New Zealand’s biggest free Christmas event returns this weekend to Christchurch. Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is back for its 31st year!

Taking over North Hagley Park this Saturday from 7.30 pm, with Auckland Domain getting its turn on Saturday, 13 December.

Santa’s in, the Christmas classics are on, and Lana and Speedy from the More FM Breakfast Club will be hitting the big stage too!

Something to screenshot before you head into the thousands of people and potentially lose service is the full program and site map.

With around 100,000 people expected, parking will be tight, so using the metro system, grabbing an Uber, or walking from a car park building in town is advised. 

Botanic Gardens Car Park closes to incoming vehicles from 3 pm. However, it will be available for mobility card holders on Chester Street West and the Botanic Gardens carpark (via Armagh Street Bridge)

Drop-Off Zones (from 4 pm) Armagh St (north side, Park Tce → Cranmer Sq West) Harper Ave (south side, Bealey Ave → 100m west) Kilmore St (both sides, Cranmer Sq West → Park Tce) Park Tce (east side, Chester St West → Armagh St) Rolleston Ave (east side, Armagh St → Gloucester St)

Road Closures To ensure everyone's safety and smooth movement, these streets will be closed on Saturday.

5:00–11:30 pm: Park Tce (Bealey Ave → Dorset St) 9:00–11:30 pm: Armagh St (Cranmer Sq → Park Tce) Park Tce (Armagh St → Chester St West) Rolleston Ave (Armagh St → Gloucester St)

With a rova office full of long-time attenders, we asked for everyone’s top tips: Bring a blanket… then another blanket… and then one for the person who “didn’t think it’d get cold” because there is always one.

Plan your bathroom run early. The queues after 7:30 pm look like an early-morning Boxing Day sale.

Wear comfy shoes, because there will be walking, weaving, and maybe the odd “oops, sorry” as you navigate everyone’s picnics.

Bring a portable phone charger, or prepare to send frantic “Where are you?” messages with 2% battery.

Don’t sit directly behind a family with camping chairs, unless you want your view to be the back of a Warehouse chair all night.

Pack a poncho even if the forecast says “clear skies,” because Christchurch weather loves a plot twist.

Pack snacks like you’re feeding a small army, your future self will thank you for it

Aim to claim your spot early, or you’ll end up wedged between a pram, a chilly bin, and someone’s uncle doing the running commentary.

Most importantly, find our More FM team for the chance to win free stuff!

See you there x