We confirmed 2 Christmas events for kids in Dunedin for 2026. The season opens on 6 December with Dunedin Santa Parade and runs until 20 December with Saving Santa's Sparkle. One of these is 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
- Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Dunedin: 2
- First: Dunedin Santa Parade, Dunedin, 6 December
- Free events: Dunedin Santa Parade
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).
At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Dunedin
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 2 confirmed for 2026
- Suburbs and towns
- Dunedin
- Season
- 6 December to 20 December
- Free events
- 1
- Last checked
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Christmas events for kids in Dunedin
Listed soonest first: 2 confirmed events in Dunedin.
Santa paradeFree
Dunedin Santa Parade
- When: Sun 6 December, 3pm
- Where: George Street to the Octagon, Dunedin (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
Expand to see the parent tip
The Dunedin Santa Parade is run by a charitable trust staffed by volunteers, and the trust calls it the largest free community event in Otago. In 2026 it sets off at 3pm on Sunday 6 December from the Regent Night 'n Day store on George Street.
The route runs straight down George Street, crosses the Octagon and ends in Moray Place South beside First Church. Watching costs nothing. The trust says Santa visits children at Dunedin Public Hospital to hand out gifts before he joins the parade.
Parent tip: Free ORC buses ran for about two hours either side of the parade in recent years, so check the trust's page for 2026 bus and road closure details.
- Host
- Dunedin Santa Parade Trust (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- George Street to the Octagon, Dunedin (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
New events in Dunedin every week
Rally looks for new Christmas events in Dunedin every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.
Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)
Rally’s Christmas research
Rally the corgi has 1 more Dunedin event researched for you.
- New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Dunedin.
- Exclusive access to free events Be first to hear about new free events in Dunedin.
- Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
- Rally’s Christmas Eve Express and a free advent calendar Get early access to Rally the corgi’s Christmas Eve tracker, plus a free digital advent calendar to count down to Christmas.
- One-tap add to calendar Save any event to your Google, Apple or Outlook calendar so you never miss it.
Coming up on this page
- 1 Santa
- 1 Parades
- 1 Shows
- 1 Free
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Christmas show
Saving Santa's Sparkle
- When: Fri 18 Dec 7pm, Sat 19 Dec 11am and 7:30pm, Sun 20 Dec 11am and 3pm
- Where: The Regent Theatre, 17 The Octagon, Dunedin 9016 (opens in maps)
- Cost: Children (under 16) from $15 plus booking fees, under 2s free on a lap
- Ages: Under 2s free on an adult's lap
Expand to see the parent tip
Saving Santa's Sparkle is the Regent Theatre's Christmas show for 2026, a pantomime with Kiwi humour, music and audience participation. The story is set in the beachside town of Kōwatawata, where the star on a magical pōhutukawa tree loses its shine and Christmas magic starts to fade.
A villain, mischievous native wildlife and a crisis for Santa test the local heroes. There are five performances over the weekend of 18 to 20 December, including two 11am shows and a 3pm matinee on the Sunday. The theatre says the show was created by the community for the community.
Parent tip: Under 2s sit on an adult's lap for free. The Saturday and Sunday daytime sessions are the easiest for little ones.
- Host
- Regent Theatre Dunedin (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Regent Theatre, 17 The Octagon, Dunedin 9016 (opens in maps)
- Booking
- Essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
New events in Dunedin every week
Rally looks for new Christmas events in Dunedin every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.
Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (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 Christchurch
- Christmas events for kids in Hamilton
- 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. It is a cosy story to share on the way home 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)Christmas events for kids in Dunedin: questions parents ask
What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Dunedin?
For 2026, we confirmed 2 Christmas events for kids in Dunedin, each on its host’s own page: Saving Santa's Sparkle and Dunedin Santa Parade. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Dunedin?
Yes. One of the 2 events here is free: Dunedin Santa Parade. Check the listing for any booking.
Where can kids see Santa this year in Dunedin?
Where to see Santa: Dunedin Santa Parade. Check the listings above for times and booking.
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 5 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.
Christmas events for 2026 are coming in late November
More Christmas events arrive in late November. We add them here as soon as we confirm them.
The story of Christmas in Dunedin
Dunedin's Santa visits children at Dunedin Public Hospital before he joins the parade. The volunteer-run Santa Parade has marched since 1998, and the city's free Christmas evening now happens in the Botanic Garden instead of the Octagon.
A volunteer parade since 1998 and Santa's hospital stop
The Dunedin Santa Parade Trust says it has been bringing cheer to the city since 1998. It is a not-for-profit charitable trust, the parade is run entirely by volunteers, and the trust calls it the largest free community event in Otago. It marks the start of the Christmas season in Dunedin.
