Christchurch events & things to do in December 2026
Start with Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, plus Riverside Market. December in Christchurch averages 21°C / 70°F highs, 11°C / 51°F nights, and about 7 rainy days.
Expect 21°C/70°F days and about 7 rainy ones in December. Start with these:
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park★ 4.7 · 14.8k reviewsThe gardens and park form the central green core, with the Avon River, conservatories, lawns, sports grounds, and walking paths west of the CBD.
- Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial★ 4.7 · 866 reviewsThe memorial beside the Avon River names those who died in the 2011 earthquake and gives the central city recovery a sober anchor.
- Urzila Carlson - Fatty On A YachtDec 11Christchurch Town Hall · Source: Ticketmaster
30% off a Going membership when you plan your trip.
By TripSapien Research · Updated June 3, 2026
Christchurch in December 2026
Weather
TempTemperature
70°F / 51°F
21.3°C / 10.5°C
RainPrecipitation
7d
2in · 50mm
LightDaylight
15.2h
Sea
64.8°F
18.2°C
December starts summer, with holiday demand around Akaroa, beaches, and central dining.
Events & festivals
Event calendar- Dec 24
Carols by Candlelight
A long-standing tradition on Christmas Eve featuring community singing of Christmas carols by candlelight in Christchurch.
Planning lead · dates set closer in · Source: festival research
- Dec 28
Lakes Festival returns to Hagley Park this December, offering an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community.
Source: festival calendar
Holidays, observances & long weekends
Holiday and observance schedules can affect services and venue hours; confirm each place directly.
- Dec 25Christmas DayPublic holiday
- Dec 26Boxing DayPublic holiday
- Dec 28Boxing Day (substitute day)Public holiday
- Dec 25-Dec 28Long weekend
- Dec 25-Dec 27Long weekend
- Dec 26-Dec 28Long weekend
About Christchurch
City overview
Christchurch is the South Island gateway where the Avon River, Hagley Park, Cathedral Square, Riverside Market, the Arts Centre, Riccarton, and Sumner show a city rebuilt around gardens, cycling, and post-2011-earthquake recovery. The city works as both an urban base and a launch point for Akaroa, Waipara, Arthur Pass, and the TranzAlpine rail route.
Food & drink
Christchurch food reads like Canterbury produce: lamb and venison show up in pub and bistro mains, blue cod is the South Island fish-and-chips staple, and whitebait fritters bind tiny fish with egg into a delicate pan-fried patty. Riverside Market, Christchurch Farmers Market, New Regent Street, Addington cafes, Lyttelton restaurants, and Riccarton food strips add pies, cheese, craft beer, coffee, and Waipara wine.
Top sights
Ranked for December suitability using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.
- 1Riverside Market
- 2Punting on the Avon and Antigua Boatsheds
- 3Christchurch Gondola
- 4Christchurch Art Gallery
- 5Arts Centre
- 6Quake City
- 7New Regent Street and heritage tram
- 8Cardboard Cathedral
- 9International Antarctic Centre
1Riverside Market
4.7★ · 7,337outdoorOpen dailyThe indoor market near the Avon and Cashel Street has food stalls, produce, butchers, bakers, bars, and central-city dining.
Wikipedia
2Punting on the Avon and Antigua Boatsheds
4.7★ · 1,669outdoorOpen dailyFlat-bottomed boats leave from the heritage boatsheds for a slow river route through the central gardens and civic precinct.
3Christchurch Gondola
4.5★ · 4,170outdoorOpen dailyThe gondola climbs the Port Hills above Heathcote Valley for views over Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps on clear days.
Wikipedia
Show 3 more sights
- 4Christchurch Art Gallery
- 5Arts Centre
- 6Quake City
Neighborhoods
1Cathedral Square and CBD
The rebuilt core has Cathedral Square, laneways, tram tracks, offices, hotels, libraries, public art, and visible recovery work.
2Arts Centre and Worcester Boulevard
This cultural strip has the Art Gallery, Arts Centre, museum precinct, Avon bridges, heritage stonework, and short walks into the gardens.
3Riverside, Cashel, and High Street
The market-and-retail zone is food-focused, with Riverside Market, Cashel shops, bars, new apartments, and evening dining.
Day trips
80km / 1.5h by car or shuttle from Christchurch
Akaroa and Banks Peninsula
The harbor town has French-settlement history, cruises, cafes, volcanic hills, and dolphin-focused trips when conditions allow.
150km / 2.5h by train to Arthur Pass from Christchurch railway station
TranzAlpine to Arthur Pass
The scenic rail route crosses the Canterbury Plains and Waimakariri gorge toward the Southern Alps, with Arthur Pass a practical day-turn point.
60km / 45min by car from Christchurch
Waipara Valley
The wine district north of the city is known for pinot noir, riesling, cellar doors, and vineyard lunches.
Getting around
Metro buses, the Bus Interchange, airport buses, bikes, taxis, scooters, and central walking handle Christchurch, with Metrocard lowering bus fares. The heritage tram is useful for orientation, while Akaroa, Waipara, and Port Hills days are easiest by car or booked shuttle.
Planning a Christchurch trip?
Add your dates and we'll check every place for closures, limited hours, and booking needs in December.
Common questions about Christchurch in December
- What to pack for Christchurch in December
Pack for December's weather, not a generic Christchurch checklist.
- Layerable daytime clothes for average highs around 21°C / 70°F.
- A light evening layer because nights average 11°C / 51°F.
- A small umbrella or packable shell for scattered rain across about 7 days.
- How many days do you need in Christchurch
- 4 days covers the main Christchurch highlights at a realistic pace. Add 3 extra days if you want the listed day trips.
- Is Christchurch worth visiting in December
- Yes. December in Christchurch averages 21°C / 70°F highs, 11°C / 51°F nights, and about 7 rainy days.
Ready to plan Christchurch?
You've seen what's on — now get a day-by-day Christchurch plan for December 2026, every place checked for your exact dates.