🐝 WellyBuzz: Street Fairs, Festivals & Festive Fun Galore! 🎄

Hey Wellington! 👋
Summer’s knocking, and Pōneke is turning on the fun. This weekend we’ve got massive markets from Thorndon to the Hutt, a Southeast Asian festival spicing up the waterfront, and even a good old Santa parade in the ‘burbs. The sun’s out (mostly), the city’s buzzing, and it’s officially ice-cream on the waterfront season. Grab your sunnies, round up the whānau, and let’s dive into an absolutely stacked first-weekend-of-December. 🌞

🎁 A Massive Thank You, Wellington!

We just wanted to say… wow. The response to the first-ever WellyBuzz Box last week was incredible - far bigger than we ever expected. Loads of you grabbed one, shared the link, or messaged us with feedback and we’re honestly blown away.

These boxes were shaped by your suggestions back in June, and seeing so many go out the door this week has been pretty special. If you missed out, or want to sort a super-Wellington Christmas gift, we’ve still got a limited number left for December.

👉 10% off for WellyBuzz readers: wellybuzz
👉 Order here: https://buzzbox.nz

Thank you again for the huge support - it truly means the world to this little Wellington project. 💛🐝

🔥 9 Quick Picks This Weekend

🌺 Pacific Night Market – Porirua (Fri) – Pacific kai, crafts and warm community vibes in Cannons Creek.
🍽️ Kāpiti Food Fair (Sat) – 250+ food stalls, live music and full summer festival energy.
🎄 Stokes Valley Christmas Parade & Market (Sat) – A big festive market and Christmas parade rolling through Stokes Valley.
🎄 Lane Park Christmas Lights Forest (Sat–Sun) – Wander a magical indoor forest of Christmas trees in Upper Hutt.
🎄 Christmas in the Quarters – Maninirau (Sat) – Circus-themed Christmas fun on Queens Wharf.
🌏 Southeast Asia Festival (Sat) – Huge celebration of Southeast Asian food, dance and culture at TSB Arena.
🎪 The Extravaganza Fair – Carterton (Sat–Sun) – Travelling fair magic with circus acts, rides and artisan stalls.
🛍️ Thorndon Fair 2025 (Sun) – Iconic 250-stall street fair packed with crafts, kai and Christmas shopping.
🏎️ Shelly Bay Seal Sprint (Sun) – Waterfront motorsport action from Scorching Bay to Shelly Bay.

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz

🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – One of Wellington’s earliest Santa arrivals in 1905.
🌟 Local Legends – Iris Store + Studio: Wellington’s warmest beauty haven
🍽️ Food & Drink – A buzzy cafe expansion delighting waterfront wanderers.
🎉 Events – Your day-by-day guide to what’s on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
🌤️ Welly Weather Watch – Warm, mostly fine skies with just a chance of a Sunday shower.
💝 Extra Sprinkles – Petone’s big Jackson Street Christmas Giveaway.

🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – Wellington’s Early Santa Arrival (1905)

In December 1905, Wellington witnessed one of New Zealand’s earliest Santa arrivals – organised by the “Economic” department store – when local children were invited to Wellington Railway Station to watch ‘Mother and Father Christmas’ step off the train. With kids wide-eyed at the festive duo’s grand entrance, that early arrival brought a dose of Christmas magic to the capital and helped kick off a Kiwi Christmas craze that still lives on.

🌟 Local Legends – Iris Store + Studio (78 Victoria St, Wellington Central)

A beauty haven where real skin, real women, and real joy take centre stage. Iris Store + Studio blends elevated cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and self-care with a warm studio experience - facials, brow shaping, lash services and makeup lessons, all under one chic, terracotta-toned roof. A welcoming space with thoughtful, sustainable brands that “meet you where you’re at,” so beauty always feels fun, never intimidating.
⏰ 10am–5pm Tue–Sat

🍽️ Food & Drink – Tripoli Bistro (452 Queen St, Kuripuni Village, Masterton)

A firm favourite in Kuripuni Village, Tripoli Bistro delivers big Mediterranean-leaning flavours, warm service, and the kind of generous plates locals can’t stop talking about. With 800+ glowing reviews (4.5★ across Google, TripAdvisor and more), it’s a Masterton go-to for everything from cosy brunches to lively dinners.

