A Christmas Cracker 2026

What it is

A Christmas Cracker is Wellington City Council’s free Christmas celebration in the city, held at Waitangi Park on the waterfront on Saturday 12 December 2026, from 11 am to 5 pm. It is a whole-family day out where entry and every activity are free; the only thing you pay for is food.

What to expect on the day

Waitangi Park is packed with free Christmas activities:

• Meet Santa at Santa’s Grotto, and post a wish list in Santa’s Mailbox
• Ice skating and a foam pit
• Face painting, caricatures and Christmas craft stations
• Roving performers, including juggling, hula hoop and magic, plus Christmas mascots

The stage runs all day, with dance groups, choirs, brass bands, a ukulele band, singers and a pantomime. Food trucks are on site; at last year’s waterfront Christmas events most took EFTPOS, but the council suggested carrying some cash too.

Allow two to three hours with young children, longer if they want another go on the ice.

Who it suits

Families with young children, and anyone in Wellington who wants a festive afternoon on the harbour. Because it is free and you can come and go, it also suits a short visit between other plans.

Accessibility and sensory needs

The council publishes an event guide (last year’s is on the event page) with a description of the day, what to bring, details for sensory needs, how to get there and where to find help. Based on last year’s guide:

• The park is open access, so you can step away from busy areas and come back whenever you like, and event crew can help you find somewhere quieter.
• Permanent public toilets, including accessible toilets, are beside the playground and in the Chaffers apartment building, with extra portaloos on event days.
• Event staff wear orange hi-vis vests, and signs show toilets, exits, quiet areas and activities.

Getting there

Waitangi Park is at the end of Cable Street, beside Te Papa, a short, flat walk from the central city and Courtenay Place. Buses run nearby (check Metlink for times), and there is paid parking at Te Papa and the Barnett Street car park. Wellington Airport is about 15 minutes away by car in light traffic (an estimate).

Where to stay

The central city and the waterfront put you within walking distance. Te Aro and Courtenay Place have plenty of options. Our things to do in Wellington guide covers the neighbourhoods.

What to bring

The council’s guide notes that December in Wellington is usually warm and sunny, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a drink bottle. The weather changes fast, though, so pack an extra layer. Kids heading into the foam pit will appreciate a change of clothes, and you can bring a picnic.

Make a trip of it

Spend the rest of the weekend exploring the harbour, the Botanic Garden and the cable car with our things to do in Wellington guide. Wellington is also where you catch the ferry to the South Island. Our Interislander vs Bluebridge guide explains which crossing to book, and our 14-day South Island road trip picks up on the other side. Planning a whole festive trip? See NZ in December.