Before he joins the parade, Santa visits children at Dunedin Public Hospital to hand out gifts. The Octagon also used to host a family tree lighting, which the council replaced in 2024 with an evening in the Botanic Garden.
Rain, a bandstand and a 3pm start on the last weekend of November 2025
Dunedin packed its 2025 Christmas weekend into three days. On Saturday 29 November, Christmas in the Garden ran from 3pm to 8pm at the Botanic Garden bandstand, free, with Em and Me, Rainbow Rosalind, Dubious Groove, food trucks and a visit from Santa. The Otago Daily Times reported that hundreds came despite wet weather.
The Santa Parade followed on Sunday 30 November at 3pm in the city centre. Buses on all Dunedin routes were free from 1pm to 6pm for people travelling to or from it. In 2026 the parade is on Sunday 6 December.
Seaside pōhutukawa, an 1863 garden and a Christmas show for the Octagon
Dunedin Botanic Garden was founded in 1863 beside the Water of Leith and moved to its present 28-hectare site in 1869. Today it hosts the city's free Christmas evening.
In 2024 the council moved that evening from the Octagon to the garden, next to the upgraded playground, and added a flower headband table where children made headbands from real flowers. The Regent Theatre on The Octagon stages Saving Santa's Sparkle on 18, 19 and 20 December 2026, with a star that loses its shine on a pōhutukawa tree.
Traditions today
- The Dunedin Santa Parade: A free parade down George Street and across the Octagon, run by volunteers. In 2026 it starts at 3pm on Sunday 6 December.
- Santa at Dunedin Public Hospital: Santa visits children at the hospital to hand out gifts before he joins the parade.
- Christmas in the Garden: A free evening at the Botanic Garden bandstand with live music, food trucks and a visit from Santa. In 2025 it ran from 3pm to 8pm on Saturday 29 November.
- The tree in the lower Octagon: The council still puts up the Christmas tree in the lower Octagon in late November.
- The Regent Christmas pantomime: Saving Santa's Sparkle plays The Regent Theatre on The Octagon on 18, 19 and 20 December 2026.
- The library summer reading programme: Children can collect a reading pack from early December and finish through January to earn a certificate.
A fact for kids
Before Santa joins the Dunedin parade, he visits children in Dunedin Public Hospital to hand out gifts. At the first Christmas in the Garden in 2024, kids made flower headbands from real flowers.
Questions about Christmas in Dunedin
When is the Dunedin Santa Parade in 2026?
The Dunedin Santa Parade is on Sunday 6 December 2026, starting at 3pm. It begins at the Regent Night 'n Day store on George Street, runs down George Street, crosses the Octagon and finishes in Moray Place South beside First Church. Watching is free, so you can turn up on the day.
Where does the Dunedin Santa Parade go and where is the best spot to stand?
The route starts on George Street at the Regent Night 'n Day store, follows George Street through the city, crosses the Octagon and ends in Moray Place South by First Church. Any point along George Street or around the Octagon gives a view. The sources do not name a best spot, so arrive early and choose a kerb.
Is the Dunedin Santa Parade free?
Yes. The trust that runs it calls the parade the largest free community event in Otago, and it is organised by volunteers. There is nothing to pay to watch it on George Street. The 2026 parade starts at 3pm on Sunday 6 December.
How long has the Dunedin Santa Parade been going?
The Dunedin Santa Parade Trust says it has been bringing cheer to the city since 1998. It is a not-for-profit charitable trust and the parade is run by volunteers.
Does Santa really visit the hospital before the Dunedin parade?
Yes. Santa visits children at Dunedin Public Hospital to hand out gifts before he joins the parade. It is a regular part of the parade tradition. After the hospital visit he takes his place with the floats, music and community groups on the route.
Is there free bus travel to the Dunedin Santa Parade?
In 2025, buses on all Dunedin routes were free from 1pm to 6pm for passengers going to or from the parade, and riders told the driver instead of using a Bee Card. The parade trust also says free ORC buses run for about two hours either side. Check for 2026 details closer to 6 December.
What is Christmas in the Garden in Dunedin?
Christmas in the Garden is a free family evening at the Dunedin Botanic Garden bandstand with live music, food trucks and a visit from Santa. The council began it in 2024 to replace the family tree lighting that used to be held in the Octagon. Bringing a picnic is welcome.
When was Christmas in the Garden held in 2025?
Christmas in the Garden ran on Saturday 29 November 2025 from 3pm to 8pm at the Dunedin Botanic Garden bandstand. Entertainment was free, with MC Tahu McKenzie, Rainbow Rosalind, Em and Me, Dubious Groove and the DKCM Christmas All Stars. The council cancels it for bad weather and announces that on Facebook.