Standouts include the braised pork belly with chorizo–pear slaw, Moroccan lamb shank, and the richly comforting mushroom–blue-cheese–walnut pappardelle. Their thin-crust pizzas also rate highly - especially on Wednesdays, when they’re just $20 all day. Add in flatbread and dips, sweetcorn fritters, standout desserts (tiramisu, sticky date pudding, crème brûlée), and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser through and through.

Families love the easygoing vibe and kids’ menu, while wine lovers and coffee aficionados will appreciate the worldly drinks list and excellent Mojo Coffee. A versatile, reliably delicious stop whenever you’re in the Wairarapa.

📍 452 Queen Street, Kuripuni Village
☎️ 06 370 3540
🕒 Tue–Fri 8am–8:30pm | Sat 8:30am–8:30pm | Sun 8:30am–2pm

🚢 Cruise Ship Arrivals at the Waterfront

It’s cruise season in Wellington - time to welcome visitors (and plan your waterfront strolls accordingly!).

✨ Sponsored by ViewFromTheRoom.com
It’s strangely addictive… and might just change how you travel.

🎉 Events: What's On This Weekend

Friday 5 December:

🎭 Pacific Night Market – December
A vibrant community night market celebrating Pacific culture with delicious food, local stalls, and lively festive energy.
📍 Te Akapuanga Cook Islands Hall, 14 Mentor Lane, Porirua | 🕖 5:30pm–8:30pm | 💰 Free admission | 🎟 All ages

🎪 Wellington Night Market - Opening Weekend
A cosy new night market in Te Aro serving up good food, sweet treats, live music, and laid-back weekend vibes. Starting small… but the buzz is big. ✨
📍 45A Abel Smith Street, Wellington | 🎟️ Free Entry | 🕖 5pm–11pm (Fri & Sat) | All ages

🎭 Not Christmas, but Guy Fawkes
A powerful and poetic double-shot of theatrical storytelling, blending Kiwi identity, memory, and coming-of-age reflection.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki St | 🕖 7:30pm | 💰 $25–$50 | 🎟 All ages

🎭 Robin Hood – The Pantomime
A hilarious, high-energy panto packed with swordfights, cheeky jokes, big musical numbers, and classic Robin Hood chaos.
📍 Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki St | 🕖 6:30pm | 💰 $25–$60 | 🎟 All ages

🎭 Last Day to Play at 4 Queens Wharf
A final chance to explore this much-loved interactive play space before it closes ahead of its big move to the restored Wellington Central Library.
📍 Capital E, 4 Queens Wharf | 🕖 9:30am–3:30pm | 💰 Free admission | 🎟 All ages

🎤 Urzila Carlson – You Don’t Say Tour
Urzila Carlson returns with her sharp, cheeky comedy for one night at the Opera House - expect big laughs from one of NZ’s favourite headline acts.
📍 Opera House, Wellington | 💰 See event link for ticketing | 🕖 7:00pm | 🔞 M-rated

🎸 Lazy Ghost Live at Parrotdog
Australian post-surf punk band Lazy Ghost brings a high-energy, psychedelic surf-rock set to Parrotdog, with Wellington ska-Latin fusion band Kaletta opening the night.
📍 Parrotdog, Lyall Bay | 💰 Free entry | 🕖 Doors 8:00pm | 🔞 All ages venue, bar service R18

