Light Up The Tree 2025 marks the Christmas season

Published on 24 November 2025

Celebration, sustainability and seasonal cheer!

This year’s tree lighting ceremony outside the Waitaki District Council HQ will have a sustainable, but seasonal focus.

Starting from 7pm, there’ll be a Sustainable Christmas Market from local Waitaki schools – each with their own eco-friendly handmade gifts and creative sustainable products. It’s a great way to find stocking fillers, and reduce waste, while supporting young people’s ambition.

There will be live music all night from the Saggy Britches Band, spreading good vibes with their upbeat tunes.

Face painting will be provided by Luzette, there’ll be a bouncy castle and popcorn for the kids, as well as a Waitaki District Youth Council sausage sizzle.

As part of the sustainable focus, the koha for this year’s event will be a donation to a local food bank – either some non-perishable food, or a wrapped gift for a child. By taking part, you’ll be helping someone else have a merrier Christmas (and get on Santa’s good list).

There’ll also be food trucks, and the Forrester Gallery doors will be open to view their current exhibitions.

The tree lighting will take place at 9:30pm, as Mayor Melanie Tavendale leads her first Light Up The Tree.

For those coming along, bring a chair, cup and bag or basket for your shopping – and Waitaki District Council’s Event Waste Kit will be out there, letting you sort your waste into glass, plastic, organic or landfill.

A clean, cheerful, sustainable, festive occasion with fun for the whole family.

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz