The Christchurch winter school holidays in July 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 school holiday events, so remember to check back later on to see new events that have been added.

KidsFest 2024

Date: 6 July to 21 July 2024
Where: Various locations around Christchurch
Event info

KidsFest is back for another year in Christchurch, with lots of fun activities for children and families to enjoy.

Nightlife Lantern Walk
Riccarton House, Kahu Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
Self guided trail of lanterns which are lit each night between 5:30pm and 7:30pm during the July school holidays.

Gnome Quest
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
FREE self guided trail in Christchurch Botanic Gardens to discover 12 garden gnomes on daily.

Have a look at the Cardboard Cathedral
Cnr Madras and Hereford Streets, Christchurch, New Zealand
Go on a FREE guided tour of the iconic Cardboard Cathedral on Wed 10 July. Learn a bit about its story and what happens there. 

Winter Fireworks Spectacular

Date: 6 July 2024: 5:30pm to 8pm
Where: New Brighton Pier, Marine Parade, New Brighton
Event info

Start the school holidays with a bang at the FREE Winter Fireworks Spectacular in New Brighton.

Heritage stargazing from the Observatory Tower

Date: Friday evenings  in winter
Where: The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Central
Event info

Take a 30 minute tour of the Observatory Tower and look at the stars through the historic Townsend Teece Telescope every Friday evening during winter.

July School Holiday events at The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora

Where: 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
Event info

Pop into the Arts Centre for lots of fun school holiday activities for the whole whānau!  Some our favourites include

Aya and the Butterfly 
Saturday 6 July
Puppet and music show by Birdlife Productions about a little girl who finds happiness through her experience of the metamorphosis of the Monarch Butterfly.

Music with Michal
Wednesday 10 July – Thursday 11 July
Enjoy a fun, upbeat, and interactive music show designed for young children with Michal.

Ceramic Workshop
Thursday 18 July 
Make your own face plate with guidance from ceramic artist, Emma Turner.

Madagascar The Musical live show at the ISAAC Theatre

Dates: 9 July 2024 to 11 July 2024
Where: ISAAC Theatre, h145 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
Event info

Join Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this live musical spectacular. Based on the smash-hit DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar The Musical follows all your favourite cracka-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo. Along the way they find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

The Early Early Late Show

Dates: 9 to 20 July 2024 and 8 to 12 October 2024
Where: The Court Theatre, 36 Clarence Street South, Addington, Christchurch 8024
Event information

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as the young ones seize the spotlight in the theatre! Geared towards seven to twelve-year-olds, this show promises entertainment for the entire family! The Court Jesters, experts in the art of improvised comedy, turn audience suggestions into whimsical scenes, sketches, and songs. With each performance crafted on the spot, every show is a one-of-a-kind experience. Buckle up for a rollercoaster of laughter and excitement!

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. 

Dates: 9 to 21 July 2024
Where: The Court Theatre, 36 Clarence Street South, Addington, Christchurch 8024
Event information

In a magical underwater kingdom, the young mermaid Ariel longs to leave behind her ocean home—and fins—to live in the world up above. But first, Ariel will have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with Ursula (arguably the best Disney villain of all time), and convince Prince Eric that she’s the one whose enchanting voice they’ve been seeking. Featuring two alternate casts of talented young performers from Ōtautahi Christchurch, Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. brings this classic Disney “tail” (get it?!) to life for the school holidays.

School Holidays Roller Disco

Dates: 8 July and 15 July: 9:30am to 11:30am
Where: Riverside Market Carpark, 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central
Event information

Head to Riverside Market for an exhilarating roller disco hosted by Phatsk8 Roller Discos. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a first-timer,  this is a fun event for everyone! 

Mid-Winter European Christmas

Dates: 13 July and 14 July 2024
Where: Riverside Market Carpark, 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central
Event information

Visit the market for free fun activities for the kids, an appearance by Santa and a Christmas sleigh photo op. Plus enjoy Christmas delicacies and drinks from Riverside Market vendors⁠.

Storytime at Riccarton House

Dates: Every Friday 10:30am to 11am
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.

Lyttleton Craft and Treasure Market

Date: Every Saturday: 9am to 1pm
Where: Collett’s Corner Lyttelton, 25 Oxford Street, Lyttelton
Event info

Check out the Lyttelton Craft and Treasure Market in Lyttleton and discover local artisans and crafters.

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.FRE