Christmas is a magical time — but it can also be chaotic.
If you’d rather skip the hosting, avoid the dishes, or you're away from family this year, these New Zealand venues are hosting all-inclusive Christmas events so you can enjoy all of the celebration, without any of the stress.
Whether you’re celebrating as a couple, with friends or the whole whānau, here are some of the best Christmas events happening in 2025 across New Zealand.
One of Auckland’s most acclaimed dining destinations, The French Café is synonymous with refined service, elegant interiors, and exceptional cuisine. It’s the perfect setting for a festive meal that feels elevated yet intimate.
Christmas Eve Long Lunch
Time: 12pm–3pm
Prices: $175 per adult, $85 per child (under 10)
Includes:
A festive four-course long lunch with a special children’s menu available
Located inside QT Auckland, Esther brings Mediterranean warmth, bold flavours, and a touch of QT playfulness to every plate. With Chef Sean Connolly at the helm, it’s a dining experience that feels vibrant, abundant, and just the right amount of unconventional for Christmas Day.
Christmas Day Feasting Menu
Lunch Sittings:
11:30am–2pm
3:00pm–5:30pm
Dinner Sitting:
6:00pm–8:30pm
Prices: $249 per adult, $99 per child (12 and under)
Includes:
Arrival glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne, a feasting-style menu featuring Esther classics, seasonal specials like Cloudy Bay diamond clam risotto and Harmony Farms roast porchetta, Christmas crackers and a generous dessert finish.
Conveniently located between the city and the airport, Acacia Restaurant at Novotel Ellerslie offers modern, spacious dining areas ideal for families and groups. It’s an easy, accessible option for a fuss-free festive celebration.
Christmas Day Buffet Lunch
Time: 12pm–2:30pm
Prices: $169 per aduls, $69 per child (6–12), under-5s dine free
Includes:
Seasonal hot + cold dishes, live carvery, fresh seafood, festive desserts
Set in the heart of Morningside, Glasshouse brings a sense of occasion to every event. It's a crowd favourite known for its lush greenery, glass-roofed ambience and a light, modern atmosphere.
Christmas Day Dinner
Time: 5pm–10pm
Price: $220pp (includes all drinks)
Includes:
Bubbles on arrival, seven-course tasting menu, paired wine flight, live acoustic music throughout the evening, a special Christmas gift for every guest. Wine, beer and soft drinks, all included.
Set on the stunning Doubtless Bay coastline, Taipa Beach Resort offers quintessential seaside living with uninterrupted ocean views. It’s an idyllic spot for a sunny, coastal Christmas in the heart of Northland.
Christmas Day Buffet
Time: 12pm–3pm
Price: $110 per person
Includes:
Fresh Northland seafood, succulent roasts, seasonal salads, festive desserts. A sun-soaked, seaside atmosphere perfect for families and holidaymakers
Surrounded by tropical gardens and loved for its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, Holiday Inn Auckland Airport provides a relaxed escape from the Christmas rush.
Christmas Day Lunch Buffet at Vapor Restaurant
Time: 12:30pm–3:30pm
Price: $159 per adult, $79.50 per child (6–12), under-5s dine free
Includes:
Welcome drink on arrival, traditional roasts & live carvery, fresh seafood, seasonal salads, decadent desserts
A characterful, design-forward venue in the heart of Wellington, Whisky & Wood is known for hosting intimate, stylish events with a creative edge.
White Christmas — A Cocktail Soirée
Date & Time: Saturday 20 December, 7:30pm–11pm
Ticket:
Includes:
A modern, candlelit Christmas soirée, festive cocktails & canapes, DJs and live music (smooth early, party late). Premium tickets include a 2-hour open bar (7:30–9:30 pm), reserved table + take-home gift.
Christmas doesn’t have to mean chaos — and it certainly doesn’t have to mean cooking.
These New Zealand venues are pulling out all the stops to host incredible Christmas celebrations.
Whatever the holidays look like for you this year, find an amazing Christmas event in a city near you, whether you’re attending with friends and family or simply seeking good company.
Accor Hotels brings world-class venues to Auckland’s energetic waterfront, Queenstown’s alpine region and Canterbury's glassy lakesides.
Capstone Hotel Management is a New Zealand–owned hospitality group bringing together boutique hotels, luxury lodges, and regional resorts across the country. From coastal escapes to city landmarks, each Capstone property reflects its own distinct character while sharing a common thread: genuine Kiwi hospitality and a focus on seamless guest experiences.
