Kia hari, kia koa! Kirihimete i Te Papa! Be joyful, be merry! Christmas at Te Papa
Looking for some Christmas inspiration? Or perhaps you are missing the hustle and bustle of the European Christmas Street Markets. Then come to Te Papa for an all-day-long Christmas feast for all ages!
Sun 1 Dec 2024, 10.30am–3.30pm
Level 1 & 2
Free with museum entry, with some paid activities
Imagine a huge Christmas tree decorated with studded baubles and large tartan bows. Then, visualize a door beside it, that leads to a fantastic world, full of Christmas tunes, decorations, and happy faces. The tamariki will colour in cute elves' pictures, while you get some treats from the cafeteria before watching a movie with your whānau.
Then, at Midday (yes, we know, he comes at midnight, but the Musuem would be closed!), here he comes – Santa Klaus, the naughty brother of Santa Claus, straight from the South Pole, and ready to be eternalized in a selfie with your dear ones!
And then a scavenger hunt, music, workshops, prizes, and activities! Have a look at the whole programme of events for the day, and make sure to wear your Christmas hat before you enter the Museum!
The Christmas Village, 10.30am–3.15pm, Icon, Level 2
An oasis for little ones and grown-up, celebrating the holiday season. Activities include:
Colouring competition: Christmas-themed, with prizes kindly offered by Te Papa Stores – FREE
Letters to Santa: a vintage station to write and post your reta to Hana Kōkō, using a typewriting machine – FREE
Badge making: a little badge-making lab, to go home with a memento from the day – FREE
Fairy Doors Craft: assemble and decorate your very own fairy door for your backyard tree – KOHA
Gingerbread decorating lab: have a go at decorating (and then tasting) a lovely gingerbread man. Cookie and icing provided – KOHA
Scavenger Hunt, 11.00am–12.00pm, Level 1, 2, and Bush City
Can you spot the 22 items that our back-of-house Elves have listed for you?
The first 3 people who complete the quest will receive a lovely prize, offered by the Toa Tamariki Store – FREE
Meet Santa Klaus, 12.00pm–13.30pm, Level 2, by the Christmas Tree
Our one-of-a-kind Santa will be happy to take selfies with you. Take along your phone or an Instax camera, to take shots to remember! – FREE
The Salvation Army Cuba St Brass Band, 1.00pm–2pm, The Void, Level 2
Christmas would not be Christmas without some festive carols and music! – FREE
Storytime, 1.30–2.00pm, The Treehouse, Te Taiao, Level 2
Listen to some festive stories narrated by our Elves, from the most famous Christmas pukapuka – FREE
Christmas Trivia Time, 2.00–2.30pm, The Treehouse, Te Taiao, Level 2
Do you think you know everything about the North Pole, Rudolph, and Mrs Claus? Have a go at our Christmas Quiz to win some prizes to put under your Christmas tree! – FREE
Special treats in the Level 1 Cafe
Fancy a morning or afternoon tea that reminds you of Christmas? Check the festive food offer at the Cafe on Level 1!
Special shopping opportunities at Te Papa Store, Levels 1 and 2
If you still need to buy presents for your loved ones – or for yourself – don't forget to check the special gift ideas selection curated by Te Papa Stores for classy gifts that will not go unnoticed!
Don't forget to check the other activities and events happening on the day, including free movie screenings, decorations and wreath-making workshops, as well as a re-gift swap party to recycle those kitsch Secret Santas that you hid behind the bookshelf.
Please note
Kids under 14 need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
No food and beverages (except water) allowed in the Museum, except at Level 1 (by main entrance) and outdoors.
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired for free upon request or on a first-in, first-served basis.
Scooters and bikes need to be locked in the racks outside the main doors: our hosts can give you a lock if you need one.
Punk Christmas, 2024. Photo by Victoria Saunders. Te Papa