It’s on in our city centre!

This holiday season unwraps with the turning on of the Christmas lights at Masonic Park on Friday 21 November.

This holiday season unwraps with the turning on of the Christmas lights at Masonic Park on Friday 21 November. This community celebration invites whānau, friends, neighbours and festive fans to gather for an evening of music and cheer.

Enjoy face painting, live performances from the Katikati Mural Town Singers and Fuse Drummers, plus a special visit from Santa himself.

One lucky local will be chosen by The Breeze Tauranga from community nominations to flick the switch and light up our giant city centre Christmas tree, honouring someone who makes our community shine all year round. Nominations are open now via The Breeze Tauranga Facebook page.

“This is what Christmas in Tauranga is all about. Bringing people together, celebrating the spirit of giving, and creating moments that make memories,” says Te Papa Ward Councillor Rod Taylor.

“For the first time, we’re inviting our community to share stories of our local good sorts, to be in to win the honour of lighting up the tree and kicking off Christmas in the city centre. This moment represents the heart of the season, community connection, generosity, and the joy of giving, especially as we support the Christmas Convoy to deliver gifts and food to those who could use a little extra support this season.”

Donations will be collected by the Christmas Convoy and shared with families and individuals in the Tauranga community.

December brings a calendar full of festive experiences to Tauranga city centre, with events set to fill the streets with music, entertainment, supporting local and spreading joy:

• Family Christmas movies on the waterfront - Fridays from 5 December
• Pocket-Size-Play - Saturday events for our tamariki at Masonic Park/Te Ao Mārama
• Saturday concerts - featuring Inachord Singers, Tauranga Civic Choir and Fuse Drummers
• Santa’s Summer Grotto - opening from 6 December to Christmas Eve. It’s a colourful, joyful space for tamariki and those young at heart to meet Santa and his cheerful elf. Brought to you by Downtown Tauranga.
• Late night Christmas shopping - Thursday 18 December, 4pm-8pm. Enjoy extended shopping hours, festive deals, music and Kiwi Christmas window displays. Brought to you by Downtown Tauranga.
• Wrap it up Downtown - curated team party packages across city centre venues, perfect for end-of-year celebrations. Find out more at downtowntauranga.co.nz/experiences.

This Christmas, enjoy stress-free visits with convenient parking at all council-operated locations.

Just popping in? Enjoy a 20-minute grace period with no payment required.

Staying longer? Park at off-street spots like Dive Crescent or in the Spring Street and Elizabeth Street parking buildings. Pay at the machines or use the PayMyPark app.

And remember, parking is free after 5pm on weekdays, all weekend, and on public holidays in the city centre. Find out more at tauranga.govt.nz/parking.

Celebrate this season in Tauranga city centre. Sing along, shop local, and soak up the Christmas spirit. Find all event details at whatsontauranga.co.nz.