🐝 WellyBuzz: Don’t Miss Wellington’s Big Weekend ⚡️

👋 Kia ora Wellington,

Is it just us, or has the whole city turned a shade of blue this week? With the massive Avatar: Fire and Ash premiere taking over the Embassy on Saturday, Hollywood glam is colliding with our usual wind-blown charm. But if dodging the paparazzi isn’t your vibe, don’t worry - Santa is parking his sleigh at Waitangi Park, the Blackcaps are battling the West Indies at the Basin, and the food scene is serving up some serious weekend comfort.

And if you’re after a little something extra - we’re also giving away a gorgeous My Kiwi Garden prize pack from Wellington author Kylie Welch this week! 🌱📚

Let’s get into it! 🐝

🔥 9 Quick Picks This Weekend

🎄 Kiwi Christmas in Battle Hill (Fri) – Outdoor carols + family movie under the stars at Battle Hill Farm Park.
🏏 BLACKCAPS v West Indies – Test Match (Wed–Sun) – Summer test cricket and chilled vibes at the Basin.
🎄 Big Christmas Spectacular at the Opera House (Fri & Sat) – High-energy festive show packed with dance, music and Santa magic.
🎄 Christmas in the Quarters – Hana Kōkō (Sat) – Santa selfies, waterfront fun and all-day Christmas cheer at Waitangi Park.
🚂 Christmas in the Park – Petone (Sat) – Ride festive mini-trains for free with a food donation for the community.
🎄 Porirua Harbourside Christmas Market (Sat) – Gifts + kai at 50 festive stalls by the water.
🎬 Avatar: Fire & Ash Premiere (Sat) – Hollywood hits Wellington with James Cameron + cast on The Embassy red carpet.
🛍️ Tākina Christmas Market 2025 (Sat & Sun) – 100+ makers, kids’ fun and live music under the giant tree.
🎄 Ngaio Village Christmas Market (Sun) – Local crafts and last-minute gifts at Ngaio Town Hall.

🔥 In This Week’s Buzz

🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine – Christmas Day revellers on Plimmerton Beach back in the 1920s.
🌟 Local Legends – Stansborough: the Petone weaving mill behind the Lord of the Rings cloaks.
🍽️ Food & Drink – The Oatery: Cuba Street’s tucked-away haven for slow, soul-warming breakfasts.
🎉 Events – Your full list of the best gigs, markets, parties and parades across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
🎁 Giveaway – Win a My Kiwi Garden prize pack from Wellington author Kylie Welch!
🌦️ Welly Weather Watch – Fine all weekend, warmest Sunday.
💝 Extra Sprinkles – Wellington City Mission’s Share Your Christmas helping families across the region.

🕰️ Welly’s Time Machine - Christmas Day revellers on Plimmerton beach in the 1920s

🌟 Local Legends – Stansborough (70 Fitzherbert Street, Petone)

Did you know the cloaks for Lord of the Rings were woven right here in Petone? Stansborough is a historic weaving mill using rare grey wool to create incredible textiles on 1890s looms. You can tour the mill or just raid their gallery store for scarves and throws that are literally Hollywood-quality. 👉 check them out on stansborough.co.nz

🍽️ Food & Drink – The Oatery (14 Left Bank, Cuba Street)

The Oatery is Wellington's best-kept breakfast secret, tucked away down Left Bank off Cuba Street where the quiet, unhurried vibe feels like stepping into a European porridge café. Owner Anna creates an ever-changing menu of thoughtful porridge bowls, granola mixes, soups, salads, and baked goods - each plate both beautiful and nourishing. Portions are generous and prices moderate. If you want to escape the weekend rush and settle into proper breakfast vibes, head here (but note: closed Monday & Tuesday).

