Christmas Events for Kids in Hamilton (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

5 min read

We confirmed 5 Christmas events for kids in Hamilton for 2026. The season opens on 21 November with Santa & The Jungle Chest and runs until 24 December with Photos with Santa at The Base. 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 Hamilton and Cambridge: 5
  • First: Santa & The Jungle Chest, Cambridge, 21 November
  • Free events: Trees at The Meteor

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 Hamilton

Kids’ Christmas events
5 confirmed for 2026
Suburbs and towns
Hamilton and Cambridge
Season
21 November to 24 December
Free events
1
Last checked

Christmas events for kids in Hamilton

Listed soonest first: 4 confirmed events in Hamilton.

Storytime with Santa

Photos with Santa at The Base

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Santa is back at The Base in Te Rapa, setting up in the Atrium outside JB Hi-Fi before he heads off on Christmas Eve. Every child who visits Santa receives a free copy of 'Holly's Christmas Cricket', a Kiwi Christmas story starring Holly the kākāpo, created by Kiwi Property with the Mental Health Foundation, while stocks last and one per child.

Santa's hours stretch as Christmas gets closer: 10am to 3pm from Saturday 28 November to Wednesday 2 December, 10am to 4pm from 3 to 9 December, 10am to 5pm from 10 to 16 December, 10am to 7pm on 17 and 18 December, 9am to 7pm from 19 to 23 December and 9am to 5pm on Christmas Eve. The centre says bookings are opening soon.

Parent tip: Check the centre's page for the booking link before you go; the free book is one per child while stocks last.

Host
The Base (Kiwi Property) (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Base, Atrium (outside JB Hi-Fi), Te Rapa Road, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3200 (opens in maps)
Booking
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with The Base (Kiwi Property) (opens in a new tab)

New events in Hamilton every week

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 4 more Hamilton events 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 Hamilton.
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  • Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
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Coming up on this page

  • 3 Santa
  • 3 Shows
  • 2 Lights
  • 1 Story time
  • 1 Free

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Christmas lights

SkyCity Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

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The tree in Garden Place stands 27 metres to the tip of its star and stays lit from late November until New Year. The lighting festival is the night it is switched on for the first time, with a lighting ceremony and carols concert.

The evening runs from 5pm to 9pm and includes food trucks, costumed characters, face painting, balloon art and live entertainment. The organisers suggest bringing picnic blankets. The full programme is still to come, and no price has been announced.

Parent tip: Bring a picnic blanket. The full programme is still to come, so check the host's page closer to the night.

Host
Hamilton Christmas Trust (opens in a new tab)
Where
Garden Place, Hamilton (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Hamilton Christmas Trust (opens in a new tab)

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Santa parade

First Credit Union Christmas Parade

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The annual parade comes down Anglesea Street in central Hamilton on Sunday 6 December 2026, starting at 2pm.

In 2025 the parade ran from 2pm to 3pm with pre-parade festivities from 1:15pm, and around 80 to 90 floats, characters and entertainment groups took part, led by Jingles and his crew, with the arrival of Santa Claus as the highlight. Entry was free and all ages were welcome. The 2026 price has not been announced.

Parent tip: Arrive early for a good viewing spot.

Host
Hamilton Christmas Trust (opens in a new tab)
Where
Anglesea Street, Hamilton (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Hamilton Christmas Trust (opens in a new tab)

New events in Hamilton every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Hamilton every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

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Christmas lightsFree

Trees at The Meteor

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Trees at The Meteor has been a family Christmas outing in Hamilton since 2007. Locals create wonderful, wacky and inventive handmade interpretations of the Christmas tree, and visitors wander through the twinkling exhibition and vote for their favourites. The theme is connection and kindness at Christmas, under the theatre's 'Compassion not Consumption' kaupapa.

The 2026 exhibition runs from 9 to 18 December. Daytime sessions are Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 December from 11am to 2pm, and evening sessions are Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 December from 6.30pm to 9pm, when the fairy lights look their best. Entry is by koha, so it is an easy, affordable outing for the whole whānau in the central city. Visitors can cast a vote for their favourite tree, which gives children something to do as they wander.

