What's happening in Hamilton - December 2025

Happy holidays, Hamilton! We’ve got a special edition this month that’s highlighting what’s happening this holiday season. Check it out below.

Make the ice rink your coolest event this season 

Always wanted a winter Christmas? Check out Claudelands Events Centre as it transforms into the ultimate winter wonderland with an ice rink.

Open daily, Friday 28 November to Sunday 21 December from 10am - 10pm. 

Whether you’re gliding like a pro or stepping onto the ice for the first time, invite your friends and family.

Don’t miss the coolest event of the season. For more information and ticket details visit hlive.co.nz 

 

Holiday shopping sorted with Op Shop late nights

Take a self‑guided evening tour of op shops across Hamilton Kirikiriroa, exploring a range of stores open at night. Discover unique Christmas gifts, festive outfits, and one‑of‑a‑kind treasures, all while reducing waste and supporting local communities.

Join us on Wednesday 3 December from 5pm - 8pm for this special late‑night Christmas shopping experience.

Our friends at BUSIT are offering free rides for event-goers on the Meteor bus. No Bee Card needed — just let the driver know you’re heading to the op shop late night event.

Check out the bus timetable and for the full list of stores participating visit the Facebook event page.

 

Riverbank Lane Christmas Market  

Spread some Christmas cheer down Riverbank Lane on Saturday 6 December from 9am - 1pm.

There will be pop up stalls, special eats, a gospel choir performance, kids' activities and more.

For more information check out the Facebook event page. 

 

Extravaganza in the Park Christmas Market 

Extravaganza in the Park is returning on Saturday 6 December from 9am - 2pm at Elliott Park on Hyde Ave, Nawton. This is your opportunity to check out more than 100 stalls, be part of the community spirit and spend a great day out with family and friends. 

Get amongst the live music, pony rides, bouncy castles, face painting and plenty of aroha.

For more details visit the Facebook event page. 

 

Summer in the city

Hamilton City Council is teaming up with community groups across Hamilton Kirikiriroa to bring the central city to life this summer.

From 1 December 2025 to 8 March 2026, we’re bringing you a vibrant series of events for all ages taking place right in the heart of our city. Expect everything from Carols in the City, pop-up skate parks, pickleball, and even a mega crop swap.

Come along and soak up the good vibes.

For the full event lineup, visit hamilton.govt.nz/summerinthecity  

 

First Credit Union Christmas Parade

A must-do Christmas experience. Watch more than 80 floats parade down Anglesea Street, Hamilton on Sunday 7 December from 2pm - 3.30pm.

This years’ beloved holiday parade features floats representing the unique communities of Hamilton. See crazy characters, lively marching bands, dance groups, ethnic groups, characters, character balloons, and of course Santa Claus!

The parade starts at the corner of Rostrevor and Anglesea Streets, travels down Anglesea Street, and ends at the corner of Anglesea and Knox Streets. This event is a part of Summer in the city.

For more details check out lovethecentre.co.nz 

 

Experience the Sounds of Splendour Christmas concert 

Experience the magic of the season with Sounds of Splendour, a Christmas concert of classical and living composers, presented by the Hamilton Civic Choir on Sunday 7 December from 5pm at St Andrews Presbyterian Church.

For more details visit hlive.co.nz

 

Trees at the Meteor 

Fire up the hot glue gun, mix up your paint pots, and sharpen your scissors, because Trees at The Meteor is back. The exhibition will run from Wednesday 10 December - Friday 19 December and is a part of Summer in the city.

Check out further details at hlive.co.nz 

 

Festive fun in Garden Place

Love the Centre are putting on yet another great Christmas event. Don’t miss the festive fun coming to Garden Place on Saturday 13 December and Saturday 20 December.

From giant games and puzzles, face painting to Enchanted Characters, the kids will have a blast. There will also be live music and photo opportunities with Santa (on Saturday 20 December only). This event is a part of Summer in the city.

For more details check out lovethecentre.co.nz 

 

Sing-along at Carols in the City  

Enjoy free stage entertainment, the Hamilton night markets food trucks, Christmas carols and a Christmas movie to top it all off.

Catch a free bus ride with Busit (Hamilton services only) and bring your picnic set up to Garden Place on Friday 19 December from 5pm. This event is a part of Summer in the city.

For more updates check out the Facebook event page. 

 

Christmas crafts for the whaanau at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato

Bring the whole whaanau to Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery and get creative with a free, hands-on activity each day from Monday 22 December - Wednesday 24 December. All materials are provided, and no booking is required. Just drop in between 10am - 3pm and enjoy making something special to take home.  

Decorate your own Christmas bauble on Monday, get creative and DIY Christmas crackers on Tuesday and make a woolly wonder on Wednesday (Christmas Eve)!

Please note Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum will be closed Thursday 25 December (Christmas Day).

For more details visit tewharetaonga.nz 

 

Adult Christmas crafting at Glenview Library 

Join us for inspiring craft sessions designed for adults with some experience, but beginners are very welcome too!

Create a different Christmas-themed craft on Tuesday 2 December, Tuesday 9 December, and Tuesday 16 December from 10.30am - midday.

Whether you’re looking to build on your skills or just starting out, this class offers hands-on guidance, creative ideas, and a relaxed, welcoming environment. All materials are provided.  

For more details head to hamiltonlibraries.co.nz 

 

Cool off from the Christmas chaos at Hamilton Pools

Make a splash this December at Waterworld’s outdoor Lido Pool, open daily from 11am to 7pm. The hydro slides are ready to roll daily from 11am - 6pm, and for thrill-seekers, the outdoor Speed Slide is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and weekends from midday to 4pm.

Holiday hours at Hamilton Pools: 

• Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24 December, 5.30am - 3pm. 

• Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December, closed. 

• Boxing Day, Friday 26 December, 10am - 6pm. 

• Normal opening hours, Saturday 27 December - Monday 30 December. 

• New Years Eve, Wednesday 31 December, 5.30am - 3pm. 

• New Years Day, Thursday 1 January, 10am - 6pm. 

• Day after New Years, 10am - 6pm.

 

10 years of Gourmet in the Gardens this holiday season 

The finale date is locked and loaded for Fabuloso Mrs. India NZ 2025.

Fierce and fabulous contenders are ready to take to the stage on Sunday 23 November from 5pm - 10pm. 

Watch the celebration of strength and grace - it's more than a pageant. 

For more information visit hlive.co.nz

 

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