We confirmed 9 Christmas events for kids in Tauranga for 2026. The first is Turning on the Christmas lights at Masonic Park on 20 November, and the season runs until 27 December with Santa's Grotto in Katikati. 8 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
- 9 kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Tauranga, Katikati, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa and Waihī Beach
- First: Turning on the Christmas lights at Masonic Park, Tauranga, 20 November
- Free events: Turning on the Christmas lights at Masonic Park, The Great Grinch Bauble Hunt, Pak'n Save Pāpāmoa Santa Parade, Bub's Christmas at The Village, Christmas in the Park and Lions Santa Parade, Tauranga's Christmas in the Park 2026 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).
Tauranga Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 9 confirmed for 2026
- Suburbs and towns
- Tauranga, Katikati, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa and Waihī Beach
- Season
- 20 November to 27 December
- Free events
- 8
- Last checked
Christmas events for kids in Tauranga
3 confirmed events in Tauranga, soonest first.
Turning on the Christmas lights at Masonic Park
Christmas lightsFreeTauranga City Council · Tauranga
- Host
- Tauranga City Council (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Masonic Park, 59 The Strand, Tauranga 3110
- When
- Friday 20 November, 6pm to 9pm
- Cost
- Free; bring a gift or food item for the Christmas Convoy
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Tauranga kicks off the festive season by switching on the lights of the city centre Christmas tree in Masonic Park on The Strand. Families can enjoy festive face painting and entertainment from the Tauranga Big Band and Fuse drumming, and Santa will be making an appearance. The Breeze will be there along with the local person chosen to flick the switch.
The celebration runs on Friday 20 November from 6pm to 9pm and is free. Bring a gift or a non-perishable food item to be collected by the Christmas Convoy for locals in need. Parking in the city centre is free after 5pm, and local eateries along the waterfront make it easy to turn it into an evening out.
Parent tip: City centre parking is free after 5pm; bring a wrapped gift or food item for the Christmas Convoy collection.
See dates and details from Tauranga City Council (opens in a new tab)Bub's Christmas at The Village
Meet SantaFreeThe Historic Village · Tauranga
- Host
- The Historic Village (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Historic Village, 17th Avenue West, Tauranga 3112
- When
- Tuesday 1 December, 10am to 1pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Under 5s and their caregivers
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Historic Village in Tauranga South hosts a gentle Christmas morning designed especially for under-fives and their parents or carers. Little ones can try hands-on Christmas activities and creative play, meet fairies, enjoy bubble fun and follow a Reindeer Hunt around the village streets.
It is on Tuesday 1 December from 10am to 1pm and is free, including a photo with Santa. Activities may be subject to availability, so arriving earlier in the morning is wise. Photography and filming take place during the event; let the organisers know if you would rather not be photographed. The village has accessible bathrooms, mobility parking and wheelchair access. It is a calm alternative to busier Santa events.
Parent tip: Arrive early as activities may be subject to availability; tell staff if you prefer your child not to be photographed.
See dates and details from The Historic Village (opens in a new tab)BOP Youth Brass 2026 Christmas Concert
Christmas carolsBay of Plenty Youth Brass · Tauranga
- Host
- Bay of Plenty Youth Brass (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- St Peter's in the City, 130 Spring Street, Tauranga 3110
- When
- Friday 4 December, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
- Cost
- Under 16s free; students and seniors $10; adults $20
- Ages
- All ages
- Booking
- Booking recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Bay of Plenty Youth Brass brings together players from more than eight schools around the region for an end-of-year Christmas concert. The programme mixes traditional Christmas carols, jazzy festive favourites and popular concert music, including songs from The Greatest Showman, and there are a few chances for the audience to join in with well-known carols.
The concert is on Friday 4 December from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at St Peter's in the City on Spring Street. At an hour long it is a manageable length for children, and under 16s go free. Students and seniors pay $10 and general admission is $20, with proceeds supporting the youth band. The band is made up of young players, so it is a lovely chance for children to see other kids performing.
Parent tip: Under 16s are free, so it is an affordable family outing; tickets are booked through Humanitix.
See dates and details from Bay of Plenty Youth Brass (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Katikati
3 confirmed events in Katikati, soonest first.