EVT Hotels & Resorts is home to some of Aotearoa's most impressive venues - including names you know and love. With ten distinctive venues across Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua, Christchurch and Queenstown — each venue is infused with personality, polish and purpose. From the sought-after QT Auckland to the beloved Rydges Rotorua, this guide showcases the best venues to meet, celebrate and stay.
For businesses planning a Christmas party for over 100 guests, the venue becomes the cornerstone of success. Catering, accessibility, in-house AV, staffing and location all play a crucial role in creating a seamless experience for both organisers and guests. From black-tie galas to festive buffets and cocktail receptions, these six venues across New Zealand are purpose-built for celebrations at scale.
Are you in charge of the company Christmas party but don't want planning to become a full-time job? You've come to the right place. Work Christmas parties don't need to be stuffy and repetitive, and neither do they need to be time-consuming to plan. We're spinning the narrative on its head and showing you how to plan a Christmas party your employees will love, in little to no time. Without even trying too hard, it'll be the event of the year. The secret to success? Choose a format that fits your people. Consider team size, social dynamics, and how your crew likes to celebrate. Here are 6 easy-to-plan Christmas party ideas for small businesses in NZ with venue and supplier recommendations, balanced reviews and pricing to help bring your event to life.
Matariki marks the start of the Māori New Year—a national holiday celebrated across New Zealand with community events and family-friendly activities that honour Aotearoa’s indigenous traditions.
Novotel Auckland Ellerslie is a premium venue with welcoming indoor spaces and scenic gardens for 40-300 guests.
Whatever Mother’s Day 2025 looks like for you, there’s a beautiful way to mark the day—whether it’s a long lunch by the sea, high tea in a heritage hotel, or a vineyard stroll followed by wine and nibbles. Across Aotearoa, venues are hosting experiences to suit every kind of celebration.
Auckland Conventions is the largest network of event venues in Aotearoa and includes all the places you know and love. Think—the glamorous Civic Theatre, the beloved Aotea Centre, the industrial Shed 10 and many more. These landmark venues host some of the country's most significant events, from concerts and tradeshows to exhibitions and awards nights. With over sixty versatile spaces across Tāmaki Makaurau, dive in and discover Auckland's Most Iconic Venues by Auckland Conventions.
Aotearoa, New Zealand, is proudly known worldwide as a "clean, green" destination — and for good reason. This whenua (land) showcases breathtaking landscapes, fresh water, clean air and clear, starry skies. Maintaining our pure New Zealand is more than a tourism campaign; it's our shared responsibility. The events industry has a significant environmental impact, from energy consumption to food waste and single-use materials. As awareness of these issues grow, event planners and attendees seek greener, more thoughtful alternatives. It's encouraging to see venues across New Zealand stepping up — reducing waste, conserving resources, and protecting local ecosystems in meaningful ways. From redistributing surplus catering to using recycled materials in their builds, venues are finding innovative solutions to more sustainable events. At NZ Venues, we believe no act is too small. Every step towards sustainability is worth acknowledging — because every effort makes a difference. In this article, we break down the term "sustainability"—what it means, why it matters, and how we can practice it. We also had the privilege of speaking with some of the country's most forward-thinking venues about how they're making sustainability part of their everyday operations.
In need of a marquee? We've got you covered. Aside from being a functional shelter, a marquee is also a canvas from which to create the most magical wedding reception. Whether you choose a stretch tent, teepee or clear marquee - adorn it with festoons and fairy lights and watch your wedding night come to life. In this section, discover the best marquee hire companies servicing the Wellington Region.
You're in the thick of wedding planning. Hopefully, you've ticked off the big ticket items, such as your wedding venue and photographer. Now, it's time for the fun part - hair and makeup! A beautiful wedding look will set you up for success. Not only on your big day but also in your wedding photos, which will live on forever. Achieving a look that is totally you calls for an expert artist who understands your complexion, facial structure, and desired look. An experienced makeup artist will also know how to create a long-lasting look that still looks fantastic after the tears, laughter, and sweat that your wedding day will undoubtedly bring. With that in mind, we've called upon Wellington's top hair and makeup artists. These beauty experts will ensure a beautiful & long-lasting bridal look for your big day.
