Te Manaaki returns to light up Auckland's Heart this Christmas
Free public event to light up the tree Saturday 22 November hosted by Sharyn Casey and headlined by Drax Project, supported by the Auckland Youth Choir.
The magical tree that brought Auckland together last Christmas is coming back.
Te Manaaki, the 18.4-metre Christmas tree that has become the city’s newest festive landmark, returns to Te Komititanga on Saturday, 22 November, lighting up the square once again with an evening of music and celebration.
Last year’s debut drew thousands into the heart of the city. This year’s free, family-friendly celebration will be hosted by Sharyn Casey and headlined by New Zealand’s chart-topping pop-funk quartet Drax Project - the band behind the multi-platinum hits like ‘Woke Up Late’, which cracked the US charts and has helped earn them more than 250 million streams worldwide. Their bold sound and live energy will set the stage for an unforgettable evening, joined by a performance from the Auckland Youth Choir, whose timeless carols will carry through Te Komititanga as the city’s Christmas lights return.
The public event begins at 7:30 pm, with live performances leading up to the lighting at 8:15pm as the sun sets. Audiences will find vantage points around Commercial Bay and the square, where the atmosphere spills into nearby restaurants, shops and laneways. Aucklanders are encouraged to make a night of it, with dining early before getting a great vantage point to watch the event and countdown to the lights turning on.
A joint gift to the city from Heart of the City and Precinct Properties, with support from Auckland Council via the city centre targeted rate, Te Manaaki is quickly becoming one of Auckland’s enduring Christmas traditions.
“Last year, we watched thousands gather to see the tree light up for the first time. That moment showed how much Aucklanders value being part of something shared - it’s now becoming a must-visit tradition of its own.
The Christmas period is a key trading time in city centre, and the tree is a unique drawcard bringing vibrancy and excitement, as we activate with a programme of wonderful festive events,” says Viv Beck, Chief Executive, Heart of the City.
“Te Manaaki is a long-term investment, a high quality and welcoming focal point that is part of the evolving Christmas story in city. It’s something that Aucklanders and visitors can look forward to each year and an added reason to shop, dine and celebrate in the city,” says Scott Pritchard, Chief Executive, Precinct Properties.
“We’re stoked to be a part of this Auckland Christmas tradition! Playing live is where we feel most connected, so to do that under the lights in the middle of the city - with the Youth Choir alongside us - is going to be special. We’ll be playing some new stuff, old stuff and maybe even a nod to Christmas too, which feels like the perfect way to kick off summer and the most beautiful time of the year! See you there,” says Drax Project.
Standing 18.4 metres tall, with a 15-metre steel frame, 2-metre base and 1.4-metre star topper, Te Manaaki is a permanent structure designed to return year after year. It is wrapped in more than 10,000 LED lights, 4,000 Pōhutukawa flowers and 200 stainless-steel baubles, creating a glow that fills the square and reflects across the harbour.
Named by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Manaaki means respect, care and hospitality — words chosen to reflect Auckland’s spirit of generosity. The structure was built from long-life materials including steel, aluminium and stainless steel, designed for reuse over many seasons.
Its embodied carbon footprint, approximately 11.8 tonnes CO₂e, is spread across years of reuse, reinforcing its role as both a sustainable design and a civic symbol.
The lighting of Te Manaaki marks the start of Heart of the City’s 2025 Christmas programme, a month-long series of events that turn the city centre into a festive destination. This year’s line-up includes:
- Christmas Columns & Light installations on Queen Street.
- The Pav – an expanded light installation in Aotea Square, running nightly through December.
- Karanga Plaza Christmas Market – local makers and street food by the water on December 6 & 7.
- Mrs Claus Christmas Sailing – storytelling cruises from the New Zealand Maritime Museum.
- Santa’s Magical Wonderland – SkyCity.
- Santa’s Studio by Commercial Bay. Nestled in One Queen Courtyard, Santa’s Studio offers a refined take on the classic Christmas portrait with, or without Santa.
- Dates & Times: Open daily from 1–24 December, 10am-6pm
- Bookings: www.commercialbay.co.nz/santasstudio
Together, these experiences make up Auckland’s wider Christmas calendar - designed to draw people into the city centre, support local business, and celebrate the season across the waterfront, Commercial Bay, Queen Street and beyond.
Te Manaaki has become more than a Christmas decoration - it’s a vibrant signal that summer has arrived, that the city centre is open, and that people are ready to gather again. What began as the inaugural lighting event is now a firm festive fixture that will return each year to mark the season in the heart of the city.
Key event details:
What: Te Manaaki Lighting Event at Te Komititanga – free, family friendly
When: Saturday, 22nd November, starting at 7:30 pm
Where: Te Komititanga, Auckland's premier public square in lower Queen Street
Who: Hosted by Sharyn Casey, featuring Drax Project and the Auckland Youth Choir
Transport: See Auckland Transport for public travel information.
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