Tonight's Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the city centre has been postponed due to a severe weather warning.
The Rotorua Night Market has been cancelled.
Heavy scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast for Rotorua and parts of the central North Island this afternoon and tonight.
Despite a tree lighting ceremony not going ahead today, the Christmas tree lights will still be turned on at 7pm.
Organisers have contacted entertainers due to perform tonight about holding an event next week.
