10 Things to Do in Auckland in December

December is one of the best months to visit Auckland as the city dresses up in its best colours, food, decorations and activities to celebrate Christmas and New Year. The smell of pudding and the merriment in the streets will grab you, this month has a busy schedule with festivals, markets, recitals and a variety of discounts on dates such as Boxing Day which is a gift exchange and sharing after the Christmas festivities.

You'll never be bored and there are plenty of free or low-cost activities. As it's high season, hotels and attractions tend to fill up or have long queues, so be sure to book tours in advance.

Coca Cola Christmas in the Park is a favourite with locals and tourists alike during December and the best part is that admission is free. The event has been held in Auckland Domain since 1994 and features food stalls, live music, local bands, theatre performances and Christmas decorations.

The main stage is set up on sand and there are screens everywhere so you won't miss a second of the event. There is a Christmas tree lighting to start, a fireworks display to close the night, donations can be made and the money raised is donated to charity.

December is also a favourite month for shopaholics, and in Auckland you can shop at special discounts in the Queen Street shopping centres. The best part is that there will be merriment and music everywhere, free sweets, Christmas performances and immersive experiences in luxury shops.

The city centre is transformed in December and is a great place to eat, have a snack or watch the sunset, ideal for unique photo opportunities. There are also performances by puppets, elves and jugglers.

Best places to shop in December

If you want to do some shopping in Auckland, don't forget to pack extra space in your suitcase or check luggage and book a comfortable airport transfer. The city has a variety of shops, boutiques, malls and stocked suburbs to welcome you. The best streets or places to shop in Auckland in December are:

• High Street, just a few minutes from Queen Street you'll find shops full of Christmas life, but with less chaos, it's an ideal choice if you prefer to shop in peace and quiet.
• Britomart, a transport station that also offers local shops, food stalls and places to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer.
• Ponsonby, an affluent suburb of Auckland, is worth a visit to enjoy the Christmas decorations in its modern districts and shop in designer shops with international brands or local designers.
• Newmarket, if you're looking for designer labels and want to get out of the city, then visit Auckland's New Market, where you'll escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
• Devonport, hop on the ferry and leave Auckland for a few hours to explore the shops in the quaint streets of this seaside town, where you can shop for art, antiques and crafts.

From late November to early December, Christmas lights are switched on at various locations around the city. In fact, Auckland shines brighter than a disco ball during December, as gingerbread houses are made, the heart of the city is decorated and original structures are put together for each year, even the harbours glow in the distance.

If you want to explore the whole city in search of illuminated sites, I recommend walking, cycling, tuk tuk, or taking a bus tour with free stops. The Auckland Metro also works well and is excellent for getting around quickly.

Admire the lights on Franklin Road

Every year during December the streets of Franklin Road turn on their Christmas lights, creating a colourful and lively passageway. Locals join in the celebration and decorate their homes with fake snow, bells, elves and other decorations. In addition, all the surrounding businesses adopt the festive decorations, so you can take pictures everywhere.

Add Glenbrook Vintage Railway trains to your itinerary

If there's one thing you can't miss in an Auckland December, it's the traditional Glenbrook Vintage Railway trains. The Counties Energy Christmas Lights Trains at Night event lasts approximately 10 days and offers a variety of activities for the whole family. Trains depart from the station (which is also decorated and lit up) every thirty minutes and people can purchase a ticket for a ride.

There are also tours of Santa's grottoes, a Christmas market with food stalls, picnic areas and live entertainment. The whole family can have their photo taken with Santa Claus and there is free parking for visitors.

Head to Santa's Enchanted Forest at Smith & Caughey's

If you want to see illuminated and animated window displays, or take the kids on a different plan, then you should spend some time at the Christmas Exhibition at Smith & Caughey's, each year a team of illustrators come together to design a completely different experience inspired by children's stories.

That's not all, the best part is going into Santa's Enchanted Forest, where you can explore, have your photo taken and meet the elves. It's like a treasure hunt with the reward of being able to sit next to Santa.

Enjoy the illuminated Sky Tower during December

The Sky Tower is a must-see attraction during your stay in Auckland, however, to see the lights that light up the tower, it's best to get closer to the heart of the city. If you want a VIP view, head to downtown Auckland where you'll enjoy the magical light show that takes place every hour between 9pm and midnight.

Giant Christmas trees are also often displayed in a golden hue, or the streets are dressed in shades of crimson with Pohutukawa trees, a species unique to New Zealand.

Black Friday? New Zealanders prefer Boxing Day, a day when gift exchanges, plays and charity events are organised. If you want to do some retail therapy in Auckland, this is the best day for window shopping, as shops start their sale season in malls, warehouses and markets. Families also organise a buffet with leftovers from Christmas, or opt to have a barbecue for lunch.

It is also celebrated in Australia, the UK, Ireland, South Africa and Canada and it is common for rugby, hockey and football games to be organised, which you can attend for a different kind of afternoon. Years ago Boxing Day was not a celebration, it was a day off for people who worked with wealthy families.

In December there are so many activities that it's hard to choose which one to attend. Don't miss the Lights to Remember Magical Exhibition on the grounds of Hospice de la Misericordia, where from Thursday to Saturday during December, the garden is decorated with cascading lights.

Each light represents the ties to loved ones who have left this plane and whose absence is doubly noticeable during Christmas. There are stunning views across St Mary's Bay from this site and the money raised goes to benefit the hospice.

