The New Zealand Festival of Christmas returns to Greytown from 27 June to 25 July, bringing a month of festive joy, winter charm and strong community spirit. This year’s theme, “A Very Country Christmas”, blends all the beloved traditions of the festival with a warm rural twist.
The celebrations begin with The Big Switch Opening Night from 3pm – 8pm on Saturday 27 June. With thanks to the Greytown Lands Trust, Main Street will close for an unforgettable opening night featuring live music, roving performers, festive food, mulled wine and even snow.
Highlights of the 2026 programme include the return of the Light Up Tractor Parade, the expanded Illumination Night Walk at Cobblestones, and the Greytown School Country Food Fair supporting a new shade area. Artisan Night Markets, Snow Suppers at The White Swan, and pop-ups at Alexia Urban Winery also feature, alongside collaborations such as Between the Wines & the Lines with Mrs Blackwell’s Village Bookshop.
Visitors can also enjoy the Festive Night Glow at Molewood Orchard, Christmas High Tea at Aperitif, the Cobblestones Victorian Christmas Winter Fair, and the Life Flight Christmas Spirit Quiz. Workshops and crafternoons offer hands-on festive creativity throughout the month.
Greytown will once again sparkle with decorated shopfronts, light projections, warming winter drinks and regular snowfall, thanks to FreshChoice Greytown.
Festival organiser Rachael Fletcher says community support has been “heartening”, particularly amid economic pressures and rising costs.
Road closures will be in place on Saturday 27 June and Saturday 25 July for opening and closing events, with Main Street and McMaster Street affected between 1pm–9pm.
Full programme details and tickets are available at www.greytownvillage.com.