📍 14 Left Bank, Cuba Street, Wellington | 🕒 Wed–Fri 7:30am–2:00pm, Sat–Sun 8:30am–2:00pm | 🔗 theoatery.nz

🚢 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 12 December

🎄 Kiwi Christmas in Battle Hill
A festive evening of live carols and a whānau-friendly outdoor movie under the stars at Battle Hill Farm Forest Park.
📍 Battle Hill, 608 Paekākāriki Rd | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕠 5:30pm–8:00pm

🏏 BLACKCAPS v West Indies – Test Match
A big summer showdown as the BLACKCAPS take on the Windies at the Basin with world-class cricket and chilled summer vibes.
📍 Basin Reserve | 💰 Ticket prices vary - see weblink | 🎟 All ages | 🕚 11:00am start

🎄 Big Christmas Spectacular
A dazzling, family-friendly holiday show with ballet, tap, jazz, chorus-line dancing and live musicians - built to fill you with festive joy.
📍 The Opera House, Wellington | 💰 From $95 | 🕖 Shows 7:00pm (Fri 12 Dec), 2:00pm & 7:00pm (Sat 13 Dec) | 🎟 All ages

🎭 The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate – The Musical
A swashbuckling, family-friendly pirate adventure based on Margaret Mahy’s beloved story, packed with sea-shanties and laughs.
📍 Hannah Playhouse | 💰 Adults $43 / Kids $17.38 | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 6:30pm–7:30pm

✨ Star Trek Laser Tour (Stargazing)
Explore constellations and cosmic stories under the Wairarapa night sky with a laser-guided star tour at Stonehenge Aotearoa.
📍 Stonehenge Aotearoa, Carterton | 💰 From $63.30 | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 9:45pm–11:15pm

🎅 Ngaio Village Christmas Celebration
Festive fun across local shops with crafts, raffles, treats, and a likely visit from someone in red.
📍 Ottawa Rd, Ngaio, Wellington | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕕 6:00pm–8:00pm

🎨 Mutumutu ki Mukukai: Curators’ Talk
Hear Ngāti Toa curators share cultural stories behind this new exhibition on waterways and kaitiakitanga.
📍 Pātaka Art + Museum, 17 Parumoana St, Porirua | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕚 11:00am–12:30pm

🎭 Every Kind Of Weather
A powerful double-bill celebrating Bruce Mason’s iconic Kiwi storytelling, performed by acclaimed actor Stephen Lovatt.
📍 Circa Theatre | 💰 $25–$60 | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 7:30pm–9:00pm

🎭 Robin Hood – The Pantomime
A hilarious, high-energy panto adventure as Robin Hood battles the Sheriff with swordfights, singalongs, and plenty of cheeky jokes.
📍 Circa Theatre | 💰 $25–$60 | 🎟 All ages | 🕖 6:30pm–8:30pm

🐉 Dungeons and Dickens: A Crit’mas Carol
A chaotic, festive mash-up of DnD and Dickens packed with dice-rolling mayhem and holiday mischief.
📍 BATS Theatre | 💰 $15–$20 | 🎟 R13 | 🕕 6:30pm–8:30pm

💃 Fruitcake: A Jolly Good Christmas Cabaret
A fabulously festive drag extravaganza packed with sleigh-y performances, camp humour, and Christmas chaos.
📍 The Fringe Bar | 💰 $28.92–$44.30 | 🎟 R18 | 🕗 8:00pm–10:00pm

🎶 Vox Ethno
An electrifying night of Balkan and European folk music with rich harmonies, live instrumentation, and infectious dancing energy.
📍 The Undercurrent, 118 Tory St | 💰 $22.75 | 🎟 All ages | 🕗 8:00pm

🌸 Lavender Magic Garden Visit – Pick Your Own Flowers
A peaceful evening wandering a scenic flower farm where you can pick a fresh bouquet and enjoy Wairarapa’s stunning night sky views.
📍 Lavender Magic, 61 Blakes Rd, Mt Holdsworth, Carterton | 💰 $5.12 | 🎟 All ages | 🕕 6:00pm–9:00pm

