)Christmas Wā Kōrero Storytime (Shirley)
Christmas storytimeChristchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi · Christchurch
- Host
- Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Shirley Library, 36 Marshland Road, Shirley, Christchurch 8061
- When
- Wednesday 23 December, 10.30am to 11am
- Cost
- Cost not listed; check the library listing
- Ages
- Perfect for 2 to 5 years
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Shirley Library is holding a special Christmas Wā Kōrero storytime on Wednesday 23 December from 10.30am to 11am. Bring your preschooler along for festive stories, songs and rhymes, pitched for children aged two to five.
All whānau and caregivers are welcome. The library's listing does not mention a cost or a booking requirement. It is part of the Christchurch City Libraries Christmas programme, listed on the library events calendar for preschoolers aged two to five and their grown-ups.
Parent tip: Arrive a few minutes early as this is one of the last library storytimes before Christmas.
See dates and details from Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Rangiora
2 confirmed events in Rangiora, soonest first.
McAlpines Mitre10 MEGA Rangiora Christmas Party In the Park
Christmas showFreeRangiora Promotions · Rangiora
- Host
- Rangiora Promotions (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Victoria Park, Victoria Street, Rangiora 7400
- When
- Sunday 29 November, 12pm to 4pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families and the whole community
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Rangiora's Christmas Party in the Park fills Victoria Park on Sunday 29 November from 12pm to 4pm. It is a relaxed family afternoon with live entertainment drifting across the grass, kids' activities, market stalls and food vendors, all with a proper Christmas atmosphere.
Entry is free and it is organised by Rangiora Promotions with sponsorship from McAlpines Mitre10 Mega Rangiora. Bring a blanket, find a spot on the grass and let the children explore. The Rangiora Toyota Santa Parade takes place in the town centre at 2pm the same day, so it is easy to pair the two into one festive outing. Rangiora Promotions runs the event with support from sponsors, volunteers, local businesses and community partners, and it is aimed squarely at families and the whole community.
Parent tip: Combine it with the Santa Parade in the town centre at 2pm the same day.
See dates and details from Rangiora Promotions (opens in a new tab)Rangiora Toyota Santa Parade
Santa paradeFreeRangiora Promotions · Rangiora
- Host
- Rangiora Promotions (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Rangiora town centre, High Street, Christchurch 7400
- When
- Sunday 29 November, 2pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families, children and the whole community
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Rangiora Toyota Santa Parade brings colour, music and community spirit to the heart of Rangiora at 2pm on Sunday 29 November. Local schools, sports clubs, community groups and businesses dress up their floats, and there are marching groups, live music and entertainment along the route.
The parade builds up to a special appearance from Santa, whose sleigh rounds the final corner to a big cheer from the footpath. Entry is free thanks to long-running sponsorship from Rangiora Toyota. Earlier the same day, the Christmas Party in the Park runs at Victoria Park from 12pm, so you can easily combine the two. Organised by Rangiora Promotions, it is very much a community parade, so you never quite know what float is coming next.
Parent tip: Locals put out chairs early, so arrive before 2pm for a kerbside spot, and bring sunhats and water.
See dates and details from Rangiora Promotions (opens in a new tab)More Christmas events for kids in New Zealand
- Christmas events for kids in Auckland
- Christmas events for kids in Wellington
- Christmas events for kids in Tauranga
- Christmas events for kids in New Zealand
A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is hand-painted in watercolour. It is a cosy five-minute read after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolour. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.com.au (opens in a new tab)Christchurch Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Christchurch in 2026?
We confirmed 10 Christmas events for kids in Christchurch for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including CSO Christmas at Tūranga, Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park (Christchurch), McAlpines Mitre10 MEGA Rangiora Christmas Party In the Park, Rangiora Toyota Santa Parade, VIP Frames & Trusses Christmas Show Parade (Christchurch Santa Parade), Teddy Bear Sleepover, Christmas Wā Kōrero Whānau Storytime (Redwood), Christmas Wā Kōrero Storytime (New Brighton), Christmas Wā Kōrero Storytime (South Colombo) and Christmas Wā Kōrero Storytime (Shirley). Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Christchurch?
Yes. 7 of the 10 events here are free, including CSO Christmas at Tūranga, Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park (Christchurch), McAlpines Mitre10 MEGA Rangiora Christmas Party In the Park, Rangiora Toyota Santa Parade, VIP Frames & Trusses Christmas Show Parade (Christchurch Santa Parade), Teddy Bear Sleepover and Christmas Wā Kōrero Whānau Storytime (Redwood). Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Christchurch this year?
Santa appears at Rangiora Toyota Santa Parade and VIP Frames & Trusses Christmas Show Parade (Christchurch Santa Parade). Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
Where are there Christmas storytimes for kids in Christchurch?
Christmas storytimes on this page: Teddy Bear Sleepover, Christmas Wā Kōrero Whānau Storytime (Redwood), Christmas Wā Kōrero Storytime (New Brighton), Christmas Wā Kōrero Storytime (South Colombo) and Christmas Wā Kōrero Storytime (Shirley). Library storytimes are usually free, but check each listing.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on 2 November 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
