Monday 26 November

A Christmas wonderland of epic proportions has popped up around the Sky Tower, complete with a huge snow globe, Christmas markets, and of course Santa himself.

Children of all ages can post letters to Santa at the North Pole, delight at the life-size gingerbread people inhabiting the globe, and pose for photographs with reindeer on Santa’s sleigh.

The sprawling wonderland is open to the public every day with free entertainment including Christmas choirs and live dance shows every evening from 5.30pm. Closer to Christmas, the festivities will double in size, with Federal Street closing to vehicles from 14-24 December to make way for daily Christmas markets, pop up bars and food outlets, and more entertainment every day from midday.

SKYCITY Entertainment Chief Operating Officer Michael Ahearne says everyone at SKYCITY is looking forward to delivering a larger than life Christmas for Aucklanders and visitors alike this year.

“Christmas is a magical time of year, though this can often be lost in the rush of it all. This year we wanted to up the ante and deliver our biggest and most magical pop-up yet; a place where everyone, young and old, can come to get lost in the magic of Christmas.

“We’re also thrilled to be helping raise money for our charity partner Variety. Families can take photos with Santa for as little as a gold coin or Christmas gift donation,’’ says Mr Ahearne.

On 30 November, a family chosen by Variety – The Children’s Charity will also have the honour of officially opening the Christmas Wonderland by switching on all the lights, including the Sky Tower itself, in festive red and green colours during the official opening event.

Throughout the wider SKYCITY precinct the Christmas decorations will include more than 60 Christmas trees and an impressive, completely edible gingerbread display in the Grand Hotel designed and created by SKYCITY’s pastry team.

For photos click here to download

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