Christmas in the Park Auckland 2024: Transport, weather, and who’s set to shine on stage

Award-winning Kiwi rapper Che Fu is set to headline this year's Auckland Christmas in the Park at the Auckland Domain. Photo / Lincoln Photography Limited

• The 2024 Auckland celebration of Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is set to take place at the Auckland Domain on Saturday December 14, with no rain date scheduled.
• Road closures start inside the Domain from 6am on the event morning. All other road closures will be in place at 4pm.
• Headliners include Che Fu, Georgia Lines and Chaii, with the on-stage entertainment starting at 7.30pm.

Auckland Domain will be filled with festive cheer on Saturday December 14 when the local tradition of Christmas in the Park returns for 2024, 30-years since it first started.

The free concert spectacle is set to feature hip-hop legend Che Fu and rising stars Georgia Lines and Chaii, culminating as always with an epic fireworks display set to light up the night sky.

Expect carols, Christmas tree lights, plenty of food and drink options, and of course, the big man in the red and white suit who’s bound to make a special appearance.

If you’re heading to the free family event, here’s everything you need to know about transport, parking, weather and who’s set to light up the night.

Santa at Christmas in the Park at Auckland Domain 2022. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

Parking and Public Transport

Options like the ferry, bus, or train can get you into the city and close to the action, but organisers noted that Grafton and Newmarket train stations (the closest ones) will be busy post-event.

Concertgoers should plan in advance and allow extra time and check the Auckland Transport Journey Planner for the most up to date.

AT offers free services for kids under the age of five any day of the week, and children aged 5-15 are free over the weekend if they have an AT Hop card registered in their name.

People can also use contactless payment options like Apple Pay or Visa PayWave debit and credit cards to pay for their fares, making it even easier to use public transport.

For those who wish to drive in and park their car, there will be enforced on-street parking restrictions in place at the Domain and around the park’s perimeter.

Road closures will start inside the Domain from 6am on the event morning, with all other road closures in place at 4pm.

Grafton Bridge will also be closed to all vehicle traffic except emergency vehicles, pedestrian and cycle access.

People are advised to park in the surrounding areas without closures early to avoid unnecessary delays.

Advice from organisers to those worried about waiting in traffic is simple: “Remember, the further away you park, the faster you will get away”.

As an added bonus, the ParkMate app is offering a parking special for the event. People can get 25% off parking by using the code CCCITP24.

Car parks at the nearby Auckland Hospital are not available for event parking. Organisers said these should be kept free for those who need them for hospital services.

A flurry of fireworks will once again light up Auckland's Domain this weekend for Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park.

Food and Drink

Being in the Domain mean’s there’s ample space and opportunity to bring your own picnic food and non-alcoholic drinks.

But if you didn’t bring your own picnic hamper full of goodies, the Coca-Cola Food Fest will be open from 4.00pm - 10.00pm showcasing a wide selection of food and drink options for purchase.

From donuts to doner kebabs, vendors from across Auckland will be on hand to cater to the masses, including options for vegetarians and those with dietary requirements.

In cooperation with Police and Auckland Council, Christmas in the Park has been an alcohol-free event since 2013, and this will be strictly enforced on the night.

It would also be wise for people to bring their own water to stay hydrated.

So that the Domain can be kept as clean as possible, concertgoers are also urged to recycle bottles and cans in the specially marked recycling bins stationed throughout the park.

Bin Ambassadors will be on the bin stations to help people select the right one for their rubbish, and those who visit the Coca‑Cola Recycling Wall can be in for a chance to win a spot prize.

Timings and Entertainment

The entertainment on stage is scheduled to begin at 7.30pm and expected to end around 10.00pm.

But that doesn’t mean people can’t turn up early to sample the goods at the aforementioned Food Fest or soak up the atmosphere while securing a prime viewing spot. Getting there before 8.30pm also means you might catch a great sunset.

The current programme is stacked with carols from some of your favourite artists near the start of the night, to a selection of covers and originals in the latter half.

Concertgoers should look out for the Coke Studio Megamix, which wowed crowds at Christmas in the Park's Christchurch event last month. Photo / Linton Photography Limited

Organisers said the show will have “something for everyone,” with highlights including live DJs, lighting the Mercury Christmas tree, the Coke Studio Megamix, spectacular lighting effects, and of course the jaw-dropping fireworks finale.

Be sure to look out for awesome local groups like the Pacific Network Choir, Freshmans Dance Crew, and DANZA as well.

Unfortunately, if weather prevents the event from proceeding, it will be cancelled and there is no rain date. People should listen to 92.1 MORE FM for details on a possible cancellation.

Weather

On the subject of weather, the MetService forecast as of Monday spelled good news ahead of Saturday’s nighttime spectacular.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said it was looking like a “warm, humid day,” on Saturday thanks to a northeasterly breeze.

Daytime temperatures would likely be in the mid-twenties, and it would continue to be “balmy” heading into the evening.

A weather system on the horizon made it too early to rule out a possible shower, but indications were that Saturday evening would be “mostly dry”.

“As always, it would be a good idea to keep a close eye on the forecast,” Makgabutlane advised.

People can check the MetService website for the latest information, but it never hurts to pack a poncho in any case.

The 2022 Christmas in the Park was a wet one, but forecasters think Auckland may get a lucky break this year. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

Health, safety and wellness

The event has numerous safety and wellness measures in place so everyone can soak up the Christmas sounds in an enjoyable and comfortable environment.

Hato Hone St John Ambulance and the Police will be on hand, as well as security staff and Māori wardens.

There is also a Lost Children’s tent, and all security personnel will be identifiable and able to assist concertgoers.

In terms of what you can bring with you to the Domain, organisers said people are allowed to bring picnics, blankets, and low seating while being mindful and considerate of other concertgoers.

Dogs are advised to be left at home as there will be massive crowds, loud music, and fireworks.

A site map shows three toilet spots, two along Football Rd and one across from the Food Fest. As per previous years, it is expected there will be ample Portaloo’s available.

For people with mobility and disability requirements, an area in front of the stage will be set aside for people to view the concert.

There is no allocated disability parking available at the Domain, however there is a drop-off option. If the driver of the car is mobility impaired, car parking will be available at the lower end of Carlton Gore Rd.

People should look out for the marked bins to keep the Auckland Domain clean. Photo / Linton Photography Limited

Mitchell Hageman joined the Herald’s entertainment and lifestyle team in 2024. He previously worked as a multimedia journalist for Hawke’s Bay Today.