🎄 Experience the Magic of Mid-Winter Christmas in Greytown!
When winter chills set in across New Zealand in late June, Greytown transforms into a dazzling wonderland known as the Wairarapa Festival of Christmas. This month-long bonanza, returning from 27 June to 26 July 2025, brings a heartwarming infusion of joy, lights, snow, and festive spirit to one of Aotearoa’s most charming heritage towns (wairarapanz.com).
✨ Highlights & Must-Do Events
- Big Switch Opening Night: Join the Main Street celebrations with live music, food trucks, hot chocolates, mulled wine—and even snow! Be mesmerised by projection lights and thrilling WWII-style spotlights lighting up the night
- Meet Hari, the Festival Mascot: Greytown’s four-legged mascot, Hari, spreads cheer throughout the festival! Use the QR code at Town Hall to make Hari “dance” through charming animations.
- Snowfall on Main: Expect real snow every Friday and Saturday evening—an enchanting white Christmas experience under festive lights .
- Cocktails & Comedy: Warm up with live stand-up comedy at The White Swan’s bar, paired with expertly crafted gin cocktails each Wednesday.
- Circus School Workshops: Kids (and the young at heart!) can learn juggling and tumbling under the Big Top—an unforgettable entry into circus fun.
- Illumination Night Walk: Wander through splendid light installations at Cobblestones Gardens, complete with music and interactive sculptures—an immersive experience for all ages .
- Light-Up Tractor & Truck Parade: Line Main Street with glowing tractors, vintage cars, trucks, and lawnmowers in a whimsical parade—and even vote for your favourite.
- Grand Finale Carnival & Fireworks: The festival closes with a bang—street parade, carnival atmosphere, fireworks display at 7:45 pm, markets, street food, and merriment galore .
Reference: http://greytownvillage.com
🎁 Extras to Warm Your Heart
- Mid-Winter House Tour: Peek inside beautifully decked-out historic homes—an inspiring peek into festive design, with GA and VIP ticket options.
- Crafting Workshops: From wreath-making to giant knitting, creative spirits can enjoy hands-on crafty fun across Greytown venues.
- Food & Drink Galore: Like the famous The White Swan Gin Garden Bar, street eats like burgers, Asian fusion, oysters & champagne, mulled wine, and cosy offerings from local cafés and markets .
Why Visit Greytown?
Tucked just off State Highway 2, Greytown is one of New Zealand’s most beautifully preserved Victorian villages. With charming boutique shops, antique-filled streets, and cafés, especially in winter, it’s the perfect treat for visitors from Wellington or beyond . Cobblestones Museum adds heritage charm, and the town is awarded “New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Small Town” (reference: en.wikipedia.org).
✨ Escape for a Weekend—or More!
Visiting Wairarapa for a weekend getaway? Greytown offers the ultimate mid-winter retreat. Wander the Main Street’s Victorian architecture, sip lattes in cozy cafés, then dive headlong into festive markets, workshops, snow-falls, and street-side feasting! Whether it’s a romantic escape, a fun trip with friends, or a family adventure, the Wairarapa Festival of Christmas promises memories to treasure.
🚐 Travel & Tour in Style with Wai Tours
Make your experience seamless and stylish—Wai Tours offers exclusive transport in our luxurious Mercedes Sprinter Minibus for you, your friends, or your whānau. Skip the hassle and parking stress; we’ll collect you, chauffeur you through each event, and take you safely home. All you need to do is sit back, soak in the lights, and make the most of mid-winter magic in Greytown.
Plan your escape—book Wai Tours today and make your Wairarapa winter visit extra-special!