Capture the season. Live the magic.
That’s the invitation from Commercial Bay this Christmas, as the city’s premier lifestyle precinct transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland of fashion, food, and festive fun.
A Keepsake Worth Keeping
Anchoring the season’s sparkle is Santa’s Studio, a beautifully styled portrait space nestled in One Queen Courtyard.
Open daily from the 1st to the 24th of December, sessions are NZD 30 for up to six people and include one printed portrait and a NZD 30 Commercial Bay voucher to spend in-centre.
Santa, sporting a refreshed signature look, a bespoke winter suit designed by Kylie Cooke, brings a refined twist on tradition, captured against an elegantly wintry set.
Additional prints will be available for purchase, and for those celebrating Friends-mas or wanting a seasonal snap without Santa, the studio opens from 5 pm to 6 pm for festive portraits.
Family Fun for Little Ones
For the youngest visitors, Candy Cane Lane returns to Harbour Eats, transformed into a whimsical winter zone.
Every weekend in December leading up to Christmas, expect complimentary face painting, fairy-led scavenger hunts, and custom activity packs, all designed to keep young imaginations buzzing while grown-ups enjoy a moment to browse, sip, or shop.
Live Music & Laneway Magic
As the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle, Deck the Halls brings a festive rhythm to the laneways.
Running Thursday – Saturday in the lead-up to Christmas (including a special Black Friday performance), the live entertainment series infuses the precinct with atmosphere and energy from local acts MESSIE, Poppa Jax, Groovy T, Beccie B, Hyan, Hamish Crocker and Aunty El.
Festive Rewards
Children are invited to post their wish lists at one of two beautifully themed Magic Mailboxes, one in One Queen Courtyard and another beside the Concierge on Level One. Each letter is a chance to win a NZD 1000 Commercial Bay voucher.
And for anyone embracing the festive spirit, capturing a moment could also bring rewards. Snap a photo, soaking up the Christmas atmosphere at Commercial Bay (at Santa’s Studio, Te Manaaki, or under the main laneway lights) and post it to Instagram using #ChristmasBay. One lucky entry will win a NZD 1000 voucher to spend in-centre.
Holiday Highlights
While the festive programme is reason enough to visit, Commercial Bay continues to evolve, welcoming new retailers and seasonal offerings just in time for the holidays. Exciting additions include Zambesi, a Pure Fiji pop-up, Devonport Chocolates, and The Christmas Heirloom Company.
Whether you’re after a statement outfit, a thoughtful gift, or a long lunch with friends, the precinct remains Auckland’s ultimate destination for style, beauty, dining, and entertainment.
Rounding out the celebrations, Te Manaaki, Auckland’s 18.4-metre Christmas tree, returns to Te Komititanga on Saturday, the 22nd of November, marking its second year as the city’s shining festive landmark.
A joint gift to the city from Heart of the City and Precinct Properties, with support from Auckland Council, Te Manaaki continues to bring Aucklanders together in a shared moment of festive magic.