🎭 The Man Whose Mother Was A Pirate – The Musical
A swashbuckling, song-filled adventure bringing Margaret Mahy’s beloved tale to life with heart, humour, and high-spirited pirate fun.
📍 Hannah Playhouse, 12 Cambridge Terrace | 🕖 6:30pm | 💰 $17.38–$43 | 🎟 All ages

🎭 Work in Progress Laughs!
A fun, fast-paced showcase where comedians test fresh material - some gold, some chaos, always entertaining.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen St | 🕖 6:30pm | 💰 $10.25–$23.25 | 🎟 R18

🎭 Friday Laughs with Rhys Mathewson and Brendon Green
A powerhouse double-header of award-winning comedy, storytelling, and sharp-as-ever stand-up from two of NZ’s funniest performers.
📍 The Fringe Bar, 26 Allen St | 🕖 8:00pm | 💰 $25.81–$39.18 | 🎟 R18

🎭 Micetro – Classic Improv
A fast, funny, winner-takes-all improv showdown where performers battle it out with stories, songs, and pure chaos.
📍 Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba St | 🕖 7:00pm | 💰 $5.12 | 🎟 All ages

🎭 The Bond Store Christmas Night Market
A bustling festive night market packed with local makers, food trucks, live tunes, and all the merry vibes for your Christmas shopping.
📍 The Bond Store, 21 Birmingham St, Paraparaumu | 🕖 3:00pm–10:00pm | 💰 Free admission | 🎟 All ages

🎭 Chant du Saxophone
A rich, atmospheric chamber concert exploring the colours and moods of French music through saxophone and piano.
📍 St Michael’s Anglican Church, 81 Upland Rd | 🕖 6:00pm-7:00pm | 💰 See event link for ticketing | 🎟 All ages

🎭 Sweetest Taboo
A smooth, high-energy night of Neo-Soul, RnB, and House performed by an all-star lineup led by Cory Champion.
📍 The Rogue and Vagabond, 18 Garrett St | 🕖 9:30pm–11:30pm | 💰 Free admission | 🎟 R18

🎧 Hard Out Techno
A full-throttle night of raw, underground hard techno as Jungle Juice launches their first-ever Hard Out party with heavy bass, fast BPMs, and a stacked local line-up.
📍 Red Square, 28 Blair St | 🕖 10:00pm–3:00am | 💰 $10–$20 | 🎟 R18

🎭 Sound Advice
A crowd-pleasing night of live music from a popular act returning to Club Wairarapa after a strong previous outing.
📍 Club Wairarapa, 20 Essex St, Masterton | 🕖 7:30pm | 💰 Free admission | 🎟 All ages (licensed)

🎶 Nights at Niom
Ease into your Friday with live sets from local singer-songwriters David Harris and Don Mackay over dinner in the heart of Newtown.
📍 Niom Bistro, 169 Riddiford St, Newtown | 🕖 6:30pm–8:30pm | 💰 Free admission | 🎟 All ages

🎭 An AIRHORN for Christmas
A chaotic, joy-packed comedy night featuring 10 comedians, surprise guests, and full festive silliness hosted by Lily Catastrophe.
📍 Newtown Community Centre, Rintoul & Colombo St | 🕖 8:00pm–9:30pm | 💰 $18–$40 | 🎟 R16

Saturday 6 December

🍽️ Kāpiti Food Fair 2025
A massive all-day celebration of food, music, makers, and summer vibes - with 250+ vendors, live entertainment, kids’ zones, shady picnic areas, and free buses from Paraparaumu Station.
📍 Mazengarb Reserve, Paraparaumu | 🕖 10:00am–5:00pm | 💰 From $15 (Free under 12) | 🎟 All Ages

💃 Formation: A New Performer Show
A high-energy debut night spotlighting Wellington’s newest drag kings, queens, and dazzling in-betweens - expect big looks, loud cheers, and a packed Ivy Bar crowd.
📍 Ivy Bar & Cabaret, Cuba St | 🕖 9:30pm | 💰 $16.58–$28.92 | 🎟 R18

