As the holiday season approaches, families across Auckland are eagerly anticipating the chance to capture the magic of Christmas by visiting Santa Claus. In 2023, Auckland is set to sparkle with festive cheer, and there are several enchanting locations where children and adults alike can meet the jolly man in red.
SkyCity Auckland: A Christmas Extravaganza
Capture the festive spirit this holiday season with our complimentary Photo with Santa & Friends event, taking place every Saturday and Sunday from December 2nd to December 23rd, 2023, in the enchanting setting of the SkyCity atrium.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the North Pole as you step into Santa’s sleigh and create the perfect holiday memory. Pose with Santa himself, surrounded by his whimsical pixie friends and magical fairy creatures, all within the festive ambiance of the atrium.
Offering a chance to cherish unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Mark your calendars and make sure not to miss this opportunity to capture the joy of the holiday season.
MOTAT’s Festive Village
Embrace the festive spirit at MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) in Western Springs, where the joy of giving takes center stage with the special Christmas Lights at MOTAT. Join us for 12 spectacular nights, every Wednesday to Saturday, from December 6th to December 23rd, 2023. The museum grounds will undergo a magical transformation with enchanting Christmas lights, creating a whimsical atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
Children can immerse themselves in the wonder of Christmas, meeting Santa and his cheerful elves amidst the festive magic. The festivities include live entertainment, tram rides adorned with fairy lights, carol singers, and more to make the holiday experience truly memorable.
For families seeking a serene escape, MOTAT offers a low-sensory cottage, providing a comfortable and quiet space during the event. Entry is $2.00 for children, with kids under 5 years old enjoying free admission, and $5.00 for adults. Come and be part of this heartwarming celebration, as MOTAT lights up the season with the magic of Christmas for the whole community to enjoy.
Snowplanet
Experience Santa’s Family Fun Visit, which includes a memorable trip to Santa’s Winter Wonderland Cabin in the snow dome, a printed group photo per family, and a sweet treat of one lollipop for each child. Pricing is family-friendly, with costs set at $15 for a one-person family, $28 for a two-person family, $39 for a three-person family, and $48 for a four-person family. Additional family members are only $12 each, and children under 2 can join for free with a paying adult.
For an extra dose of excitement, consider the Santa’s Snow Fun add-on. For $29 per person (with a reduced rate of $19 for those under 5), you can extend your Santa visit by 30 minutes to explore Santa’s Winter Wonderland.
This snowy adventure includes thrilling tobogganing and snow tubing. Children under 2 can enjoy these activities for free with a full-paying adult. With a dedicated tobogganing track featuring an ice archway and two custom-built, ice-walled tubing tracks, you can take up to 5 rides for an exhilarating snowy experience.
To ensure a seamless and magical visit, online bookings are essential. Each Santa session is limited to 4 or 5 families every 15 minutes, minimizing wait times in the snow, particularly beneficial for families with young children.
Discover the magic of the season at Smith & Caugheys’ enchanting Santa’s Forest
Explore the enchantment of Santa’s Enchanted Forest at Smith & Caughey’s on Queen Street, open from November 11th to December 24th, 2023. Smith & Caughey’s holds a special place in our hearts as one of the top destinations to meet Santa.
Before meeting the jolly man in red, children can bask in the magical glow of the enchanted forest lights and displays. Enhancing the festive experience, take a stroll to enjoy the captivating Christmas window displays either before or after your visit with Santa.
For a booked experience priced at $25 in November and $29 in December per child, the enchantment includes a journey through the Enchanted Forest, a collectable Christmas tree bauble, a delightful visit with Santa, downloadable photos, and a cherished keepsake photo. Please note that non-booked experiences are no longer available, so secure your spot for an unforgettable and magical encounter with Santa at Smith & Caughey’s this holiday season.
Meet Santa during the Twilight Christmas event at Howick Historical Village.
Participate in the festive celebration as Howick Historical Village brings Christmas cheer on Saturday, December 2, from 5 pm to 9:30 pm. Explore the charming cottages and adorned grounds, featuring trees, garlands, and stockings carefully hung by the fire. Don’t miss the chance to meet Santa in the magnificent Puhi Nui homestead.
Indulge your taste buds with delicious offerings from a selection of food trucks, and revel in the enchanting atmosphere with live carol singing performances. While limited door sales are available, we highly recommend securing your spot by making a booking in advance.
This Christmas, Auckland offers a diverse range of Santa experiences for every family. From traditional settings to unique twists on the holiday theme, these locations ensure that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in the heart of New Zealand’s largest city.
So, gather your loved ones, embrace the festive vibes, and create lasting memories at the best places to visit Santa in Auckland in 2023.
