The Christchurch summer school holidays in December 2023 and January 2024 are just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to plan some exciting activities to entertain the kids for the holidays. We will be updating this page with more Christmas events and School Holiday Events, so remember to check back later on to see new events that have been added.

NYE Kids Countdown

Date: 31 December 2023
Where: North Hagley Park, Christchurch
Event info

Bring in 2024 with your whānau at Ōtautahi Christchurch’s biggest afternoon family NYE party with iconic kiwi children’s entertainer, Suzy Cato!

Bread & Circus World Buskers Festival

Dates: 19 January to 28 January 2024
Where: Christchurch City Centre

Open Air at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre

Enjoy the arts outdoors atTe Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre Open Air Series from 21 Oct 2023 to 11 Feb 2024, with Christmas performances with Toi Toi Opera and the Woolston Brass Bands, outdoor movies plus opera and storytelling for the kids.  

Arts Centre Market

Dates: Every Sunday from 10am to 4pm in Summer
Where: Market Square, Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
Event info

Experience the beauty and quality of local, artisan-made goods and treasures. Meet the makers and explore what Ōtautahi Christchurch craftspeople have to offer. Expect a range of delicious foods, treats and drinks, alongside  vintage clothes, handmade products and unique crafts and treasures.

Emma Emma live show at the ISAAC Theatre

Date: 15 December 2023
Where: ISAAC Theatre, h145 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
Event info

After taking the Twirly Tour across Australia throughout 2023, Emma Memma will be finishing her tour in New Zealand with her friends Elvin Melvin, BB Butterfly and Waffles The Wombat.

Peter Pan performed by NZ Youth Ballet

Dates: 3 December 2023
Where: The Court Theatre, 36 Clarence Street South, Addington, Christchurch 8024
Event information

Watch NZ Youth Ballet perform the classic tale of Peter Pan.

Cinderella performed by the Southern Ballet Theatre

Dates: 9 December 2023
Where: The Court Theatre, 36 Clarence Street South, Addington, Christchurch 8024
Event information

Cinderella, the timeless story of a young girl dreaming of meeting her prince is brought to life by the Southern Ballet Theatre. An enchanting journey with all the familiar characters fully staged with lavish costumes. A spectacular production of Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz dance.

Jester’s Holiday Show

Dates: Wed 6 Dec to Sat 23 Dec 
Where: The Court Theatre, 36 Clarence Street South, Addington, Christchurch 8024
Event information

You can never be sure exactly what’s in store with The Jesters’ Holiday Show, but one thing is certain – no opportunity to laugh will be spared. Stuffed with secret surprises – both naughty and nice – your funny bone will be shaken and your mirth will be stirred by our festive Jesters. Suitable for kids aged 8 years plus, teens and adults! What more could you want for the holidays?

Storytime at Riccarton House

Dates: Fri 8 Dec, Fri 15 Dec and Fri 22 Dec 2023
Where: Riccarton House & Bush, 16 Kahu Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
Event information

Enjoy story time with your preschooler in the historic morning room at Riccarton house.

Spencer Park Market and Gala

Date: 1 Jan to 2 Jan 2024: 10am to 4pm daily
Where: Spencer Park, 110 Heyders Road, Spencerville
Event information

 

North Canterbury Creative Market Christmas Market

Dates: 10 December and 17 December 2023: 11am to 3pm
Where: Kaiapoi Club, 113 Raven Quay, Kaiapoi

Lyttelton Craft and Treasure Market

Dates: Saturdays in December 2023 and January 2024: 9am to 1pm
Event information

Visit the Lyttelton Craft and Treasure Market for unique handcrafts, which is next to the Farmer Markets on Sunday. The market goes ahead even if its raining.

Visit the Dutch Monthly Market

When: Second Sunday of the Month:  10am to 12:30pm
Where: 637 Marshland Road, Christchurch
Event information

Take the family to try Dutch cheeses, herring, witlof, croquettes, dutch pikelets, small goods, licorice, and all sorts of other Dutch goodies at this market on Marshland Road. And if you aren’t into food don’t worry,  they have handmade cards and earrings and other crafts for sale too. 

FREE Tropical North Canterbury Exhibition

Dates: Daily during the during the Summer School holidays until 6 February (during library opening hours)
Where: Kaiapoi Library and Service Centre, 176 Williams Street, Kaiapoi
Event information

60 million years ago, the North Canterbury’s Waipara River looked very different. What is now land was submerged beneath calm, warm seas. These waters and the skies above them were home to some strange and wonderful creatures, including giant penguins and birds with teeth. Over the last 30 years, palaeontologists have been finding the fossilised bones of these animals buried in the Waipara Gorge.

In this touring exhibition, families can learn about how they are piecing together the ancient past through a treasure trove of fossils found in North Canterbury.