What's happening in Hamilton

Summer is here and Christmas is near! With so much happening this silly season, check out what Hamilton Kirikiriroa has to offer this December.

Experience the new era of our local Museum

After being closed for long-awaited building and facility upgrades, Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery is thrilled to reopen on Thursday 12 December.

Join the Museum on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December to celebrate the reopening of their whare with music, crafts, artist talks, and more. The new forecourt will be ready for action and the galleries will be looking amazing with new and updated exhibitions for you to explore.

 

Astronomy Photographer of the Year

Prepare to be starstruck. The Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition makes its Aotearoa New Zealand debut, bringing the universe's most breathtaking photography to Kirikiriroa Hamilton. With over 70 stunning photographs on display, including works by two finalists from Aotearoa New Zealand, this exhibition is a must-see for space enthusiasts and photography lovers alike.

12 December 2024 – 27 April 2025. Entry fees apply. 

 

He Aa I Uta, He Aa I Tai: Weaving the Elements

Discover the artistry of weaving in He Aa I Uta, He Aa I Tai: Weaving the Elements. This exhibition features beautiful new creations by members of Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa, supported by the master weavers group, Te Kāhui Whiritoi. Inspired by the elements of air, earth, fire, water, and spirit, the exhibition celebrates the rich legacy of weaving through both traditional and contemporary handcrafted works.

12 December 2024 – 10 August 2025. Free entry.

Timeline: Waikato Art 1850 to 2000

Explore the artistic evolution of the Waikato region in Timeline: Waikato Art 1850 to 2000. This visual art exhibition takes you on a journey through time, featuring early 19th-century landscapes, portraits by internationally renowned local photographer Henry Gaze, and works from notable 20th-century artists such as Mary McIntyre, Robert Ellis, and Buck Nin.

12 December 2024 – 13 July 2025. Free entry.

 

Exhibition No. 831

Celebrate the rich history of the Museum with Exhibition No. 831. Since its opening in 1987, the Museum has hosted more than 830 exhibitions. This retrospective showcases original photographic slides, installation images, and retro graphic design, reflecting on the Museum’s past achievements and recent improvements.

12 December 2024 – 30 March 2024. Free entry.

 

Get festive with sustainabili-tree

One of Waikato's most iconic Christmas events is back.

This year, The Meteor is hosting the beloved Christmas tree exhibition in their Nancy Caiger Gallery, and it's all about sustainability.

From Wednesday 4 December, The Meteor will transform into a magical forest filled with native and artistic trees created by talented artists from around Aotearoa. Each tree is crafted with recycled treasures, showcasing creativity and a commitment to sustainability.

Explore the enchanting trees, enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate in the café, and cast your vote for your favorite tree.

Entry is koha (donation).

Opening hours:

Wednesday 4 – Saturday 14 December, 11am – 2pm

Wednesday 18 – Friday 20 December, 7pm – 9pm

 

Waikato's Christmas Market Returns

Mark your calendars for Saturday 14 December from 9am to 4pm, as Waikato's very own Christmas market makes a festive return.

Explore quality artisan goods and handcrafted gifts, including fine art, skincare, wooden toys, leatherware, candles, fresh food, and more.

Enjoy the festive atmosphere in the fabulous Barn at Claudelands, where you can find unique gifts, savor delicious fresh food, enjoy live music, and look out for a special appearance from Santa.

There is free onsite parking. Entry is $5, children under 12 are free.

 

Boxing Day at Seddon Park

It's double the fun this Boxing Day at Seddon Park. Join the Northern Brave for the opening match of the 2024-2025 Super Smash.

A great afternoon and evening for the whole whaanau with inflatables, food stands, and giveaways.

Get your tickets to the double header, 2.10pm - Northern Brave (W) v Auckland Hearts and 5.55pm - Northern Brave (M) v Auckland Aces at hlive.co.nz

 

Roll down to Fairfield Skatepark

After an exciting refresh, the Fairfield Skatepark has re-opened for riders of all levels to enjoy. The recent upgrades include refurbishments to the existing bowl, a brand-new basketball court, shading, seating, and improved lighting, and there is also some vibrant new street art around the park.

With plenty of space around the park for picnics, this is the perfect spot to make the most of daylight savings and the warm weather.

 

Summer fun at Hamilton City Libraries

Hamilton Libraries are thrilled to announce the start of their summer reading programmes, with something for the whole whaanau.

The children's programme 'Read it! Make it! Do it!' is starting Monday 9 December. You can sign your tamariki up at your local library, where they'll receive a booklet filled with activities, colouring pages, and reading logs to keep them busy throughout the school holidays.

A teens' programme: 'Game On! Kia Kori!' is also running now, while an adults' programme: 'Read, Relax, Repeat!' will launch on Monday 9 December – with both running until Wednesday 15 January. You can find out more and join the fun through Beanstack, a digital platform that encourages reading with virtual badges and achievements.

Throughout the summer reading programmes, Hamilton Libraries will also be hosting events and workshops suitable for all ages. Plus, all participants – children, teens, and adults – will have the chance to win fabulous prizes.

 

Nature at the Library with Aimee

Head along to Hillcrest Library on Thursday 19 December to meet Aimee from the Nature in the City team and learn about introduced mammalian predators and how they have wreaked havoc on New Zealand’s native fauna and flora.

Tamariki will be able to see taxidermy predators up close and learn about different types of traps. The talk will also cover information on our pekapeka tou roa (long-tailed bat) and why we need to protect it.

Register your child at hamiltonlibraries.co.nz to secure their spot in this very special event, spaces are limited.

Please note children under 14 must always be accompanied by a caregiver in our libraries. 

 

Take on the speed slide this summer

Both the Lido Pool and speed slide at Waterworld will be open for the summer from Saturday 14 December until Sunday 9 February.

The Lido Pool opens daily from 11am – 7pm and is the perfect setting for BBQs and a full family-friendly day out.

Between 12pm – 4pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and weekends those who are game can take on the speed slide. Race your friends and whanaau for some extra fun.

 

Make a splash and enjoy the summer holiday vibes

What’s a kiwi summer without some epic poolside fun? Come to Gallagher Aquatic Centre and dive into the action with bombing and inflatable activities every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 12pm – 4pm from Saturday 14 December – Sunday 9 February.

Stay all day and make the most of the Gallagher Aquatic Centre facilities. There's a BBQ and outdoor playground, perfect for lunch or an early dinner.

Community service card holders will receive a 25% discount for their whole family.

 

Spend time exploring Donny Park

If you are yet to explore Donny Park or haven’t visited in a while, now is a great time to put this walk on your to-do list.

A two-year project as part of the Nature in the City programme has just wrapped up here, which has seen the addition of more than 25,900 native plants and improved infrastructure including 570m of concrete path and 200m of boardwalk forming a new connection from River Road through to Fairfield College.

Keep an eye out for native species including giant kokopu, tuna (eels), and tuuii, and admire the recently installed paataka and interpretative panel located near the Donny Ave entrance.

Download the Nature in the City App to enjoy a self-guided tour through the area.

This is the final issue of Happening in Hamilton for 2024. We'd love to wish everyone a happy holiday as we wrap up for the year. Hoping this season is full of joy, laughter, and all the festive fun Hamilton Kirikiriroa has to offer.

These are just some of the fun activities to do in Hamilton, for more ideas check out: 

• hamilton.govt.nz/parks-recreation-and-community-spaces
• HLive.co.nz
• or download the Nature in the City App