🎤 Nadia Reid – Enter Now Brightness Tour
The acclaimed Aotearoa singer-songwriter returns home with her rich, heartfelt folk-pop sound on tour for her latest album.
📍 Meow Nui, 92 Vivian St, Te Aro | 💰 $60 | 🎟 R18 | 🕖 7:30pm

🎸 Phantastic Ferniture – Dare to Fern in Love
A fun and fuzzy night of live-and-loose garage-pop as Phan Fern bring new tracks and cult favourites to Meow.
📍 Meow, 9 Edward St, Te Aro | 💰 $49 | 🎟 R18 | 🕗 8:00pm

🎶 Christmas in the Courtyard
Carols, a brass band, food stalls, and festive cheer in the heart of the city - all supporting DCM.
📍 St John’s in the City, 170 Willis St, Te Aro | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕔 5:00pm–8:00pm

🎶 Cushion Concert with The Wooden Box Band
A cosy, family-friendly folk gig featuring Pōneke’s own harmony-rich “folk darlings” in the relaxed setting of Inverlochy House.
📍 Inverlochy Art School, 3 Inverlochy Place | 💰 $10 (tamariki free) | 🎟 All ages | 🕕 6:00pm–7:00pm

Saturday 13 December

🎬 Avatar: Fire and Ash – Australasian Premiere
Red carpet arrivals, cast and filmmakers in attendance, and a huge street premiere outside the Embassy - expect crowds, cameras and blockbuster excitement.
📍 The Embassy Theatre, Courtenay Place, Wellington | 💰 Free viewing (public red-carpet access) | 🕖 4:00pm–6:30pm arrivals + screening | 🎟 All ages (viewing areas)

🎄 Christmas in the Quarters – Hana Kōkō
Meet Santa, snap a sleigh selfie, and enjoy festive fun by the waterfront - a full day of whānau-friendly Christmas cheer.
📍 Waitangi Park | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕚 11:00am–5:00pm

🚂 Christmas in the Park – 2025
Bring a non-perishable food donation and ride the festive mini-trains for free - a fun way to support the community.
📍 6 Marine Parade, Petone, Lower Hutt | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕐 1:00pm–8:00pm

🎸 Latin Vibes on the Lawn
A laid-back afternoon of live Latin music and sunshine featuring soloists, a 10-piece band, and special guests “Butter Wouldn't Melt.” Bring a blanket, snacks, and your best summer vibes.
📍 Vogelmorn Bowling Club, Brooklyn | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕒 3:00pm–6:00pm

🛍️ Stallkeepers Greytown Market
A boutique market inside the town’s library hall featuring handcrafted goodies, artisan treats, and unique fashion finds.
📍 Greytown Library Hall, 89 Main St, Greytown | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕘 9:30am–4:00pm

🥕 Crop Up Greytown
A zero-waste pop-up market with fresh local produce, coffee, and community vibes in the heart of Greytown.
📍 Truckstop Greytown, 102 Main St, Greytown | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕘 9:00am–11:00am

🥦 Wairarapa Farmers’ Market
Fresh local produce, artisan goodies, live music and relaxed weekend vibes beneath the trees at Solway Showgrounds.
📍 Solway Showgrounds, Masterton | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕘 9:00am–1:00pm

🚀 Dark Matter
A tense sci-fi theatre thriller following a crew who uncover a life-changing secret in deep space - and must decide the fate of humanity.
📍 BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace | 💰 $20–$40 | 🎟 M | 🕓 4:00pm–6:00pm & 7:30pm–9:30pm

🎄 Porirua Harbourside Christmas Market
50 stalls of festive goodies and delicious kai - a perfect spot to finish your Christmas shopping by the water.
📍 Kai Tahi, 20 Parumoana Street, Porirua | 💰 Free Entry | 🕓 4:00pm–8:30pm | 🎟 All ages

🌊 Clean Up The Hutt – Community Clean-Up Day
Join the big community clean-up across Lower Hutt - prizes, kai, and good vibes while helping protect our coastline.
📍 Petone Beach, The Esplanade, Petone | 💰 Free | 🕙 From 10:00am | 🎟 All ages

