Te Manaaki, Auckland's Giant Christmas Tree

The magical tree that brought Auckland together last Christmas is coming back to Te Komititanga for 2025 and is lighting up the square once more with an evening of music, laughter and Christmas lights! 

Te Manaaki, the 18.4-metre Christmas tree that has become the city’s newest festive favourite, will once again mark the beginning of silly season in the city with an unmissable tree-lighting ceremony, with special musical guests! 

The public event begins at 7.30pm, 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. Why not make a night of it, and settle in for an early dinner at a great vantage point to watch the event and countdown to the lights turning on - dinner and a show!

Last year’s debut drew thousands into the heart of the city and this year’s free, family-friendly celebration will be hosted by radio favourite, Sharyn Casey and headlined by New Zealand’s chart-topping pop-funk quartet, Drax Project who will be joined by a performance from the Auckland Youth Choir. Expect timeless carols, pop favourites and all the festive feels while we set the spectacular tree sparkling and usher in the festive season!