Parent tip: Choose an evening session from 15 to 18 December to see the trees lit up; bring some cash for the koha.

Host
The Meteor Theatre (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Meteor, 1 Victoria Street, Hamilton 3204 (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with The Meteor Theatre (opens in a new tab)

New events in Hamilton every week

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Christmas events for kids in Cambridge

Listed soonest first: 1 confirmed event in Cambridge.

Christmas show

Santa & The Jungle Chest (Cambridge)

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Trouble strikes on Christmas Eve when Santa's sack, packed full of presents, tumbles from his sleigh over the African jungle. Santa and the Chief Elf set off on a frantic search, picking up some unexpected friends along the way, in a race to find the sack in time to save Christmas. The Gaslight Theatre describes it as a fun-filled Christmas show for the whole family.

The Cambridge Repertory Society performs the show at the Gaslight Theatre on Alpha Street from 21 November to 5 December. Weekend matinees are at 2pm on 21, 22, 28 and 29 November and 5 December, and evening shows are at 7pm on most weeknights in between. Seats are $30 general admission, and tickets are sold through the theatre's box office.

Parent tip: The Saturday and Sunday 2pm matinees suit younger children best; Cambridge is about 25 minutes' drive from Hamilton.

Host
Cambridge Repertory Society (Gaslight Theatre) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Gaslight Theatre, Alpha Street, Cambridge 3434 (opens in maps)
Booking
Essential
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Cambridge Repertory Society (Gaslight Theatre) (opens in a new tab)

New events in Hamilton every week

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More 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.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

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 Hamilton: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Hamilton?

For 2026, we confirmed 5 Christmas events for kids in Hamilton, each on its host’s own page: Trees at The Meteor, Santa & The Jungle Chest (Cambridge), Photos with Santa at The Base and 2 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Hamilton?

Yes. One of the 5 events here is free: Trees at The Meteor. Check the listing for any booking.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Hamilton?

Where to see Santa: Photos with Santa at The Base and First Credit Union Christmas Parade. Check the listings above for times and booking.

Where are there Christmas storytimes for kids in Hamilton?

Christmas storytimes on this page: Photos with Santa at The Base.

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 Hamilton

Hamilton's Christmas starts in Garden Place, where a tree 27 metres tall is lit each November. A week or so later the Christmas parade comes down Anglesea Street, and in December the Meteor fills with handmade trees.

A 27-metre tree in Garden Place, then a parade down Anglesea Street

Hamilton's Christmas season starts in Garden Place, where a tree stands 27 metres to the tip of its star. Reports from 2018 and 2019 call it the largest Christmas tree in New Zealand. A team of 15 people puts up the frame and lighting, fluffs the branches and hangs the baubles. The SkyCity Christmas Tree Lighting Festival is the night the lights first go on. About a week later the First Credit Union Christmas Parade comes down Anglesea Street (in 2017 it started at 3pm). Trees at The Meteor, a koha exhibition at 1 Victoria Street, has been a family outing since 2007.

Jingles, 80 to 90 floats and a Saturday night switch-on in 2025

In 2025 the Garden Place tree was switched on one Saturday night, with crowds gathered around it. The First Credit Union Christmas Parade ran on Sunday 7 December from 2pm to 3pm, with pre-parade festivities from 1:15pm. Around 80 to 90 floats, characters and entertainment groups followed Jingles and his crew, and the arrival of Santa Claus was the highlight. Watching was free. Trees at The Meteor ran 10 to 19 December in its 19th year, and Christmas at the Lake on 13 December ended with fireworks at Innes Common. In 2026 the tree lighting is on 28 November and the parade on 6 December.