🌿 Breathe | Mauri Ora Opening Party
Exclusive late-night access to Te Papa’s new digital forest experience, with music, cocktails, and immersive art.
📍 Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa | 💰 Tickets - see weblink | 🎟 R18 | 🕖 7:00pm–11:30pm

🛍️ Tākina Christmas Market 2025
100+ local makers, festive eats, kids’ activities, and live music - plus you can donate food items for City Mission under the giant Christmas tree.
📍 Tākina Convention & Exhibition Centre, 50 Cable Street, Te Aro | 💰 $2 entry or food donation (kids under 12 free) | 🕙 Sat 11:00am-6:00pm & Sun 10:00am–4:00pm | 🎟 All ages

🎭 Club Wicked – Musical Theatre Dance Party
A late-night dance floor takeover celebrating Wicked and all your favourite musical hits - costumes encouraged!
📍 San Fran, 171 Cuba Street, Te Aro | 💰 $21.62 | 🎟 R18 | 🕚 Doors 11:00pm

🤸 Rebound Playland Grand Opening Weekend
Bounce into the action as Kāpiti’s brand-new trampoline and play park opens its doors with huge family fun and 2-hour play sessions all day long.
📍 Rebound Playland, 7 Sheffield St, Paraparaumu | 💰 Tickets - see weblink | 🎟 All ages | 🕘 2hr per session from 9:00am–5:00pm

💃 Salsa Magic Prizegiving Party
A big festive dance night with two rooms of salsa, bachata, kizomba, performances, awards, and plenty of laughs - dress in your finest Christmas flair!
📍 Dancetopia, 11 Torrens Terrace, Mount Cook | 💰 $20 advance / $25 door | 🕗 8:00pm–12:00am | 🎟 All ages licensed

🎧 L-Side (Brazil) – Drum & Bass at Meow
A massive late-night DnB takeover with Brazilian heavyweight L-Side plus stacked local support from Pearly, Echotek, Edii & Gusty, and more.
📍 Meow, 9 Edward Street, Te Aro | 🕚 11:00pm–3:00am | 🎟 R18 | 💰 see weblink

🕸️ Anti-Xmas Market – Newtown Underground Arts
A darker twist on festive shopping - handmade oddities, quirky art, thrift finds, tattoos, and gifts for the spooky souls in your life.
📍 16 Mein Street, Newtown | 💰 Free Entry | 🕘 9:00am–2:00pm | 🎟 All ages

🎷 Jazz Ball – Ambassadors of Swing
Swing into the festive season with live jazz, a beginner taster class, and a whole lot of dancing - vintage dress encouraged but not required.
📍 Aro Valley Community Centre, 48 Aro Street, Aro Valley | 💰 $15–$25 | 🕖 7:00pm–10:00pm | 🎟 All ages

🚂 The Napier Escape – Heritage Train Day Trip
A full-day heritage rail adventure from Paekākāriki to Napier with stunning scenery, onboard refreshments, and optional winery lunch or Art Deco city tour.
📍 Paekākāriki Railway Station, Paekākāriki | 💰 From $159 adult / $139 child | 🕖 5:50am–10:30pm | 🎟 All ages

💃 Salsa Hutt Christmas Dance Party
A festive night of salsa, bachata, and kizomba with a great social vibe - BYO non-alcoholic drinks and hit the floor early.
📍 Petone Salvation Army, 72 Cuba St, Petone | 💰 $10 | 🕖 7:30pm–10:30pm | 🎟 All ages (no alcohol permitted)

🎄 Christmas Nda Hood
A big community celebration with kai, music, fun activities and the iconic tug-o-war showdown.
📍 Pomare School, 4 Partridge Street, Pomare | 💰 Free Entry | 🕖 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟 All ages

