Festival of Christmas: Big Switch Opening Night

Be on Main Street on Saturday 29 June, for an opening night like no other, thanks to Greytown Lands Trust. We're closing off Main Street, so you can roam through the village and enjoy live music, entertainment, street performers and Night Markets. Once darkness falls, see the magical lights being switched on for the first time, along with an explosive fireworks display.

Don't miss the incredible WWII spotlight shining far into the sky. Visual from around 50kms, this is quite the spectacle, and perhaps the biggest game of spotlight Greytown Village has ever played!! Marvel over the light and get the rare opportunity to see this piece of machinery up close. Who knows, perhaps Batman will pay us a visit!?

See our magical Greytown Lands Trust Community Christmas Tree, with penguins decorated by local children. Also, snow is back by popular demand! An opening night for the whole community to enjoy. Don't miss it.

Entertainment timings for the evening:

3pm onwards - EAT, DRINK AND SHOP!
There will be arts and craft stalls and of course, food glorious food in various spots around town. See the beautiful window displays, visit the boutiques, and explore the Artisan Night Markets from 3pm on McMaster Street and in the Town Hall. Local kids will be bringing along their penguin decorations to display around the Greytown Land Trust Community Christmas Tree. Don't have one? Decorate one at The Offering or The White Swan and bring it down to the Christmas Tree in Max Edridge Piazza.

4pm onwards - LANEWAY NIGHT MARKETS & TRUCKSTOP WINTER EDITION
The fabulous new Laneway Night Markets commence. Tucked just off Main Street behind Linarte and Blackwell & Sons, this is the festivals' new best-kept-secret. Twinkling with festoon lights and with festive music playing, it's set to be a magical discovery. Truckstop Winter Edition also back, with family-friendly food, braziers and mulled wine. Both Truckstop and the Laneway Night Markets will be on every Friday and Saturday from 4-8pm during the festival.

4.30pm - 6pm - LIVE MUSIC
Performers and live entertainment will be performing from the Town Hall centre. Come along and hear Wellington's own all female brass street band - The Hoot 'n Annies - play funky tunes in a New Orleans style! Papawai - our local pa - will open the festival with a formal blessing, followed by a community waiata to bring in the snow!

6pm - 8pm - LET IT SNOW & WWII SPOTLIGHT
The forecast this winter is for snow! This was hugely popular in 2023, so we're bringing it back! Head to the Town Hall courtyard for regular sprinklings every 30 minutes between 6pm - 8pm. Snow will be falling every Friday and Saturday throughout the festival. It will be one of the most joyful places on earth, and the perfect photo opportunity - be sure to share your photos of happy faces @greytownvillage. The WWII spotlight will be switched on - and you'll see it from miles away! Head towards The White Swan to see it up close.

6.30PM - THE BIG SING
Join us on Main Street for a Christmas sing-a-long like no other. One song, one practice, and then recorded for the world to see. It's like karaoke for the masses. It will be fun, it will be chaotic and it will be noisy but most of all it will be joyful!

7:00pm - FIREWORKS
We are launching the 2024 festival with a bang! Watch the magnificent fireworks display from Main Street or Stella Bull Park.

4.00pm - 9pm - DJ TAKAS
DJ Takas, a maestro of music with a lifetime of inspiration, will kick off the street party on The Swan Festival Stage, positioned in front of The White Swan. Groove under the stars at this one-of-a-kind family-friendly street party. Make memories as you move to the rhythm of DJ Takas eclectic beats!

PLEASE NOTE: The Festival of Christmas includes flashing lights and light projections that may affect those with light sensitivity. Please listen to the traffic marshals and stay within the safe zones.