Parade characters, a Christmas brick display and four free Santa mailboxes

At the 2018 parade, floats representing Hamilton's communities shared Anglesea Street with characters including Olaf and the Queen of Hearts. The route ran from the corner of Rostrevor and Anglesea streets to the corner of Anglesea and Knox streets. In 2019 the Garden Place night had a tree-lighting concert, carol singing, balloon makers and a Christmas Lego display, and there were four free Santa mailboxes around the city. That year the tree lit up at 9pm every night in December. In 2018 Santa's sleigh stayed in Garden Place until it left on 24 December.

Traditions today

  • SkyCity Christmas Tree Lighting Festival: The night the 27-metre Garden Place tree is lit for the first time, with food trucks, costumed characters and face painting. In 2026 it is on 28 November, 5pm to 9pm.
  • First Credit Union Christmas Parade: Floats, characters and Santa come down Anglesea Street. In 2026 it is on Sunday 6 December at 2pm.
  • Trees at The Meteor: A koha exhibition of handmade Christmas trees at 1 Victoria Street, running since 2007. In 2026 it is on 9 to 18 December.
  • Christmas at the Lake: In 2025 this free evening at Innes Common had dance groups, a choir, Santa with lollies, rides, free face painting for kids and fireworks.
  • Extravaganza in the Park Christmas Market: A free market at Elliot Park in Nawton. In 2025 it was its 11th year, with more than 140 stalls on 6 December.
  • Tree colouring competition: Kids download a colouring sheet and email their entry to the Hamilton Christmas Trust. Winning designs are displayed on the tree.

A fact for kids

Hamilton's Garden Place tree is 27 metres tall, more than six storeys high, and a team of 15 people hangs its baubles.

Questions about Christmas in Hamilton

When is the Hamilton Christmas tree lighting in 2026?

The SkyCity Christmas Tree Lighting Festival is on Saturday 28 November 2026 in Garden Place, from 5pm to 9pm. The tree is lit for the first time that night. Rally Takes the Train's Hamilton Christmas events guide lists the evening with the rest of the season.

When is the First Credit Union Christmas Parade in 2026?

The First Credit Union Christmas Parade is on Sunday 6 December 2026, starting at 2pm, and it comes down Anglesea Street in central Hamilton. In 2025 it ran from 2pm to 3pm and was free to watch. The 2026 price has not been announced.

Is Trees at The Meteor on in 2026, and what does it cost?

Trees at The Meteor runs 9 to 18 December 2026 at 1 Victoria Street. Hours are 11am to 2pm from Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 December and 6:30pm to 9pm from Tuesday 15 to Friday 18 December. Entry is by koha, a voluntary donation.

How tall is the big tree in Garden Place?

The Garden Place tree is 27 metres tall to the tip of its star, which is more than six storeys. Reports from 2018 and 2019 describe it as the largest Christmas tree in New Zealand. It lights up from late November through New Year.

Who puts up the Hamilton Christmas tree?

A team of 15 people installs the frame and the lighting, fluffs the branches and hangs the baubles. The tree is lit for the first time at the tree lighting festival in Garden Place, which in 2026 falls on 28 November.

What happens at the tree lighting festival besides the switch-on?

The festival has food trucks, costumed characters, face painting, balloon art and live entertainment, and a lighting ceremony and carols concert take place when the lights go on. The organisers suggest bringing picnic blankets. In 2019 there was also a Christmas Lego display.

Where do I watch the Hamilton Christmas parade?

The parade comes down Anglesea Street in central Hamilton. In 2018 the route ran from the corner of Rostrevor and Anglesea streets to the corner of Anglesea and Knox streets. For 2026 the route is on Anglesea Street, but no start or end point has been announced.

Who is Jingles at the Hamilton Christmas parade?

Jingles leads the First Credit Union Christmas Parade with his crew. Around 80 to 90 floats, characters and entertainment groups followed them down Anglesea Street, and the arrival of Santa Claus was the highlight of the afternoon.

What time should we get to the Hamilton parade?

In 2025 pre-parade festivities began at 1:15pm and the parade ran from 2pm to 3pm. The 2026 parade starts at 2pm on Sunday 6 December. The 2025 tourism entry said arriving early helps you get a good viewing spot along Anglesea Street.

Is the Hamilton Christmas parade free?

