Christmas lights on Franklin Road, Ponsonby. Photo / NZ Herald
Christmas lights on Franklin Road, Ponsonby. Photo / NZ Herald
Your guide to the best things to do in Auckland this weekend.
Lights, Santa, action
If your Christmas tree just isn't doing it for you, then get thee to a Christmas light display. There are hundreds of homes that have gone all-out with the LEDs and icicle lights, and these are some of the biggest - and best - around the city.
Motat Nights Sparkling lights, live entertainment, tram rides, and wonderful displays set the scene for a magical family evening.
8pm-11pm. Motat, 805 Great North Rd. Entry is a $2 donation.
Titirangi village This West Auckland village is all lit up, with Christmas lights decorating the shops of the main strip, and a variety of festive displays along the town's rooftops.
Titirangi village. Free entry.
West Auckland Hospice Hospice House will be shining bright all week long, decorated with hundreds of stunning lights.
52 Beach Rd, Te Atatu Peninsula. Free entry.
Mistletoe Place The aptly named Mistletoe Place, is dressing up this year.
*All above locations are lit up until Thursday, December 24.
Play ball
SkyCity Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks Join Breaker Nation. The Kiwi team will take on the Hawks in this epic battle. The two teams are level on the table, so it is sure to be a great night for the whole family.
Tomorrow, from 5pm. Vector Arena. Tickets from $20.
Sand between your toes
Coca-Cola Urban Beach
Queen's Wharf becomes an urban beach with more than 100 tonnes of sand being shipped to the CBD. Look out for sports competitions, live music and giveaways. Grab a drink from the beach bar and chill out in summer style.
Today and tomorrow, 11am-7pm. Queen's Wharf. Free entry. On Facebook.
Laugh out loud
The cast of Karma Snort. Photo / Supplied
Karma Snort Snort, the late-night improv team, are back - and they want your ideas. The cast uses audience inspiration to create hilarious - and naughty - performances. No scripts, no rehearsals. No performance is the same.
Just leave the kids at home.
Tonight, 9.30pm-10.30pm. Q Theatre, Queen St. Tickets $15 on the door.
Less than a week to go
Christmas in the Vines with Sol3 Mio Those cheeky lads are at it again. The operatic trio are taking their wonderful show to a winery and add a splash of Christmas cheer. Laughter, song and special guests, guaranteed.
Tomorrow, from 5pm. Villa Maria Estate Winery, Mangere. Tickets from $85.
Christmas Craft and Sewing Workshops Make something for a loved one - and help the environment this Christmas as Sew Love Tea Do help turn trash into treasure.
Today and tomorrow, 11am-3pm. New Zealand Maritime Museum, Viaduct Harbour. Entry is free.
Christmas Jazz in the Park Grab the picnic basket and the family for this festive jazz performance complete with plenty of space to spread out and relax.
Tonight, 5pm-8pm. Cornwall Park, below the Memorial steps. Free entry.
'Twas The Night Before Christmas
The historic Alberton revisits its early days, with Jennie Khan, Amanda Kirk, George Henare and Cathie Harrop performing Victorian stories, songs and music - just as Christmas was celebrated in this very house many years ago.
Tomorrow, from 6.30pm. Alberton Historic House, Mt Albert. Tickets $49.
Feel the Magic Jump into an amazing augmented reality experience and be transported to another Christmas world. Choose from four playtime scenarios and, once the fun is over, take home a free photo to remember the experience.
Today and tomorrow, at Sylvia Park and Lynn Mall in Auckland, and Centre Place Shopping in Hamilton. Free entry.