Did the rain stop Christmas in the Garden in 2025?
No. The Otago Daily Times reported that the wet weather did not stop people attending, and hundreds turned up for the annual event. Rainbow Rosalind, Em and Me and Dubious Groove performed at the Botanic Garden rotunda, Santa visited, and several food trucks were on site.
Why did Dunedin move its Christmas evening from the Octagon to the Botanic Garden?
In 2024 the council said the garden setting was safer for children, showed off the newly upgraded playground and allowed a more family-friendly 4:30pm start. The first Christmas in the Garden ran on Saturday 30 November 2024. The Christmas tree itself still goes up in the lower Octagon in late November.
What did kids make at the first Christmas in the Garden in 2024?
The 2024 evening had a creative maker space where people made flower headbands from real flowers, chosen to keep waste low. It also had children's activities, live music from Em and Me, The Foxy Tones and the Dunedin Youth Orchestra, a visit from Jingle Bell the Christmas Elf, and Santa later in the evening.
How old is the Dunedin Botanic Garden?
The Dunedin Botanic Garden was founded in 1863 on a site around the Water of Leith. It moved to its present site in 1869. It covers 28 hectares at the northern end of central Dunedin, with an aviary, a rhododendron dell and a heated Edwardian glasshouse called the Winter Garden.
What is on the Dunedin Christmas weekend besides the parade?
In 2025 the Christmas weekend had extended shop hours on Friday 28 November, Christmas in the Garden on Saturday 29 November and the Santa Parade on Sunday 30 November. Z Manu, a competition at Steamer Basin, also ran on the Sunday, with Push Play sessions open to anyone.
Is there a Christmas show for kids at the Regent Theatre in Dunedin in 2026?
Yes. The Regent Christmas Show 2026 is Saving Santa's Sparkle, a pantomime at the Regent Theatre, 17 The Octagon, on 18, 19 and 20 December 2026. Shows are Friday 7pm, Saturday 11am and 7:30pm, and Sunday 11am and 3pm. Under 2s are free on a lap.
What is the story of Saving Santa's Sparkle?
It is set in the beachside town of Kōwatawata, where the star on a magical pōhutukawa tree loses its shine and Christmas magic begins to fade. A villain, mischievous native wildlife and a crisis for Santa test a team of local heroes. The Regent says it has Kiwi humour, music and audience participation.
How much are tickets for Saving Santa's Sparkle?
The Regent Theatre lists adult tickets from $25 and children under 16 from $15, both plus booking fees. Children under 2 are free if they sit on an adult's lap. The theatre's box office number is 03 477 8597, open Tuesday to Friday, 11am to 5pm.
Which Saving Santa's Sparkle session suits toddlers best?
The Regent lists Saturday 19 December at 11am and Sunday 20 December at 11am and 3pm alongside two evening shows at 7pm on Friday and 7:30pm on Saturday. The daytime sessions are the likelier fit for young children. The theatre does not give a recommended age, so it is worth asking the box office.
Does Dunedin have a summer reading programme for children?
Yes. Dunedin Public Libraries run a Summer Reading Programme through December and January. Packs are available from early December, including on the Bookbuses, and children who finish get a certificate and usually an invitation to a celebratory party. You register at a local Dunedin library.
When does Christmas start in Dunedin?
The Santa Parade marks the start of the Christmas season in Dunedin. In 2025 it came on the last Sunday of November after Christmas in the Garden on the Saturday. In 2026 the parade is on Sunday 6 December, a week later in the calendar.
Which Dunedin Christmas dates for 2026 are confirmed so far?
Rally Takes the Train's Dunedin Christmas events guide has the 2026 dates confirmed so far: the Santa Parade on Sunday 6 December and the Regent Theatre pantomime on 18 to 20 December. Dates for the Botanic Garden evening in 2026 have not been published yet.
Sources
- Dunedin Santa Parade: About, Dunedin Santa Parade Trust
- Dunedin Santa Parade, Dunedin Santa Parade Trust
- Christmas in the Garden aims to be festive hit for those with holiday spirit, Dunedin City Council
- Christmas in the Garden, Dunedin City Council
- Christmas in the Gardens, Otago Daily Times
- Dunedin's Christmas Weekend, Enterprise Dunedin (Ōtepoti)
- Saving Santa's Sparkle, Regent Theatre Dunedin
- Dunedin Botanic Garden, Wikipedia
- Summer Reading Programme, Dunedin Public Libraries
- Dunedin Santa Parade FAQs, Dunedin Santa Parade Trust