Street performers bring festive spirit to Auckland’s city centre for late night Christmas shopping event
"Late Night Christmas" returns to the heart of Auckland city – Thursday 19 December, 5-8pm
Auckland’s city centre is pulling out all the stops for last-minute Christmas shoppers wanting to turn gift buying into an enjoyable, festive evening out at Heart of the City’s Late Night Christmas event.
More than 160 stores will keep their doors open until at least 8pm on Thursday 19 December, across the city centre’s distinct shopping precincts, including Queen Street, the High Street District and Britomart, while street performances will entertain people as they explore the large array of shops and boutiques.
The line-up will see more than 90 performances from 30 different acts along Queen Street and in the High Street District between 5pm – 8pm, ranging from Christmas carollers, string quartets and opera singers to Cook Island dancers, Caribbean drummers, stilt walkers, body percussionists and even a Mariachi band.
At least 45 stores will also celebrate the evening with special festive offers for shoppers; including moochi, with a mystery prize with every purchase; Cahn & Finlay, with a complimentary chocolate and wine matching experience; and Pat Menzies, with a pair of cosy socks to complement all purchases.
Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck says Late Night Christmas is about making Christmas shopping enjoyable while also showcasing the diverse retail experience that can only be had in the city centre.
“We want to turn last-minute Christmas shopping into a memorable evening out complete with entertainment, enticing late-night shopping options, including many in store offers, and of course the opportunities to finish the night with the city centre’s compelling hospitality offer.”
“The festive atmosphere in the city centre will also be enhanced by street decorations, Santa’s Enchanted Forest at Smith & Caughey’s, and flags and pavement artwork inspired by Auckland and created by artist Sara Hughes.”
“What's more, it'll be a chance for shoppers to see our iconic giant Santa on the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets, before he retires.”
For anyone wanting to zip around the city centre’s shops a little bit faster, Heart of the City is offering complimentary rides with bicycle rickshaw service Bikeman.
Those wanting to experience Late Night Christmas can make use of public transport options as well as the off-peak parking offers, which includes $2 per hour parking in Auckland Transport’s city centre car parks (Civic, Downtown and Victoria Street).
ENDS
Media contact
Emily Brown
emily@peadpr.co.nz
027 253 1767
Notes to editors
- Late Night Christmas is being delivered by Heart of City, Auckland's city centre business association.
- Click here for a list of stores open late for Late Night Christmas and a list of Late Night Christmas performers.
- Click here for approved images of Late Night Christmas performers and the city centre for media use.
- Full information for Late Night Christmas is at www.heartofthecity.co.nz/late-night-christmas
- Transport options are available on the Heart of the City website
