Christmas in Christchurch 2012
This page explores Christmas related events in Christchurch — from carol services and concerts to Santa parades and festive displays.
Many Christmas events in Christchurch are listed on local events calendar BeThere.co.nz. The Press will publish a list of Christmas services. You can view this on Press Display.
Christmas on Latimer
Latimer Square was home to a seven-storey high Telecom Tree, and kids could tell Santa their wish-list from a Telecom phone box. There were other events including Christmas encraftment markets. YMCA Carols by Candlelight celebrated its 65th anniversary and the 150th anniversary of the YMCA.
Christmas carols and music
Christmas in the Park took place on Saturday 24 November 2012 in Christchurch. Carol services took place in local communities. The season of carols culminated with the YMCA Carols by Candlelight, taking place on Christmas Eve in Latimer Square. This twilight gathering has been delighting Cantabrians and visitors every Christmas Eve since 1947.
Nativity Float. View more photographs from the Hay’s parade.
Santa Parades and Santa
- Saturday 1 December 2012: New Brighton Santa Parade.
- Sunday 2 December 2012: Christchurch’s Santa Parade on Riccarton Road.
Our history of Christchurch Christmas parades has information on Christchurch’s parades dating back to the 1930s and links to photographs of the Hay’s Santa Parade.
Some malls and shops may have a Santa in store to listen to childrens’ gift requests, and having a photo taken on Santa’s knee is a New Zealand tradition.
Lights, decorations and displays
Christchurch shops often decorate their windows and have Christmas displays. Department store Ballantynes is famous for its Christmas window. This year it was unveiled on Friday 23 November.
Some streets in Christchurch light up as homes are festooned with Christmas lights (Westlake Drive in Halswell is a notable example).
Churches may have nativity displays, and there is a Christmas Grotto at Spreydon Baptist Church.