In December there are a variety of Christmas markets that bring the city to life. Many are held annually and have fixed stalls offering local, street and international food, live music, artist performances, crafts, art galleries and wine tastings.

You can spend hours walking around these markets, so they're a great plan to have on your list. Here are my favourites:

Crafts at Parnell's Craft Harvest

If you love crafts and want to find a place to shop, take a stroll through Parnell's Craft Harvest market held at Jubilee Hall, which is available all month long, and sometimes even extends into the first week of January. Here you can buy everything handmade, such as wood carvings, stamps, candles, stationery, decorations, homewares and handmade clothing.

For less walking, you can schedule a bus tour with free stops.

Clay pieces at The Clay Center

Another very similar site is The Clay Center, which brings together potters who organise a market that revolves around clay, where you can buy jewellery, tableware, Christmas gifts and more.

A tour of Polish culture: Auckland's Polish Christmas market

If you want to experience the spirit of a European Christmas, then you should check out the Polish Christmas Market, organised by the Polish Association, which offers Polish food and craft stalls so you can buy souvenirs of your trip.

There are plenty of things to do in December, including enjoying a show to match the festive season. In Auckland there are a variety of musicals for children and adults, with music, animated effects, colourful costumes and themes that bring the Christmas spirit to life. You can sing and dance along with the elves, or enjoy Santa's gift-delivering antics.

There are also live short films, piano concerts, karaoke and live music, with traditional and modern songs. There are a variety of venues in Aotea Square that host such events, such as Broadway Musical Christmas, so keep an eye out for information on the official website.

If you want to spend 24 and 25 December in Auckland, but don't know anyone, you'll have to make your own plans! There are a variety of events in the city, for example, outdoor barbecues are organised for Christmas lunch. You can also sign up for a guided food tour or find your favourite restaurant and try typical holiday foods including roast turkey with vegetables and sauces, fruity brandy pudding, sweet stuffed cakes, cherry and pineapple glazed ham, meringue pie and strawberries.

Some places for Christmas dinner or lunch include:

• The Sugar Club, if you want to dine from the heights, with the best views of Auckland, this is the place for you. Located on the 53rd floor of the Sky Tower, it's a luxury experience that you must experience at Christmas time, with fine food, desserts and cocktails.
• Devon on the Wharf, if you like Mediterranean food and want to eat by the sea, this place in the harbour is the best option.
• Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill, if you're looking for a barbecue for Christmas lunch or Boxing Day festivities, you can enjoy your meal overlooking the sea. During the holidays they charge an extra percentage that you should keep in mind.
• Feriza's, for lovers of Turkish food there is a special corner in Auckland, where you can eat a variety of dishes such as chocolate honey doughnuts, without paying extra percentage during the holidays.
• Boy and Bird, in Ponsonby you'll find local food, locally made wines and a unique sauce offered by the restaurant.

Every year the Auckland Philharmonia Orch estra holds concerts in late December at Holy Trinity Cathedral on Parnell Street, where local choirs gather. Ticket prices range from 28 to 53 euros, depending on the seat chosen. Another similar option is to attend opera concerts held in the city's theatres.

New Zealand is one of the first countries to welcome in the New Year and there are plenty of activities planned to enjoy the countdown. At the Sky Tower there is a screen that announces how many minutes to go, an animated laser light show and a five-minute fireworks display to close the night. You can also catch the light show on Auckland Harbour, which can be seen from Silo Park, Halsey, Queens Wharves and Hinemoa Park.

Queen Street, Harbour Bridge and other major points in the city also host celebrations where crowds of people gather to welcome in the new year. You can head to Britomart Street where one of the biggest parties in central Auckland takes place, with admission costing approximately 68 euros and running from 4:00p.m. to 3:00a.m.

The city's terraces and rooftops host New Year's Eve parties with DJs, live music and quality cocktails. You can buy tickets for cruise ships that sail from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. offering celebrations at sea, or you can spend the night at a vineyard on the outskirts of town or camp out.

Be aware that transportation on New Year's Eve night is quite limited. Ferries, trains and buses stop for a couple of hours and some streets, such as Queen Street, are closed due to the number of tourists and locals consuming alcohol.

The activities in Auckland during December are virtually endless, and some even extend into the first week of January.

Celebrate December Solstice at the beach

December Solstice officially marks the arrival of summer in New Zealand, it's celebrated before Christmas and you can take the opportunity to escape to the beach. Suggestions include Piha, Mission Bay, Omaha, Takapuna and Orewa which are all nearby waiting for you.

Caroling in local parks

Local parks host events open to the public featuring caroling, Jingle Bells, food stalls, children's performances, entertainment and surprise visits straight from Santa's workshop.

Cool clothing is ideal for December as summer begins to brighten, however, if you're planning activities outside the city, in hilly or colder areas, you should include warm, waterproof clothing to protect you. It's also important to pack thin jumpers when hiking to avoid over-burning.

If the beach is in your plans, include swimwear, and for parties or festivals add more stylish or colourful clothing. Leave some room in your suitcase for shopping at markets, Boxing Day or Christmas shopping Saturdays. You'll need comfortable walking shoes, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses and a three-pronged electronic adapter. If you're carrying medication, make sure you have your prescription translated into English on hand.