Christmas 2019 in the city centre

It’s that time of the year again – decorations are going up in the city centre for the festive season.

The installation of the big Santa on the corner of Queen Street and Victoria Street West begins next week, thanks to the generosity of Mansons TCLM.

The approach this year is the same as in previous years.  There will be some road closures (outlined below) but pedestrian access will be maintained throughout. In some cases, some bus stops will be shifted.

We’ll also be running our annual Christmas marketing campaign encouraging people to shop and celebrate in the city centre and we're bringing back our special Late Night Christmas event for a second year on Thursday 19 December from 5 – 8pm. 

Key dates and details for Santa installation:

Saturday 9 November, 3am – 1pm – Santa and presents installed
(Contingency date: Saturday 16 November)
Victoria St East one-way detour. Vehicle access from Queen St into Victoria St East towards Bowen Ave will be closed. Traffic will be able to come down Bowen Ave and straight through, but not up Bowen Ave. 

Sunday 10 November, 5am – 6pm – Reindeer installed
(Contingency date: Sunday 17 November)
Full road closures of Victoria St East (between Queen and Kitchener Streets) and Bowen Ave will be in place. Two lanes of Queen St will also be closed. A traffic detour will be set in place, access to and from the Victoria St carpark building will be maintained as usual.

Santa removal dates:
Sunday 12 January, 5am – 6pm 
Full road closures of Victoria St East (between Queen and Kitchener Streets) and Bowen Ave will be in place. Two lanes of Queen St will also be closed. A traffic detour will be set in place, access to and from the Victoria St carpark building will be maintained as usual.

Get in touch

For specific feedback, queries about access or concerns about the Santa installation, please contact Jane Stewart at Heart of the City on 09 308 1558. On the days of install, please contact Rebecca Gornall at Mansons on 021 498 429.