💃 Encore 2025
A colourful, high-energy celebration of ballet, jazz, and lyrical dance starring the talented DWDA juniors - perfect for the whole whānau.
📍 Te Raukura ki Kāpiti, Coastlands Theatre, 34a Raumati Rd | 💰 From $22.85 | 🎟 All ages | 🕚 11:00am & 2:30pm

😈 Stigmata: The Resurrection
A dark, twisted drag spectacular for those who prefer sinful over Santa - hosted by Ness Quick with an all-star lineup.
📍 Ivy Bar & Cabaret, 63 Cuba St | 💰 From $23.25 | 🎟 RP18 | 🕙 10:00pm

🥳 Trades Hall Reception Opening BBQ & Dance Party
Celebrate the grand opening of the new Trades Hall reception with an afternoon BBQ followed by DJs and dancing.
📍 128 Vivian Street, Te Aro, Wellington | 💰 Check weblink | 🕒 3:00pm | 🎟 All ages (licensed venue rules may apply)

🎤 Mustang
A dreamy night of harmony-rich covers and originals from Mustang’s vocal trio - with a splash of groovy, feel-good goodness.
📍 The Undercurrent, 118 Tory St | 💰 From $10 | 🎟 All Ages | 🕢 7:30pm (doors 7pm)

🎄 Merry Hub-mas! Free Children’s Party
A festive afternoon of crafts, candy, and fun while learning how your community supports each other in an emergency.
📍 Ōtaki East Community Emergency Hub, 2 Te Manuao Rd, Otaki | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕐 1:00pm–3:00pm

🎸 Girls Rock the Boys – Wellington
A powerhouse trio take on the biggest classic rock anthems ever - torch-waving ballads to head-banging bangers included.
📍 Underworld Tavern, 13 Pirie St | 💰 $30 | 🎟 All Ages Licensed | 🕣 8:30pm–11:00pm

🎁 A Very Merry Christmas Record & Craft Fair
Dig for vinyl treasure, browse festive crafts, and snap up ideal gifts for music lovers.
📍 Johnsonville Community Centre, 3 Frankmoore Ave | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages | 🕙 10:00am–3:00pm

😂 Cantina Comedy
Twelve comedians, total chaos - from polished jokes to wild improv pulled from a jar.
📍 Sunday Cantina, 13 Poplar Ave, Raumati South | 💰 $10 | 🎟 All Ages | 🕖 7:00pm–9:00pm

🎤 Upper Hutt City of Song – Christmas Concert
A festive evening of live music hosted by legendary MC Frankie Stevens. Bring friends, bring the whānau, and enjoy a cracker night of local talent under the stars.
📍 Harcourt Park, Upper Hutt | 💰 Free Entry | 🕔 From 5:00pm | 🎟 All ages

🎅 Greytown Santa Parade 2025
A colourful community parade packed with floats, festive cheer, and Santa leading the way down Main Street.
📍 Greytown Main Street | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕑 2:00pm

🎁 Paekākāriki Christmas Fete
A relaxed seaside fete featuring local makers, food, music, and festive fun across the village hall and main street.
📍 St Peters Village Hall, Cnr Beach Rd & Ames St, Paekākāriki | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕙 10:00am–2:00pm

🎶 Handel’s Messiah
A soaring festive classic performed by Orpheus Choir Wellington and Orchestra Wellington - expect goosebumps when the “Hallelujah Chorus” hits.
📍 Michael Fowler Centre, 111 Wakefield St, Wellington | 💰 $15–$55 | 🎟 All Ages | 🕢 7:30pm

🎄 Christmas on the Coast
A colourful Christmas parade followed by an afternoon of food trucks, games, live entertainment, and Santa’s grotto fun.
📍 Mazengarb Reserve, Mazengarb Rd, Paraparaumu | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All Ages | 🕚 11am–3pm

🎸 Squealer (AC/DC) & Stoned Templar Pirates (STP)
A high-voltage night of AC/DC and Stone Temple Pilots anthems - crank it loud and rock out in Petone.
📍 Abandoned Taproom Petone, 38 Fitzherbert St, Petone | 💰 $20–$25 | 🎟 RP18 | 🕗 8pm–11:30pm

