Lights set to shine bright at MOTAT

A community favourite and the most iconic way to celebrate Kirihimete in Tāmaki Makaurau, MOTAT’s Christmas Lights will be returning for 12 nights in December. Ticket sales are now live.

Christmas Lights will run Wednesdays to Saturdays from 7 – 24 December, with gates open from 8 – 11pm. The Museum and its heritage trams will be glowing with over a million lights, plenty of entertainment, and buckets of festive cheer.

The 10th anniversary of the community event welcomes changes to its entry and ticketing as the popularity of this event continues to grow. There will be no door sales, and all tickets must be pre-purchased online. MOTAT says this will ensure site capacity safety, reduce queue wait times, and make the ticket-scanning process as speedy as Santa’s reindeer.

Tickets remain at the past year’s prices of $2 - $5 depending on the age of the visitor. A small booking fee will apply. Under 5s are free but will also need a free ticket booked to enter.

Christmas Lights is designed for the entire hapori whānui (community); from young to old, TikTokers to grinches, there truly is something magical for everyone to take in. The event features intricately lit heritage zones full of entertainment and activities. In these zones, you can find Santa’s Grotto with Mrs Claus and elves, Christmas card-making, a wishing-tree forest, live carol singers, and magic everywhere you turn.

MOTAT Public Programmes Manager, Hanna Scott said, “Our Team is looking forward to welcoming the community back. It’s all about illuminating community spirit through heritage, aroha, and manaakitanga for all to enjoy.”

MOTAT understands parking in the Te Wai Ōrea Western Springs area is a challenge when attending events and encourages those who can use public transport, bicycles, or their feet, to leave their cars at home. A new 155-space car park is located at MOTAT Aviation Hall on Motions Road and visitors can take a scenic walk through the Western Springs Lakeside Te Wai Ōrea Park. Due to Central Interceptor works on the Western Springs Outer Fields this year, the field will not be used for car parking.

A selection of MOTAT’s exhibitions will also be open at Christmas Lights and are included in the ticket price.

There will be a range of kai available to purchase from food trucks and local vendors across all 12 nights. No alcohol will be served at Christmas Lights to foster a safe and calm environment for all of MOTAT’s visitors.

Rest assured, MOTAT’s Christmas Lights 10th anniversary is the place to be present this holiday season and it will be everything but a silent 12 nights.

Entry to Christmas Lights: Tickets are available through this Eventbrite page (strictly no door sales). $5 for adults (16+), $2 for children (5 to 15), under 5s and MOTAT Mates annual pass holders FREE but must still reserve a ticket. Booking fees for paid tickets apply.

ENDS

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For media enquiries please contact:

MOTAT Communications Coordinator, Mak Nelson, 021 186 6166, mak.nelson@motat.org.nz