Communities across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty will have plenty of ways to celebrate together this Christmas, with a varied line-up of local events supported by the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund.
From parades, live music and large family days to local concerts, shared meals and community gatherings, this year’s events offer different ways for people of all ages to connect and enjoy the festive season.
All are free to attend, making it easier for families and whānau to take part without adding financial pressure at what can be a busy and expensive time of year.
The supported events span Tauranga, Te Puke, Katikati and Waihī Beach. Each has been shaped by its local community, ranging from long-running traditions to smaller gatherings designed for people living nearby.
The Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund is supported by Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Manawa Trust (formerly , TECT Community Trust), Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Together, the partners help community organisers deliver inclusive and affordable events across the region.
Chief Executive of Manawa Trust, Wayne Werder says Christmas events give people an important opportunity to pause, spend time together and feel connected to where they live.
“Christmas can be a busy time, but these events create simple opportunities for people to come together, enjoy their local community and share an experience with friends, neighbours and whānau.
“Supporting a range of events across the region means more people can find something close to home that suits their family, their interests and their circumstances.”
BayTrust’s Chief Executive, Alastair Rhodes says the variety of events is one of the strengths of the regional Christmas calendar.
“People celebrate this time of year in different ways. Some enjoy a large family event, while others prefer a local concert, parade or shared meal.
“Having different options in communities across Tauranga and the Western Bay helps make the season more accessible and gives people more opportunities to take part.”
In Ōmokoroa, Jandals and Jingles will bring families together at Ōmokoroa Domain for an evening of live music, performers, food trucks, market stalls and a visit from Santa.
Carols at Haiku, performed by the Katikati Concert Band will also bring Christmas music and carol singing to the outdoor stage at Haiku Reserve.
Katikati Concert Band President Karen Goh says the free concert is the band’s way of thanking the community for its ongoing support.
“We hope this concert will create a sense of community and togetherness, which is why we have invited local businesses and community groups to be part of the event.”
“Whether you are celebrating with family and friends, enjoy meeting new people or simply want to relax outdoors on a summer afternoon, we hope the concert adds something special to your Christmas.”
The event will feature Christmas tunes and carols, local food vendors and a fundraiser run by the NZ Girl Guiding Katikati Rangers. People are encouraged to bring a chair or picnic rug, snacks and their singing voices.
At Waihī Beach, Christmas in the Village will bring the community together around a long shared table on Wilson Road, alongside live entertainment and festive activities.
Waihī Beach Promotions Events & Promotions coordinator, Hollie Jones says the event is designed to help locals, visitors and new residents connect.
“It is the event of the year that brings everyone together.”
“We hope people reconnect with old friends and neighbours, while new members of the community feel instantly connected to the place and the people around them.”
The free event will include space for about 250 people at the shared table, with around 1,000 people expected to enjoy the wider programme of circus entertainment, craft workshops, carol singers, Christmas music, a photo booth and Santa grottos.
In Te Puke, the Seeka Te Puke Christmas Float Parade will continue one of the Western Bay’s longest-running Christmas traditions.
The event, which began in the 1970s, will feature floats decorated around this year’s traditional Christmas theme, along with food vendors and activities.
Sally Benning of EPIC Te Puke Events and Promotions says the free parade gives families a chance to celebrate without worrying about cost.
“It is an opportunity for people to come out and enjoy something together without the worry of financial strain.
“A lot of work goes into creating an event of this size, particularly for a small team, and we are very grateful to the local volunteers who help make it possible. We encourage everyone to come along and support Te Puke’s festive celebration.”
Tauranga Christmas in the Park will add a major family celebration to the region’s festive calendar. The event will give families and whānau another opportunity to come together and celebrate Christmas in a welcoming community setting with a craft market, food stalls, live music and performances, Santa’s Grotto and other fun festive activities throughout the day.
Event Director of Little Big Events, Rachelle Duffy says Christmas can be an expensive and sometimes stressful time of year, so it is important to have events that are accessible to everyone and do not come with a big price tag.
“Families can come along, enjoy a day out together and experience a bit of Christmas magic without having to spend a lot of money.”
Alongside the parades, concerts and village celebrations, the Tauranga event provides another way for people to enjoy the season close to home and support local businesses, makers, performers and community groups.
The Fund has also supported the Merivale Community Centre Christmas FestiVale and the Katikati Community Centre Christmas lunch, which are planned specifically for their communities.
The festive season in the Western Bay is set to be full of people singing carols, watching a parade, sharing kai, supporting local performers and businesses, or simply spending time with others.
Festive Event Details
Jandals and Jingles
Date: Friday, 27 November 2026
Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Ōmokoroa Domain, The Esplanade, Ōmokoroa
Cost: Free
Details: A festive celebration for the whole family with live music, performers, food trucks, market stalls and Santa! Bring your jandals, a picnic blanket and chairs to enjoy the fun.
Seeka Te Puke Christmas Float Parade
Date: Saturday, 5 December 2026
Time: 11.00am start
Location: Downtown Te Puke, along Gelico Street
Cost: Free
Details: One of the Western Bay’s longest-running Christmas parades, featuring traditionally themed floats, food vendors and family activities. The postponement date is Saturday, 12 December.
Tauranga Christmas in the Park
Date: Saturday, 5 December 2026
Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Location: Soper Reserve, Mount Maunganui
Cost: Free but visitors encouraged to bring a gold coin donation, wrapped gift or food donation for those able to donate
Details: A large community Christmas celebration for families and whānau.
Carols at Haiku
Date: Saturday, 12 December 2026
Time: 5.00pm–6.30pm
Location: Haiku Reserve, Katikati
Cost: Free
Details: Christmas music and carol singing performed by the Katikati Concert Band, with local food vendors and a sausage sizzle fundraiser. Bring a chair or picnic rug. In poor weather, the concert will move to St Paul’s Presbyterian Church on Mulgan Street. Updates will be available at www.katikaticoncertband.co.nz and on the band’s Facebook page.
Waihī Beach Christmas in the Village
Date: Saturday, 19 December 2026
Time: 5.00pm–8.00pm
Location: Waihī Beach Village, Wilson Road
Cost: Free
Details: A long shared table through the village, with people invited to bring food or purchase festive takeaways from local eateries. Activities will include circus entertainment, craft workshops, carol singers, Christmas music, a photo booth, Christmas tattoos and Santa grottos.
Round four of the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund is now open and closes on 9 February 2027. Event organisers planning upcoming events are encouraged to apply via www.communityeventfund.nz
Community members are invited to keep an eye out for events happening near them and get involved, whether that is attending, volunteering, or supporting the people bringing these events to life for our region.