🎧 Beats on Beach
House, disco and funk beats take over Oriental Bay for a free sunny dance-floor sesh.
📍 Oriental Bay Beach, Oriental Parade, Wellington | 💰 Free | 🎟 All Ages | 🕑 2pm–5pm

🌿 Artists and their love of plants – Part 1 Guided Walk
A gentle garden walk exploring famous artworks inspired by the plants growing right in the Botanic Garden.
📍 Wellington Botanic Garden, 101 Glenmore St, Kelburn | 💰 $5 (cash) / Free for Friends | 🎟 All Ages | 🕜 1:30pm–2:30pm

🐑 Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary Open Day
Meet rescued animals on a guided tour, then enjoy a vegan afternoon tea (all proceeds support their care).
📍 Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary, Ōtaki | 💰 Flexible Price - see weblink | 🎟 All Ages | 🕐 1pm–4pm (arrive 12:30pm–1pm)

Sunday 14 December

🎄 Ngaio Village Christmas Market
Local makers, festive treats and last-minute gift shopping at the Ngaio Town Hall.
📍 Ngaio Town Hall, 1 Ottawa Road, Ngaio | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕙 10am–3pm

⚽ Wellington Phoenix vs Newcastle Jets
Round 8 showdown - get behind the Nix and bring the roar to Sky Stadium!
📍 Sky Stadium | 🕒 3:00pm | 💰 From $35 | 🎟 All ages

🚂 Steam Train Trip to Tui Brewery – Mainline Steam
Scenic heritage train ride to Mangatainoka with the option to enjoy a gourmet BBQ lunch and brewery visit.
📍 Departs Plimmerton Railway Station | 💰 From $85–$145 (+ optional lunch $20–$45) | 🕖 7:45am–6:30pm | 🎟 All ages

🐾 Doggy Christmas Party – Les Dalton Dog Park
Festive fun for pups with dog treats, a sausage sizzle for humans, and Christmas photo ops - dress your dog in their cutest holiday look!
📍 Les Dalton Dog Park, Wainuiomata | 💰 Free | 🕖 10:00am–12:00pm | 🎟 All ages (dogs included 🐶)

🐶 Woof Market – Indoor Dog Market
A pup-approved shopping day with treats, accessories, market-only deals, and plenty of cuddles - dogs on lead welcome!
📍 Kai Tahi, 20 Parumoana Street, Porirua | 💰 Free | 🕖 10:00am–3:00pm | 🎟 All ages (dogs included 🐕)

🎄 KTC Christmas Family Festival
Face painting, a petting zoo, festive movies, and live Christmas cheer - a fun afternoon out for the whole whānau.
📍 Khandallah Trading Company, Ganges Road, Khandallah | 💰 Free | 🕖 12:00pm–3:00pm | 🎟 All ages

🎷 Sunday Jazz
Kick back with swinging 40s–50s jazz from The Undercurrent All-Stars in a cosy boho hideaway.
📍 The Undercurrent, 118 Tory Street, Wellington | 💰 $16.20 | 🎟 All ages | 🕞 3:30pm

🧶 Ōtaki Craft Market
A lively outdoor market with local makers, great kai, and classic Ōtaki vibes.
📍 Ōtaki Market, 58 Main Highway, Ōtaki | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕙 10am–2pm

🎭 Still Not Dead – Rachel McAlpine & The Andrew London Duo
Poetry, satire and cheeky musical storytelling about the joys of ageing disgracefully.
📍 Kāpiti Playhouse, 7 Ruahine Street, Paraparaumu | 💰 $44.30 | 🎟 All ages | 🕒 3pm–5pm

🎉 End of Year Party
A plant-based feast with kirtan, dancing and feel-good vibes to farewell 2025.
📍 Bhakti Lounge, 1/175 Vivian Street, Wellington | 💰 $10.25–$16.58 (includes plant based dinner and desert) | 🎟 All ages | 🕕 6pm

