Tauranga’s festive season will officially begin on Friday, November 21, with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at Masonic Park.

The community celebration is set to bring together whānau, friends, neighbours and holiday enthusiasts for an evening of music, colour and cheer.

The event will feature face painting, live performances from the Katikati Mural Town Singers and the Fuse Drummers, and a special appearance from Santa.

Adding to the excitement, one local resident will be selected by The Breeze Tauranga—through community nominations—to switch on the city’s giant Christmas tree. Nominations are now open.

“This is what Christmas in Tauranga is all about. Bringing people together, celebrating the spirit of giving, and creating moments that make memories,” says Te Papa Ward Councillor Rod Taylor.

“For the first time, we’re inviting our community to share stories of our local good sorts, to be in to win the honour of lighting up the tree and kicking off Christmas in the city centre. This moment represents the heart of the season, community connection, generosity, and the joy of giving, especially as we support the Christmas Convoy to deliver gifts and food to those who could use a little extra support this season.”

Donations collected by the Christmas Convoy will be distributed to families and individuals throughout Tauranga.

The festivities continue throughout December with a full calendar of events set to fill the city centre with music and entertainment, all while supporting local businesses.

Highlights include:

• Family Christmas Movies on the Waterfront – Fridays from 5 December
• Pocket-Size-Play – Saturday activities for tamariki at Masonic Park/Te Ao Mārama
• Saturday Concert Series – featuring Inachord Singers, Tauranga Civic Choir and Fuse Drummers
• Santa’s Summer Grotto – open December 6 to Christmas Eve, presented by Downtown Tauranga
• Late Night Christmas Shopping – Thursday, December 18, from 4pm–8pm, thanks to Downtown Tauranga
• Wrap It Up Downtown – curated end-of-year party packages across city centre venues

To help make visits stress-free, Tauranga City Council is reminding shoppers of convenient parking options.

All council-operated locations offer a 20-minute grace period, with free parking after 5pm on weekdays, all weekend, and on public holidays. Longer-stay options are available at Dive Crescent and in the Spring and Elizabeth Street parking buildings, with payment available at machines or via the PayMyPark app.

Find out more at www.tauranga.govt.nz/parking. Full event details can be found at whatsontauranga.co.nz.

Tauranga residents are encouraged to come together, sing along, shop local and soak up the spirit of the season as the city lights up for Christmas.