Calendar of events

Summer is here. Soon everyone will be looking for something exciting to do, or a Christmas event to attend. Family Times publish an events calendar in each issue to tell you what is happening in Christchurch. Remember to ring ahead if it rains to check that your event is still being held. Happy holidays!

Now on
Blue Planet. Blue is the colour of our amazing planet as seen from space; Blue Planet celebrates imaginative art making and thinking. Shaped with younger audiences in mind. Free. Christchurch Art Gallery, www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz or phone 03-941-7300.

28 November
Coca Cola Christmas in the Park. The big night out in anticipation of Santa’s visit. Take a picnic and a blanket and enjoy the atmosphere and festive spirit. North Hagley Park, from 7.30pm. Details at www.christmasinthepark.co.nz.

28 November to 11 December
Give the gift of giving! Christchurch Tramway, proud supporters of Cholmondeley Children’s Home, will place a gift-wrapped tram in Cathedral Square to collect presents for families and children supported by Cholmondeley. Those who donate receive a free child’s ticket to ride the tram. Gifts must be wrapped and labelled – boy/girl and age. Thank you for your support!

29 November and 20 December
Family Fun Kite Day. Take your kite and enjoy the freedom of having 37 hectares of land to fly it on. Air Force Museum, Wigram, 1pm-3pm. Admission to the airfield: gold coin donation. www.airforcemuseum.co.nz or 03-343-9583.

5 December
Kaiapoi River Carnival and Market Day. Free admission. Stalls, food, music, raft and duck race, Santa parade, helicopter rides, wood chopping. On 9am – 4pm, free entry into raft race and parade with great prizes. Registration forms at Kaiapoi i-SITE, Charles Street, or contact Angie at kaiapoipromo@xtra.co.nz or 021-124-7653.

6 December
Smiths City Santa Parade. Join people of all ages in Colombo and Kilmore Streets as they wait for Santa at this very special event. Starts 2pm. www.christchurchsantaparade.co.nz.

5 December to 27 February
Summer of Swimming: family pool parties. Dress as a gladiator on 5 December, a pirate on 12 December, or wear your Hawaiian shirt on 13 February. Various venues, 1pm – 4pm. Concessions available. www.summerofswimming.co.nz or 03-941-6904.

13 December
Crusaders’ Charity Cricket. Celebrities bat it out against the Crusaders in a match for the Cystic Fibrosis Association. Entry free, 11am, South Hagley Oval. www.cfnz.org.nz or phone 03-341-8025.

12 December
Waimate Strawberry Fare. All-day entertainment from 10.30am, with Santa paying a visit. www.waimate.org.nz.

16 and 17 December

A Night at the Movies, the end of year production by the Patricia Paul School of Dance. Aurora Centre, Burnside, 6pm. Bookings and enquiries phone 03-372-9191.

20 December
Santa rides the Weka Pass Railway! Pre-schoolers free. Weka Pass Railway departs Glenmark 11.30am and 2pm, Waikari 1pm and 3.10pm. Infoline 03-962-2999.

24 December
YMCA Carols by Candlelight. All the magic of Christmas and seasonal goodwill. Victoria Square, 9pm – 10pm. Free. Wet weather venue: Cathedral Square.

26 December to 10 January
Caroline Bay Carnival, Timaru. Family activities and entertainment, New Year’s Eve fireworks. www.carolinebay.org.nz.

31 December
Anthony Harper Lawyers New Year’s Eve Party. Live music and amazing fireworks. Cathedral Square, 9pm. Free. www.summertimes.org.nz.

21 to 31 January
World Buskers Festival. www.worldbuskersfestival.com.

23 January
Banks Peninsula A&P Show. Little River. Under 16 free. www.showdayonline.com.

31 January
Parents Centre Family Picnic. On 10am – 1pm. Free face painting, bouncy castle, lolly scramble. Take a picnic. Miniature steam train rides from 11.30am, $1 pp. Steam Scene, MacLeans Island Road. Phone 03-385-4640.

31 January
Tip Top Kite Day. Plenty of fun for all ages at New Brighton. On 12pm – 3pm. Take your own kite or buy one on the day. Full details at www.kites.co.nz or www.summertimes.org.nz.

5 February
ASB Classical Sparks. Popular musical extravaganza with a spectacular fireworks finale. Free. North Hagley Park, 8pm. www.summertimes.org.nz.

5 to 7 February
Little River Music Festival. Live music, family fun and camping, farm animals. Visit www.littleriver.co.nz or phone 03-325-1132.

27 February
Bromley Community Fair. Free bouncy castle and rides for children. If wet postponed to 6 March. On 11am – 2pm, Bromley Community Centre, corner Bromley and Maces Roads. Phone 03-389-1657.

28 February
Barrington Big Fun. Entertainment and free activities for children. On 11.30am – 2.30pm, AMI Stadium.

6 and 7 March
Chinese Lantern Festival. Celebrate the New Year of the tiger amidst hundreds of beautiful lanterns. Food and craft stalls, entertainment. On 5pm – 10.30pm, Victoria Square.

6 March
Amuri A&P Show, Rotherham. Great day out for the family! www.showdayonline.com.

7 March
PSIS Children’s Fun Day. Free event. Family activities, free barbecue. The Groynes, Johns Road, 11am – 4pm.

By Karin O’Donnell