🎪 Rotary Khandallah Fair
A big community day out with local stalls, school performances, food carts and festive fun.
📍 Ganges Road, Khandallah Village | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕙 10am–3pm

🎤 Bar Italia (UK) — ‘Some Like It Hot’ NZ Tour
London’s mysterious post-punk indie trio bringing their swagger to Meow for one night only.
📍 Meow, 9 Edward St, Te Aro | 💰 From $65 | 🎟 R18 | 🕢 7:30pm–10:30pm

🎶 Music at the Begonia House — Faultline Chorus
Enjoy sweet harmonies in the gardens with this award-winning women’s barbershop chorus.
📍 Begonia House, 101 Glenmore St, Wellington | 💰 Donation | 🕚 11:00am–12:00pm | 🎟 All ages

🎅 Upper Hutt Santa Parade 2025
A festive movie-themed parade bringing “Lights, Camera, Christmas!” magic to Main Street.
📍 Main Street, Upper Hutt | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕒 3:00pm–4:00pm

🎄 Christmas Festival at The Anchor
Games, crafts, carols, food trucks, sunshine - a whānau-friendly celebration in Whitby.
📍 The Anchor Church, 1 Joseph Banks Dr, Whitby | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕑 2:00pm–4:00pm

♻️ E-waste Drop Off Day
Declutter your old devices responsibly - drop them off for proper recycling in Kilbirnie.
📍 Ākau Tangi Sports Centre, 72 Kemp St, Kilbirnie | 💰 Free | 🎟 All ages | 🕘 9:00am–1:00pm

🎄 Waikanae Beach Christmas Market
A friendly seaside market packed with handmade gifts, festive treats, and a Santa visit around 11am.
📍 Waikanae Beach Community Hall, 22a Rauparaha St, Waikanae | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕙 10:00am–1:00pm

🎁 Artisan Craft Market
Premium handmade gifts and local crafts at this waterfront market supporting Wellington artisans.
📍 Te Wharewaka o Poneke, Taranaki St Wharf, Wellington | 💰 Free Entry | 🎟 All ages | 🕙 10:00am–3:00pm

💃 Bailamos Bachata! Latin Dance Party
A lively bachata night with a free beginners’ lesson and social dancing all evening.
📍 Southern Cross Garden Bar, 39 Abel Smith St, Te Aro | 💰 Free (support venue with food/drinks) | 🎟 All ages licensed | 🕕 6:00pm–9:00pm

🎁 WellyBuzz Giveaway – Win a My Kiwi Garden Prize Pack!

We’ve teamed up with Wellington author Kylie Welch to give away a gorgeous Kiwi Garden–themed creative prize pack! 🌱📚 This bundle is packed with books, tools, seeds, colouring goodies and kiwi himself - everything a young nature-lover needs to explore, create, and imagine their very own Kiwi Garden world. To check out more of Kylie’s stories, resources, and gifts, visit www.kyliewelch.co.nz.

To enter, simply drop your name and email in the form here:

Entries close Sunday 14 December at 6pm - winner announced in next week’s Buzz! 💛

🌤️ Welly Weather Watch

🌤️ Friday: Mainly fine, chance of a shower in the morning. High 17°C, low 11°C.
☀️ Saturday: Fine. Southerlies developing. High 18°C, low 11°C.
☀️ Sunday: Fine. Northerlies. High 20°C, low 11°C.

💝 Extra Sprinkles – Charity of the Week

Wellington City Mission – Share Your Christmas The Mission is bringing joy to families doing it tough this season. Their "Social Supermarket" and Toy Store allow parents to choose gifts and food with dignity, rather than just receiving a handout.
👉 learn more and donate at wellingtoncitymission.org.nz

Enjoy the blue carpet, the green cricket pitch, and the golden sun (fingers crossed!) this weekend Wellington.

Ngā mihi nui,
Kirstie & Steve