🎺 Summer Brass
A feel-good NZSO brass concert led by legendary horn player Gail Williams, packed with bold classics, festive fanfares, and family-friendly fun.
📍 Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, 34a Raumati Rd, Paraparaumu | 🕖 7:30pm-9:00pm | 💰 From $17.93 | 🎟 All Ages

🎅 Santa & The Grinch Photos at The Mall Upper Hutt
Snap festive photos with Santa in a Whoville-inspired setup - plus special pet photo sessions at The Natural Petshop.
📍 The Mall Upper Hutt | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕒 Santa sessions throughout the day (see event link)

🎄 Lane Park Christmas Lights Forest
Wander through a magical indoor forest of Christmas trees with food, choir music, face painting, and a warm community vibe.
📍 22 Lane St, Upper Hutt | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕓 4:00pm–8:00pm (Sat & Sun)

🪩 Over 30s Daytime Clubbing
A retro daytime party packed with 80s and 90s club classics, DJs, visuals, and feel-good vibes - finally a dance floor made for grown-ups.
📍 Red Square Bar, 26 Blair St, Te Aro | 🕔 From 5:00pm | 💰 See event link for ticketing | 🎟 30+

🎶 Open Air at Carlucci Land
A full day–night electronic adventure with stacked DJ sets, immersive staging, mini golf, food trucks, and family-friendly vibes at the iconic Carlucci Land.
📍 Carlucci Land, 277 Happy Valley Rd | 🕒 From 3:00pm | 💰 Tickets via link | 🎟 All ages (U16 free)

🎄 Johnsonville Christmas Market
A festive community market with local stallholders, gifts, crafts, and Christmas cheer at Johnsonville Shopping Centre.
📍 Johnsonville Shopping Centre | 🕙 10:00am–2:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

💦 Karori Pool Splash Bash
A high-energy pool party with a live DJ, inflatables, games, water volleyball, and prizes - a full-night splash fest for all ages.
📍 Karori Pool | 🕟 From 4:30pm | 💰 $5 | 🎟 All ages

🎄 Newtown Vintage & Craft Xmas Market
Browse preloved treasures, handmade gifts, local makers, and festive finds at this community-favourite Newtown holiday market.
📍 Newtown School Hall (16 Mein St) | 🕘 9:00am–2:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

🎶 Faultline Chorus Christmas Concert
A festive afternoon of harmony with performances from Faultline Chorus, The Glamaphones, and The Bay Boys - plus homemade treats and crafted gifts.
📍 St Andrew’s on The Terrace, 28 The Terrace | 🕓 4:00pm–5:30pm | 💰 $20 Adults / $15 unwaged–student / Under 12 free | 🎟 All ages

🎄 Stokes Valley Christmas Parade & Market
A big community Christmas celebration with a morning market and a midday parade rolling through Stokes Valley.
📍 Speldhurst Park, 8 Evans St, Stokes Valley | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕒 Market from 10am, Parade from 12pm

🎅 Complimentary Santa Photos at The Warehouse Petone
Santa’s popping into Petone for free photos, festive chats and magical moments with the kids - no bookings, no cost, just pure Christmas joy for the whānau.
📍 The Warehouse Petone | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 11am–3pm

🎸 Ultimate Tribute Fest 2: A Memorial for Metal Legends
A massive R18 metal night honouring Dimebag Darrell and Ozzy Osbourne, with four powerhouse tribute bands and more to be announced.
📍 Wildkiwi Distillery, 23 Blenheim St, Upper Hutt | 🕓 From 4:00pm | 💰 $20–$40 | 🎟 R18

🎄 Christmas on the Field 2025
A big festive community afternoon with live music, tamariki performances, short films, Santa’s arrival, kai trucks, games, stalls, face painting and more.
📍 Pukerua Bay School Field | 🕒 3:00pm–7:00pm | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages

🐎 TAB Mufhasa Classic Raceday
A big festive raceday at Trentham featuring hospitality options, social club gatherings, and the headline $400,000 Group 1 TAB Mufhasa Classic under weight-for-age conditions.
📍 RACE Trentham, 10 Racecourse Rd | 🕛 From 12:00pm | 💰 Varies (hospitality & admission) | 🎟 All Ages

🌊 Taputeranga Snorkelling Day (Free Guided Sessions)
A free snorkelling day at Island Bay Beach with full gear provided and experienced guides - perfect for beginners and families.
📍 Island Bay Beach | 💰 Free | 🎟 Ages 8+ (under-16s with adult) | 🕒 Registrations from 9:45am

💃 Caburlesque – Have A Very Merry Caburlesque 12
A glitter-soaked Christmas cabaret packed with burlesque stars, comedy, and festive chaos at The Fringe Bar.
📍 The Fringe Bar, Allen St | 🕖 8:00pm–10:00pm | 💰 From $34.05 | 🎟 R18

🎶 Sonic Delusion “Smoooth” Single Release Tour
A funky, feel-good indie pop set from Swiss-Kiwi loop-pedal wizard Sonic Delusion, celebrating his new single with an intimate Hilltop show.
📍 Hilltop, 17 Upland Rd, Kelburn | 🕖 7:30pm | 💰 $34.05 | 🎟 All Ages

🌄 South Wairarapa Half Day Tour – Morning
A guided journey through South Wairarapa’s landscapes, history and ancestral stories, with pick-up and drop-off at Featherston Station.
📍 Featherston Train Station | 🕖 9:00am–12:00pm | 💰 $183.23 | 🎟 R15

🌄 South Wairarapa Half Day Tour – Afternoon
A guided exploration of South Wairarapa’s landscapes, waterways, and ancestral stories, with pick-up and drop-off at Featherston Station.
📍 Featherston Train Station | 🕖 1:00pm–4:00pm | 💰 $183.23 | 🎟 R15

🎶 Cory and the Champions
A powerhouse ensemble of top Wellington musicians comes together for an intimate night of rich, expressive sound.
📍 The Undercurrent, 118 Tory St | 🕖 7:00pm | 💰 $16.58 | 🎟 All Ages

🎄 Martinborough Christmas Community Market
A festive community market packed with handmade gifts, second-hand treasures, family activities, and even a visit from Father Christmas (11am–12pm).
📍 Waihinga Centre, 8 Texas St, Martinborough | 🕖 10:00am–3:00pm (Sat & Sun) | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🎅 Kiwi Christmas in Kaitoke
Carols in the forest, a screening of Kiwi Christmas, marshmallow toasting, and a festive evening surrounded by nature at Kaitoke Regional Park.
📍 Kaitoke Regional Park, Upper Hutt | 🕖 5:30pm–8:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🚂 Heartland Flyer
A full-day heritage rail adventure through the breathtaking Manawatū Gorge to Woodville - complete with dramatic scenery, vintage carriages, and time to explore the historic station.
📍 Paekākāriki Railway Station | 🕖 7:05am–5:50pm | 💰 $139 adult / $89 child | 🎟 All Ages

🎄 Christmas in the Quarters – Maninirau
A festive circus takeover on the waterfront with buskers, face painting, laughs, and Santa’s letterbox for the kids.
📍 Queens Wharf | 🕖 11:00am–5:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🎁 Masterton Christmas Fair
A bustling festive fair packed with handcrafted gifts, food stalls, entertainment, and Christmas goodies - all supporting the local community.
📍 Masterton CBD (Queen St) | 🕖 9:00am–3:00pm | 💰 Free Admission | 🎟 All Ages

🎅 Featherston Christmas Parade 2025
A festive community parade rolling through Featherston’s main street - full of costumes, decorated tractors, and Christmas cheer for all ages.
📍 SH2 / Fitzherbert St | 🕖 12:00pm–1:00pm | 💰 Free Admission | 🎟 All Ages

