MOTAT Christmas Lights runs on 12 nights in December 2026: Friday to Monday from 4 to 7, 11 to 14 and 18 to 21 December, 8 pm to 11 pm (last entry 10.30 pm). The Museum of Transport and Technology's Great North Road site in Western Springs fills with lit heritage buildings, a big Christmas tree, heritage tram rides, carol singers, Santa and food. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, must be booked online, and sold out in 2025.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- 4 to 7, 11 to 14 and 18 to 21 December 2026
- Hours
- 8 pm to 11 pm; last entry 10.30 pm
- Where
- MOTAT Great North Road, Western Springs; entry via Gate D, Stadium Road
- Tickets
- Adults $10, children 5 to 15 $5, under 5 free but ticket needed
- Booking
- Online only, no gate sales; non-refundable, no date changes
- Weather
- Goes ahead rain or shine
What it is
Each December the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) lights up its Great North Road site in Western Springs. MOTAT describes it as Auckland’s most magical Christmas lights. In 2026 it runs across 12 nights in three four-night blocks:
- Friday 4 to Monday 7 December
- Friday 11 to Monday 14 December
- Friday 18 to Monday 21 December
Each session runs from 8 pm to 11 pm, with last entry at 10.30 pm.
What to expect
MOTAT’s heritage buildings are covered in sparkling lights around te rākau kirihimete nui, the big Christmas tree, with photo spots designed by event partner La Lumiere. There are heritage tram rides, carol singers, festive music, outdoor games, visits with Santa and food to eat while you take in the lights. The tram ride is a fun loop to the corner of Great North and Motions Roads and back. It does not run to the Aviation Hall, and nothing happens at the Motions Road site during the event.
Who it suits
Families with children, couples and groups of friends looking for an affordable Christmas night out in Auckland. The late start makes it a treat for kids allowed up past bedtime.
Tickets
Adults and seniors pay $10, children aged 5 to 15 pay $5, and under 5s are free but need a booked ticket. Tickets are sold online only, with no gate sales. They are non-refundable and dates cannot be changed. The event sold out in 2025, so book early. General admission MOTAT tickets do not include Christmas Lights. MOTAT Mates members can book complimentary tickets. MOTAT warns that tickets offered in social media comments are scams.
Getting there
Enter through Gate D on Stadium Road, Western Springs. MOTAT is about 10 minutes’ drive from central Auckland (an estimate), and buses run along Great North Road.
Where to stay
Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and the central city are close. See our things to do in Auckland guide.
What to bring
A raincoat (it is an all-weather event), comfortable shoes and a camera.
Make a trip of it
Plan a whole festive December with our NZ in December guide.
FAQ
When is MOTAT Christmas Lights 2026?
How much are tickets?
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Does a normal MOTAT ticket get me in?
Do the trams run to the Aviation Hall?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