The Great Grinch Bauble Hunt (Katikati)
Family Christmas eventFreeKatch Katikati · Katikati
- Host
- Katch Katikati (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Participating shops (entry forms at The Arts Junction), 36 Main Road, Katikati 3129
- When
- 28 November to 11 December, during shop hours
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Just as the elves were finishing Santa's Grotto, the Grinch sneaked into Katikati and hid Santa's Christmas baubles in shops and businesses all around town. Families pick up an entry form from The Arts Junction, visit the participating businesses along Main Road and Talisman Drive, and count the baubles to help get the grotto ready.
The hunt runs from Saturday 28 November to Friday 11 December. Completed entries go into The Arts Junction before 3pm on 11 December, and three winners each receive a dancing Grinch worth $100, announced on Saturday 12 December on Facebook. It is free and a fun way to get children walking around the town centre in the lead-up to Christmas. More than fifteen local businesses are taking part.
Parent tip: Collect your entry form at The Arts Junction first; most participating shops are on Main Road within walking distance.
See dates and details from Katch Katikati (opens in a new tab)Christmas in the Park and Lions Santa Parade (Katikati)
Santa paradeFreeKatch Katikati · Katikati
- Host
- Katch Katikati (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Moore Park, Middlebrook Road, Katikati 3129
- When
- Saturday 5 December; parade 3pm, park 3.30pm to 5pm
- Cost
- Free (helicopter rides extra)
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The afternoon starts with the much-loved Lions Santa Parade, leaving Katikati Primary School carpark at 3pm and travelling along Carisbrooke Street to Moore Park with Santa making a special appearance. Families can line the streets for the procession and then follow it to the park.
From 3.30pm to 5pm Moore Park hosts Christmas in the Park, with live music from the Katikati Concert Band and others, Christmas carols from student DJs, food vendors and craft stalls. For children there are giant outdoor games, face painting and balloons, circus workshops, a lucky dip and the chance to explore a Taylor Bros truck. Entry is free; helicopter rides are an optional paid extra on the day. The event is brought to you by Katch Katikati and Taylor Bros Transport.
Parent tip: Watch the parade on Carisbrooke Street, then walk to Moore Park; bring cash for food stalls and the lucky dip.
See dates and details from Katch Katikati (opens in a new tab)Santa's Grotto in Katikati
Santa’s grottoFreeKatch Katikati · Katikati
- Host
- Katch Katikati (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- The Arts Junction, 36 Main Road, Katikati 3129
- When
- 12 to 27 December, 10am to 2pm (closed Christmas Day); Santa on selected days
- Cost
- Free; kids' Christmas movies $10
- Ages
- Families
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Katch Katikati turns The Arts Junction on Main Road into a festive destination from 12 to 27 December, with Christmas displays made by local groups including the Western Bay Library, Katikati Primary School and Katikati Floral Art. Children can visit Santa in his grotto, share their Christmas wishes and make some special memories.
Santa is in from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Wednesday 16, Sunday 20, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 December. Opening day on 12 December adds market stalls, food trucks, face painting, Christmas crafts, balloons and roving entertainers. The boutique Junction Theatre also screens kids' Christmas movies at 3.30pm on Tuesday 15 and Tuesday 22 December for $10 a ticket, with only 16 seats.
Parent tip: Plan your visit for one of the six Santa days; book the $10 kids' movie early as there are only 16 seats.
See dates and details from Katch Katikati (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Mount Maunganui
1 confirmed event in Mount Maunganui, soonest first.
Tauranga's Christmas in the Park 2026 (Mount Maunganui)
Meet SantaFreeCommunity Projects Charitable Trust · Mount Maunganui
- Host
- Community Projects Charitable Trust (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Soper Reserve, 95 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui 3116
- When
- Saturday 5 December, 10am to 4pm
- Cost
- Gold coin or non-perishable food donation
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Tauranga's Christmas in the Park is an annual community fundraiser at Soper Reserve in Mount Maunganui, bringing people together before Christmas to support local charities working with families and children. Expect Christmas markets, street food, live music and performances, free workshops, fun football and face painting, plus Santa's Grotto for the children.
It runs on Saturday 5 December from 10am to 4pm. Entry is by gold coin or a non-perishable food donation, which goes to local families who need a hand this Christmas. There are communal tables and beanbags for a relaxed day out, and more activities are still being added to the programme. Proceeds help local charities and community groups that support families and children.