🌏 Southeast Asia Festival 2025
A huge cultural celebration with Southeast Asian food, music, dance, country pavilions, and a bustling heritage food festival - free entry and perfect for all ages.
📍 TSB Arena, Wellington | 🕚 11:00am–6:00pm | 💰 Free Admission | 🎟 All ages

🇵🇭 Halo Halo Filipino Festival
A colourful celebration of Filipino culture featuring iconic desserts, street food, live performances, and cultural showcases - all part of the wider Southeast Asia Festival.
📍 TSB Arena, Wellington | 🕚 11:00am–6:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

🎶 Isaac Chambers & Dub Princess 2025 Tour
A high-vibe night of soulful hip-hop, roots reggae, and psychedelic downtempo as Isaac Chambers and Dub Princess return with their full band - plus support from Rhombus and Byte Size.
📍 San Fran, Cuba St | 🕗 8:00pm–1:00am | 💰 $30–$35 | 🎟 R18

🍇 Folk in the Vines 2025
A sun-soaked afternoon of live folk, acoustic sets, and classic covers in the beautiful Le Grá Vineyard - plus picnic spots, platters, and a full caravan bar.
📍 Le Grá Vineyard, Masterton | 🕛 12:00pm–6:00pm | 💰 $25.50–$39.50 | 🎟 All Ages

🎄🤣 Comedy on the Coast Christmas Party
A festive stand-up showcase featuring Jerome Chandrahasen, Sera Devcich, and a full lineup of top Kiwi comics - perfect for a mates’ night out or end-of-year laughs.
📍 Kapiti Playhouse, 7 Ruahine St, Paraparaumu | 🕗 8:00pm | 💰 $20 | 🔞 R18

💃🎻 Contra Dance
A lively, social night of easy-to-learn folk dancing - no experience needed, just show up and join the long lines of music, movement, and fun.
📍 St Michael’s Anglican Church, Kelburn | 🕕 6:30pm–10:30pm | 💰 $15 waged / $10 unwaged / $5 child / $30 family | 🎟 All Ages

♻️ E-waste Drop Off Day
Clear out old phones, chargers, laptops and forgotten tech at this free central Wellington e-waste collection event, run in partnership with WCC and Te Aro Zero Waste.
📍 Barnett Street Carpark, Te Aro | 🕘 9:00am–1:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🚣‍♂️ Hoe Tonga Regional Sprint Championships 2025
Watch the region’s top waka ama teams battle it out at Henley Lake as they race for championship titles and national qualifying spots.
📍 Henley Lake, Masterton | 🕢 7:30am–5:00pm (Sat & Sun) | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🎯 Tokomanawa Queens | Semi-Finals
Get behind the Tokomanawa Queens as they take on Tauranga Whai in a high-stakes semi-final - home court, big energy, and the buzz before the grand final.
📍 Te Rauparaha Arena & Aquatic Centre, Porirua, Wellington | 🕒 3:00 pm | 💰 Free with a new, unwrapped toy (toy-for-joy entry) or paid seating options | 🎟 All ages

🎪 The Extravaganza Fair – Carterton
NZ’s biggest travelling fair rolls into Carterton with circus acts, kids’ rides, live music, street food, artisan stalls, tiny homes, and all the quirky magic the Extravaganza is known for.
📍 Carrington Park, Carterton | 🕘 9:00am–5:00pm (Sat & Sun) | 💰 Gold coin (adults), Free (kids) | 🎟 All Ages

🏁 Central Nationals – Drag Racing
Top-tier NZDRA drag racing hits Masterton Motorplex with two full days of high-octane action. Expect roaring engines, close battles, and a massive lineup of racers from across the country.
📍 Masterton Motorplex | 🕙 From 10:00am (Sun from 9:00am) | 💰 $30 gate sales (Under 14 free) | 🎟 All Ages

