Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, Christchurch 2026

What it is

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park has been running since 1994 and is now New Zealand’s largest free annual Christmas celebration. It is a big outdoor musical show that mixes popular New Zealand performers with promising new talent, and it is a fixture of the Kiwi Christmas calendar. There are two shows each year: Christchurch first, in North Hagley Park, then Auckland two weeks later.

What to expect on the day

Picture thousands of people on picnic rugs across the grass of North Hagley Park, a large stage, Christmas songs and pop hits, and a fireworks finale to close the night. The show starts at 7.30 pm. Bring a picnic and settle in early; the fireworks close the night.

The Coca-Cola Food Fest has food trucks and trailers on site. Hawkers, charity collectors and unauthorised sellers are not allowed in the park or on surrounding streets.

If you want a quieter preview, the rehearsal is on Friday 27 November from 7.30 pm to about 10 pm.

Who it suits

Families, couples and anyone in Christchurch that weekend. It is free, outdoors and very easy, which makes it a good first taste of how New Zealanders celebrate Christmas in summer.

Tickets

None needed. Just turn up. Come early if you want a spot close to the stage.

Getting there

Hagley Park is on the edge of the central city, so most people walk, bike or bus. Christchurch Airport is about 15 km away, roughly 25 minutes by car (an estimate).

• Bus: check metroinfo.co.nz or phone Metro on 03 366 8855 for timetables.
• Drop-off zones from 4 pm: Armagh Street (north side, Park Terrace to Cranmer Square West), Harper Avenue (south side near Bealey Avenue), both sides of Kilmore Street (Cranmer Square West to Park Terrace), Park Terrace (east side, Chester Street West to Armagh Street) and Rolleston Avenue (east side, Armagh to Gloucester Street).
• Parking: there is no public parking in Hagley Park. Use central city car parks; the city council website lists them.
• Road closures on 28 November: Park Terrace between Bealey Avenue and Dorset Street from 5 pm to 11.30 pm, plus Armagh Street, Park Terrace (Armagh to Chester Street West) and Rolleston Avenue from 9 pm to 11.30 pm. Allow plenty of time to get home.

Where to stay

Anywhere in the central city puts you within walking distance of Hagley Park, and it saves dealing with traffic after the fireworks.

What to bring

A picnic rug or low chair, a warm layer for after sunset, and a bag for your rubbish. Bins for rubbish, compost and recycling are around the park.

Rules and accessibility

• Mobility parking for card holders is on Chester Street West and in the Botanic Gardens car park, accessed via the Armagh Street Bridge. The Botanic Gardens car park closes to other incoming traffic from 3 pm.
• There are drop-off points for disabled visitors on the night.
• Leave pets at home; certified assistance dogs are welcome.
• If severe weather stops the show it is cancelled outright, with no rain date. Listen to 92.1 MORE FM for updates.

Make a trip of it

Our things to do in Christchurch guide covers the city itself. Christchurch is also the usual starting point for a South Island road trip. Our 14-day South Island itinerary starts here, and our freedom camping rules guide explains where you can and cannot park a campervan overnight.