This year’s theme is Christmas Carnival, and from 27 June to 26 July 2025, the town will be bursting with colour, lights, and festive joy. The local shops go all out, decorating their storefronts with wonderful displays of creativity and lights. Each year, there’s a friendly competition to see who does it best, and it brings such a fun, festive vibe to the whole town.
Many of the historic buildings come to life after dark with colourful, eye-catching lighting displays that mesmerise passers-by. There’s magic in the air, and this year promises the most spectacular celebration yet.
The festival runs across the entire month, but Friday and Saturday evenings are when the town truly comes to life. You’ll find bustling night markets, live music, street performers, loads of delicious food options, and even flurries of snow! It’s the perfect excuse to rug up and create special winter memories with your loved ones.
New this year is Hari the dog, the festival’s cheerful mascot, who’ll be making appearances throughout town - sure to be a hit with the kids (and let’s be honest, the grown-ups too!). You'll be able to buy a little soft toy version of Hari from a few local stores including Blackwell and Sons and the Village Bookshop.
Also new this year is the ILLUMINATION Night Walk at Cobblestones Museum - a magical, after-dark experience that brings the historic village to life with twinkling lights and enchanting displays. It’s set to be one of the festival highlights, so be sure to book your tickets early - this one’s bound to sell out!
If you’re a Wairarapa local or visiting for longer, don’t miss the ticketed events dotted throughout the month. From creative workshops, to cocktails and comedy shows, there’s something to suit every age and vibe.
The opening and closing weekends are true highlights - Main Street closes to traffic, becoming a pedestrian-only zone where crowds can soak up the incredible atmosphere and live entertainment. The fireworks displays are always spectacular, lighting up the winter sky in festive style.
A few of my favourite festive treats that I look forward to every year? Strolling around with a warming hot chocolate, sipping mulled wine by the outdoor fire at Truckstop (it gives European Christmas market vibes), indulging in freshly baked delights from Cake Lab, a creamy eggnog from The Offering, a warm bag of cinnamon donuts to share from a food truck, and a gingerbread martini at Aperitif, which is basically dessert in a glass. Pure holiday joy (but not all at once of course!).
My kids absolutely love going every year - their highlights include playing in the snow, meeting the friendly dressed-up characters (last year it was penguins, the year before snowmen), picking out a handmade ornament from Pony Lane's stall to hang on our tree in December, choosing a yummy treat to eat, and colouring and hanging their own decorations on the community Christmas tree. The light-up tractor parade down Main Street was also a big hit that's returning again this year.
As locals, this month of midwinter festive fun has quickly become a cherished tradition - and somehow, each year feels bigger, brighter, and more magical than the last. Whether you're popping over from Wellington for a day trip or planning a weekend escape from further afield, Greytown’s Festival of Christmas is a must-do for anyone craving a little winter wonder. So don your layers, bring your festive spirit, and get ready to discover just how joyful Christmas in July can truly be.
📷 Feel free to follow my latest adventures on @Instagram.
No comments
Post a Comment