In 2025 the parade was free, with all ages welcome. No 2026 price has been announced, so check the Hamilton Christmas Trust site before you go. The parade is on Sunday 6 December 2026 along Anglesea Street.

Can kids enter a competition for the Hamilton tree?

Yes. Kids can download a colouring sheet and email their entry to the Hamilton Christmas Trust. Winning designs are displayed on the tree.

Can kids send letters to Santa in Hamilton?

In 2019 there were four free Santa mailboxes around Hamilton. That year Santa's helpers also joined the tree lighting night. For 2026 a Meet Santa at the Tree date is still to be decided.

Where is Santa's sleigh in Hamilton before Christmas?

In 2018 Santa's sleigh stayed in Garden Place beside the tree until it left on 24 December. For 2026 the Hamilton Christmas Trust lists a Meet Santa at the Tree session, but the date is still to be decided.

How long has Trees at The Meteor been running?

Trees at The Meteor has been a traditional family outing in Hamilton since 2007. The 2025 edition was its 19th year, held 10 to 19 December in the Nancy Caiger Gallery at The Meteor Theatre, and it kept its Compassion not Consumption theme.

What was at Trees at The Meteor in 2025?

The 2025 exhibition showed upcycled works by local artists, schools, families and community groups. There were family photo spots, hot chocolate and cafe treats, and t-shirt upcycling with a custom print. Prizes went to winning trees, judged by visitors and a panel of local creative figures.

What is Christmas at the Lake in Hamilton?

Christmas at the Lake is an evening at Innes Common, Hamilton Lake. The 2025 edition on 13 December ran 5:30pm to 9:45pm, was free, and had 10 dance groups, music groups, a choir, Santa with lollies, rides, free face painting for kids and fireworks.

Is there a free Christmas market in Hamilton for families?

The Extravaganza in the Park Christmas Market at Elliot Park, Hyde Avenue, Nawton, was free to enter in 2025. It ran 9am to 2pm on 6 December in its 11th year, with more than 140 stalls. A 2026 date has not been confirmed yet.

Besides the Garden Place tree and the Anglesea Street parade, what else can Hamilton kids do at Christmas?

Kids can enter the tree colouring competition, visit Trees at The Meteor from 9 to 18 December 2026, and in 2025 families also went to Christmas at the Lake and the Extravaganza market. Rally Takes the Train's Hamilton Christmas events guide lists what is confirmed for 2026.

Where can we spend a Christmas evening out with kids in Hamilton?

Garden Place is the main spot: the tree lights up at 9pm each night in December and stays lit through New Year. The tree is lit from late November. Trees at The Meteor has evening sessions from 15 to 18 December 2026.

What is the best weekend to see Hamilton's Christmas in 2026?

Two dates are confirmed for 2026: the tree lighting festival on Saturday 28 November in Garden Place and the Christmas parade on Sunday 6 December on Anglesea Street. Trees at The Meteor then runs 9 to 18 December. Check Rally Takes the Train's Hamilton Christmas events page for updates.

Sources

  1. Hamilton Christmas Tree: Garden Place (2026), Hamilton Christmas Trust
  2. First Credit Union Christmas Parade (Waikato tourism listing, 2025), Hamilton & Waikato Tourism
  3. Hamilton Christmas tree lights up as festivities begin (2 December 2019), Waikato Herald
  4. Busy Christmas season in Hamilton (22 November 2018), Waikato Herald
  5. Meteor Opens Its Doors For Iconic Festive Tree-ts (5 December 2025), Scoop
  6. Trees at The Meteor 2026, The Meteor
  7. Hello Hamilton newsletter, 4 December 2025, Hello Hamilton
  8. Christmas at the Lake (2025 listing), Hamilton & Waikato Tourism
  9. Christmas festivities shaping up for Hamilton (24 November 2017), Waikato Herald
  10. Hamilton Christmas Trust, home page (2026), Hamilton Christmas Trust
  11. Extravaganza in the Park Christmas Market 2025, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism
Kelsey Cecil
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