Queenstown Scene

Hello you 👋

Queenstown is leaning all the way into the festive season this week, from big joyful moments at the Christmas Show to long-table lunches in Arrowtown, family time with Santa, and a Sunday dance floor blooming at Wellspace. Whether you’re in the mood for creativity, connection or a little sparkle, there’s plenty here to shape your perfect early December week.

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🎄 Kiwi Kirihimete Adventure – Queenstown Christmas Show – Queenstown Events Centre

  Feel the magic as Aroha and Olaf take you on a whirlwind journey through a Southern summer Christmas. Over three performances Saturday 6 December, 3pm and Sunday 7 December, 1pm & 5pm. Local dancers, aerialists and choirs fill the Events Centre with dance, music and circus. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 kids, under 5s free and support a community hamper fundraiser. Join the whanau and celebrate the joy of giving.

• 🍽️ Arrowtown Long Table – Buckingham Street, Arrowtown

  On Friday 5 December, 12pm – 4pm a single, beautifully set table stretches along Arrowtown’s main street. Share local wines, seasonal dishes and conversation as friends, families and colleagues come together under summer skies. Choose your seat at your favourite restaurant and savour four courses; tickets vary in price. It’s alfresco dining at its finest – arrive hungry and ready to toast community.

• 🎅 Santa’s Grotto – Minus 5° Ice Bar, Steamer Wharf

  For 14 years the Ice Bar has become Santa’s frozen home‑away‑from‑home. Visit the grotto on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December, 10am – 2pm to meet the jolly man in red. A $10 donation per family secures your photo and face‑painting is available for a gold‑coin donation. Funds raised support Wakatipu Plunket, which has already benefited from more than $30,000 over the years. Bring your loved ones to spread holiday cheer.

• 💃 Dance QT End‑of‑Year Christmas Show – Queenstown Memorial Centre

  Over 215 young dancers aged 2–18 light up the stage on Saturday 6 December from 10:30am. Celebrate Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary and Ballet as students showcase routines they’ve worked on all year. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. Expect heartfelt smiles, festive costumes and the pure joy of kids sharing their love of dance.

• 🔊 SONIQ GARDEN Daytime Dance Party – Wellspace, Kawarau Falls

  On Sunday 7 December, 12pm – 8pm the meadow at Wellspace transforms into an open‑air dance floor. DJs SI‑ON, Mia Kober, Byte Size and Zuke deliver downtempo, deep‑house and bass grooves, while SPX ensures a low‑waste, inclusive vibe. Tickets are $55 and under‑16s are free. Bring your crew, your water bottle and your best moves for this daytime party done right.

• 🎙️ It's Christmas All Over Again - Charlotte Graf - The Blue Door, Arrowtown

  Singer Charlotte Graf and her five‑piece band Ginger & Tonic deliver a rock‑n‑roll Christmas at The Blue Door on Thursday 4 December with sessions at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Expect festive fun with songs by Jessie J, Beyoncé, Led Zeppelin and more. Make it your date night – the snug speakeasy vibe is pure Arrowtown magic.

🏔️ Local and Sponsored Picks

• 🍹 Cocktail Making Masterclass – Little Blackwood

  Ever wanted to mix like the pros? On Saturday 6 December, 1pm – 3pm learn to craft two gin cocktails guided by award‑winning bartenders and enjoy a shared charcuterie board. Tickets are $79 per person. Gather a friend and discover the secrets behind perfect muddles, shakes and garnishes while soaking up lake views.

• 💬 ESOL Queenstown - Social English Class - Queenstown Library

  Looking to practice your English and meet new people? The Queenstown Library is hosting a free Social English Class on Thursday 4 December from 5:30pm - 6:30pm. It's a relaxed and friendly environment to improve your conversation skills and connect with others in the community. Everyone is welcome to join in.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🎨 Arrowtown Strikes Creative Gold

  The historic village of Arrowtown is celebrating a creative boom, with its number of art galleries growing to nineteen. To showcase this vibrant scene, the Arrowtown Creative Arts Society has launched a new Arts Trail. The trail will guide visitors through the town's diverse collection of sculptors, painters, and jewellers, cementing its reputation as a must-visit arts destination.

• 🌈 Community Fun in Full Colour

  Summer in the Queenstown Lakes kicked off with a splash of colour at the annual Rainbow Run this past Saturday. Over 400 people, double last year's turnout, ran a 3km course at the Frankton Recreation Reserve while being doused in vibrant powder paint. The fun-filled event officially launched the council's popular Summerdaze programme of community events.

• 🏆 Young Athletes Achieve Big

  It was a week of outstanding achievement for Wakatipu High School's young athletes. The adventure racing team secured a fourth-place finish in a tough Southland course, while junior volleyball teams earned top-ten placings at the national championships. In cricket, two students were selected for the Otago U19 squad, highlighting the depth of sporting talent at the school.

Happy you’re here. Wishing you a gentle, good-vibe week ahead ✨