When special events impresario Alan Smythe presented his idea of a free outdoor family Christmas concert to be held at the Auckland Domain to Coca-Cola NZ, they embraced the concept of a community event that brought family and friends together.
Fast-forward three decades, and it’s become the nation’s favourite free Christmas musical extravaganza and an aspirational goal for thousands of talented young Kiwi performers.
As the countdown begins to the 30-year celebration performance, here are some fun facts, memorable moments, and a preview of this year’s highlights
The first Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park was held on the 10th of December 1994 at the Auckland Domain. Since then, it has presented 60 concerts to massive live audiences in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Over 15,000 singers, dancers, and musicians have performed in the shows; over 7,500 crew members have worked in production and construction, and over 18,000 people, including police, parking officials, first aid workers, and security guards, have worked on the day.
Many famous names have donned the red suit, including Dalvanius, Ray Woolf, and Russell Harrison. The singing Santas have arrived in various ways, including a waka, a lifeboat, a fire truck, and a giant sled. Perhaps the most memorable was arriving by flying fox from the Auckland Hospital to the stage.
On a beautiful Christchurch evening, it snowed in Hagley Park. As the cast performed “Let it Snow,” a helicopter flew 6,000 ft over the park, sprinkling potato flakes, creating the magical effect of falling snow.
Vintage biplanes dancing to the music above the crowd during Snoopy’s Christmas.
Headliners have included Sir Howard Morrison, John Rowles, Neil Finn, Tim Finn, Dave Dobbyn, Zed, Elemeno P, Broods, Guy Sebastian, Beth Hart, Midnight Youth, Holly Smith, Anika Moa, Lady6, Tami Neilson, The Koi Boys, Stan Walker, L.A.B, Kaylee Bell and many, many more.
Each year, hundreds of kilos of fireworks and special effects are used to create the spectacular fireworks finale at the end of each show.
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is Coca-Cola’s gift to New Zealand. It brings family, friends, and communities together at a special time of the year.
This year’s highlights include a Christmas cracker of a show with a mix of Christmas songs, a talent-packed lineup of guest performers—powerhouse performer Georgia Lines, Persian-Kiwi rapper CHAII, DJ double-act Sweet Mix Kids, hip-hop legend Che-Fu, and Coke Studio Megamix.
There will also be a magical lighting of the Mercury Christmas tree, New Zealand’s biggest upcycled Christmas tree. It is over 20m high and hung with festoons of programmable LED lighting, presenting a bespoke synchronised light.
Coke Food Fest will return with an even more extensive selection of artisan food trucks.
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park will be held in Christchurch on Saturday, the 30th of November, at North Hagley Park and the Auckland Domain on Saturday, the 14th of December.
