Santa’s Grotto
321 Heretaunga Street East, Municipal Building, Hastings (next to Hastings isite Visitor Information Centre)
Free entry
Ho, ho, ho – the big day is almost here, and Santa’s on his way to Heretaunga Hastings!
Post your letters to Santa, and meet the big man himself. Don't forget to bring a camera for a festive photo.
You’re also invited to bring an unwrapped gift for the Giving Tree. We’re collecting quality items for children, teens, and women, which will all be donated to Women’s Refuge.
Sessions;
• Friday 13 December 4pm - 6pm
• Saturday 14 December 10am - 2pm
• Thursday 19 December 2pm - 6pm
• Friday 20 December 2pm - 6pm
• Saturday 21 December 10am - 2pm
• Sunday 22 December 10am - 2pm
• Monday 23 December 10am - 2pm
Santa is also welcoming tamariki to our neuro-affirming (low sensory) sessions in the Grotto, with no music, no crowds and low lighting.
Bookings are essential – please contact Emma Buttle on marcomms_eb@hdc.govt.nz or 0279 456 970 for more information.
Santa’s Grotto is a drop-off point for new, unwrapped gifts and non-perishable Christmas food to support families in need through the Hastings and Napier Women’s Refuges. Last year, nearly 100 families received Christmas packs filled with gifts, treats, and essentials, and this year the need is even greater.
By donating, you’re helping bring joy and hope to those impacted by family violence. Drop off your contributions at Santa’s Grotto or any Property Brokers office in the Bay, and together, let’s make this Christmas magical for everyone!
For more information about Women’s Refuge visit www.womensrefuge.org.nz
Have you been good this year?!
Download the Santa’s letter template in English and Te reo Māori, and write the all-important letter to tell him what you would like this year!
Christmas Cheer Appeal 2024
Help make Christmas special for Hastings families, children, and individuals in need by supporting the Christmas Cheer Appeal. They welcome generous donations, including gifts for parents, grandparents, first-time mums, those in emergency housing or experiencing homelessness, and large or single-parent families. Non-perishable food items are also greatly appreciated.
Donations can be dropped off at Hastings, Flaxmere, and Havelock North Libraries. Online monetary contributions can be made via internet banking to the Flaxmere Baptist Church Community Trust (Account: 01 0646 0021425-55). Thank you for helping spread Christmas cheer!
Christmas Lights in Hastings
Hastings is bright with festive spirit with Christmas trees on Warren/Heretaunga Street E roundabout and at the King Street S/Heretaunga St W roundabout. Spot Santa’s sleigh on the Westerman’s Building, and a festive tree and reindeer in Albert Square adding a magical touch to Hastings at Christmas time.
Carols on the Green in Havelock North
Sunday 1 December, from 4pm to 6pm
Havelock North Village Green
St Colomba’s Presbyterian Church invites you to embrace the holiday spirit at Carols on the Green, a free family event. Pack a picnic and enjoy live caroling, a sausage sizzle, face painting, and anticipate the excitement of a visit from Santa.
Christmas at the Park 2024
Saturday 7 December, from 3pm
Mitre 10 Park Hawke's Bay
Join the 17th annual Property Brokers Christmas at the Park, a free, family-friendly Christmas concert in Hawke's Bay. This year’s event features pop-rock band Stellar, local artists, Christmas carols, and the signature pyrotechnics display loved by all.
Organised by the Kaisen Charitable Trust, this festive event draws 13,000–15,000 attendees each year, alternating between Napier and Hastings. Don’t miss this celebration of Christmas spirit and community entertainment.
Hawke's Bay Christmas Market
Saturday 7 December from 10am to 5pm
Waikoko Gardens, Tōmoana Showgrounds
Experience the magic of the Wonder Christmas Market—a festive blend of local craftsmanship with over 90 creative stalls, food trucks, live music, and a bar with sensational cocktails. Head along for a joyful community celebration, a Christmas event you won't want to miss!
Christmas at Hastings District Libraries
Friday 13 December at Flaxmere Library
Wednesday 18 December at Hastings Library
The Holiday Ha-Ha-Hour offers festive fun with hilarious tales and jolly jokes, perfect for kids and families. Join the laughter on 13 December at Flaxmere Library or 18 December at Hastings Library, both from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.
Get creative with the Holiday Hat Competition from 13 to 25 December. Craft your own wacky holiday hat at the library or at home, then upload a photo to the website to join the fun. Don’t miss out on this festive season of joy and imagination!
Fiesta of Lights
Saturday 14 December 2024 to Monday 6 January 2025
Tōmoana Showgrounds Hawke's Bay
The Fiesta of Lights is a family-friendly light festival in Hastings, featuring over 350,000 lights, 60 displays, and glow-in-the-dark activities. The festival includes a New Year’s Eve fireworks show, live music, and a Kiddies Foam Glow Party.
Tickets are $7 per person (free for under-3s), with gates opening at 9pm each night, rain or shine. It’s a magical way to celebrate the holiday season in Hawke’s Bay.