🌿 Around the World in Fifteen Plants – Guided Walk
A gentle 60-minute guided walk exploring the global origins and stories behind 15 remarkable plants in the Botanic Garden.
📍 Founders’ Entrance, Glenmore St, Wellington Botanic Garden | 🕜 1:30pm | 💰 $5 (cash only) | 🎟 All Ages

Sunday 7 December

🎪 Thorndon Fair
Wellington’s iconic street fair returns with 250+ stalls, live music, art, crafts, food, fashion, gifts, toys and more - one of the biggest community events of the year.
📍 Tinakori Rd & Hill Street | 🕙 10:00am–3:00pm | 💰 Gold coin donation | 🎟 All Ages

🏎️ Shelly Bay Seal Sprint
A classic Wellington waterfront motorsport event - racers tear from Scorching Bay to Shelly Bay and back in a fast 4.2km competition run.
📍 Scorching Bay | 🕖 From 7:00am | 💰 Free for spectators | 🎟 All Ages for spectators

🏏 BLACKCAPS at Waitangi Park – Meet & Greet
Backyard cricket, signings, and a rare chance to meet some of NZ’s biggest cricket stars - all at Waitangi Park.
📍 Waitangi Park, Wellington | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕒 2pm–3pm

🧵 Hātaitai Craft Club Christmas Market
Browse beautiful handmade gifts from the Hātaitai Craft Club - the perfect chance to snap up bespoke, locally made Christmas pressies. Tea and cake available too.
📍 Hātaitai Bowling Club, 157 Hataitai Rd | 🕙 10:00am–2:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages

🎭 Wellington Theatre Awards 2025 – Ngā Whakarākei o Whātaitai
A celebration of Wellington’s incredible actors, designers, writers and creatives - this year hosted on a pirate ship at The Hannah during The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate season. One of the biggest nights of the year for the arts community.
📍 Hannah Playhouse | 🕢 7:30pm–9:30pm | 💰 Ticketed - see weblink | 🎟 All Ages

🎨 Pottery Studio Open Day + Paint-a-Pot Café
A relaxed creative drop-in with a big pottery sale plus a fun “Paint a Pot” café where you can decorate a handmade mug, tumbler or trinket dish, then have it glazed and fired professionally.
📍 100 Tinakori Road | 🕘 9:30am–2pm | 💰 Pay by the pot | 🎟 All Ages

🎄 Otaki Kids Christmas Market
A festive market run entirely by talented young creators - expect handmade gifts, treats, crafts, and stocking-stuffer gems, all in a fun whānau-friendly atmosphere.
📍 Ōtaki Market | 🕒 10:00am–2:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

🎪 Ōtaki Craft Market
A vibrant outdoor market with art, crafts, food trucks, plants, collectables, music, and heaps of local stalls - perfect for a Sunday browse.
📍 Ōtaki Market, Main Highway, Ōtaki | 🕒 10:00am–2:00pm | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages

🚤 Round 1 New Zealand Jetsprint Championship
High-octane V8 jetsprint racing with boats hitting 140km/h in under two seconds - an adrenaline-filled day out for motorsport fans and families.
📍 Kiwispan Jetsprint Track, Tauherenikau Racecourse | 💰 Adult $20+, Child $10+, Family $54+ | 🎟 All ages | 🕙 From 10am

🎶 Sonic Delusion at Greytown Up Close & Personal
A funky, folky, high-energy indie pop show from Swiss-Kiwi loop-pedal maestro Sonic Delusion - expect catchy hooks, boogielicious grooves, and a vibrant afternoon vibe.
📍 Studio 73, 73 Main St, Greytown | 💰 $25–$28.92 | 🎟 All ages | 🕓 4:00pm–6:30pm