Parent tip: Bring a gold coin or a tin of food for entry, plus cash for market stalls and street food.
See dates and details from Community Projects Charitable Trust (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Pāpāmoa
1 confirmed event in Pāpāmoa, soonest first.
Pak'n Save Pāpāmoa Santa Parade
Santa paradeFreeVisit Pāpāmoa · Pāpāmoa
- Host
- Visit Pāpāmoa (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Dickson Road, Dickson Road, Pāpāmoa Beach, Tauranga 3118
- When
- Sunday 29 November, 10am to 12pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Pak'n Save Pāpāmoa Santa Parade marks the official arrival of Santa in Pāpāmoa and the start of the festive season. Floats, entertainment and community groups roll through town in true Pāpāmoa style, and families line the route to welcome the man in red.
The 2026 parade is on Sunday 29 November from 10am to 12pm along Dickson Road. Organisers say all the favourites from previous years will be back, with the official 2026 theme and full event details to be announced closer to the day. It is one of the free events in the Visit Pāpāmoa calendar, so just gather the whānau and find a good spot along the street. Community groups can register a float through the Visit Pāpāmoa page.
Parent tip: Arrive early to find a spot along Dickson Road; check the Visit Pāpāmoa Facebook event for the 2026 theme and updates.
See dates and details from Visit Pāpāmoa (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Waihī Beach
1 confirmed event in Waihī Beach, soonest first.
Christmas in the Village: Waihī Beach Long Table Dinner
Meet SantaFreeWaihi Beach Events & Promotions · Waihī Beach
- Host
- Waihi Beach Events & Promotions (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Waihī Beach village (Wilson Road), 26 Wilson Road, Tauranga 3611
- When
- Saturday 19 December, 5pm to 8pm
- Cost
- Free (optional buffet $30 adults, $18 kids)
- Ages
- All ages
- Booking
- Booking essential
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
For one evening the road through Waihī Beach village closes and a long table is set right down the middle for a free community Christmas gathering. Families bring their own kai and drinks or grab takeaways from local eateries, then settle in for an alcohol-free evening with the neighbours.
The programme includes a Have a Go circus area, Christmas crafts and mini workshops, Santa's Grotto, free popcorn, a photobooth and carols. It runs on Saturday 19 December from 5pm to 8pm. A seat at the table is free but booked through Eventbrite, and there is an optional gluten-free Christmas buffet at $30 for adults and $18 for children, which must be booked separately. Accessible seating and toilets are available on the night.
Parent tip: Book your free seat on Eventbrite first; the event is alcohol free and accessible parking is on Edinburgh Street.
See dates and details from Waihi Beach Events & 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 Christchurch
- 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)Tauranga Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Tauranga in 2026?
We confirmed 9 Christmas events for kids in Tauranga for 2026, each on its host’s own page, including Turning on the Christmas lights at Masonic Park, The Great Grinch Bauble Hunt (Katikati), Pak'n Save Pāpāmoa Santa Parade, Bub's Christmas at The Village, BOP Youth Brass 2026 Christmas Concert, Christmas in the Park and Lions Santa Parade (Katikati), Tauranga's Christmas in the Park 2026 (Mount Maunganui), Santa's Grotto in Katikati and Christmas in the Village: Waihī Beach Long Table Dinner. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Tauranga?
Yes. 8 of the 9 events here are free, including Turning on the Christmas lights at Masonic Park, The Great Grinch Bauble Hunt (Katikati), Pak'n Save Pāpāmoa Santa Parade, Bub's Christmas at The Village, Christmas in the Park and Lions Santa Parade (Katikati), Tauranga's Christmas in the Park 2026 (Mount Maunganui), Santa's Grotto in Katikati and Christmas in the Village: Waihī Beach Long Table Dinner. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Tauranga this year?
Santa appears at Pak'n Save Pāpāmoa Santa Parade, Bub's Christmas at The Village, Christmas in the Park and Lions Santa Parade (Katikati), Tauranga's Christmas in the Park 2026 (Mount Maunganui), Santa's Grotto in Katikati and Christmas in the Village: Waihī Beach Long Table Dinner. Times and booking rules are in each listing above.
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.