🧺 Seasons at Urlar Market
A serene pop-up market set among the vines, showcasing local growers, makers, and artisan producers - plus great coffee and the option to book lunch at the vineyard.
📍 Urlar Vineyard, Gladstone | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕘 9:00am–12:00pm

🎄 Welly Wonderland
Signature Choir and Wellington Brass Band unite for a one-night-only Christmas concert blending Pasifika rhythms, bold brass, and reimagined carols.
📍 Michael Fowler Centre | 🕒 3:00pm–5:30pm | 💰 $25–$50 (family passes $130–$170) | 🎟 All ages

🎅 Kirihimete in the City 2025
A big, joyful Porirua Christmas celebration with carols led by Nick Tansley, kai and gift stalls, kids crafts, and festive fun for the whole whānau.
📍 Te Rauparaha Park (moves to Te Rauparaha Arena if wet) | 🕒 4:30pm–7:00pm | 💰 Free Admission | 🎟 All ages

🚲 Bike-A-Palooza
A super-fun kids’ mountain biking festival packed with friendly races, games, BBQ, candy floss and big stoke - all run by WORD’s awesome youth instructors.
📍 Waiu Park, Waiu St, Lower Hutt | 🕒 8:30am–12:00pm | 💰 $20 ($5 for Wainuiomata locals) | 🎟 Riders Ages 2–12

🎤 Dope As Sunday Comedy!
An unbeatable Sunday-night comedy lineup with Lucy Roche, Keegan Thomas, Shaani & Peter, and Anna Dobbie - hosted by Daniel and Anya. Perfect way to wrap the weekend with big laughs.
📍 Fringe Bar, Wellington | 🕖 7:00pm–9:00pm | 💰 $20 GA / $10 conc. | 🔞 R18

🌈 The Fabulous Carmen Walk Tour: Tea, Toasties & Trade
A guided city walk celebrating the legendary Carmen Rupe - entrepreneur, entertainer, and trailblazing LGBTQ+ icon - featuring stories, historic locations, and Wellington’s colourful queer history.
📍 Ilott Green → Upper Cuba St | 💰 Free (registration required) | 🕖 1:00pm–2:30pm | 👶 All ages

🪐 Low Sensory Hour
A calming, reduced-stimulus hour at Space Place designed for neurodivergent and sensory-sensitive visitors, featuring lowered lights/sound, a gentle Planetarium session, crafts, and a chill-out space.
📍 Space Place, 40 Salamanca Rd, Kelburn | 💰 From $10 (adult $16) | 🕖 10:00am–11:00am | 👶 All ages

🎷 Sunday Jazz Club
Smooth, easy-going Sunday jazz with rotating performers - perfect for winding down the weekend at Parrotdog Bar.
📍 Parrotdog Bar, Lyall Bay | 💰 Free Admission | 🕖 3:00pm | 👶 All ages

🌤️ Welly Weather Watch

🌤️ Friday: Fine, but becoming cloudy in the evening. High 20°C, low 15°C.
🌤️ Saturday: Partly cloudy. Northwesterlies. High 21°C, low 15°C.
🌤️ Sunday: Partly cloudy with the chance of a shower. High 20°C, low 16°C.

💝 Extra Sprinkles – 🎁 Jackson Street Christmas Giveaway

Petone is spreading the festive cheer with a massive Christmas promotion: spend $20+ at participating Jackson Street businesses and you’ll be in the draw to win one of six prizes, including a $1,000 voucher. Enter by dropping your receipt in-store or emailing it to [email protected].
📍 Jackson Street, Petone | 🗓️ Closes Sun 21 Dec, 5pm

Wherever you wander – markets, concerts, or maybe the beach – have an absolute blast this weekend Wellington. Enjoy the sunshine, embrace the festive vibes, and make some magic out there! ✨

PS. If you’re still sorting Christmas pressies, don’t forget your exclusive WellyBuzz subscriber 10% off the BuzzBox 🎁

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve 🐝