Christmas in Queenstown

Christmas Day in Queenstown, New Zealand is a beautiful destination to spend the festive season. It’s a world of difference from the Northern Hemisphere with a real informal vibe with several activities and restaurants open. But, like any public holiday, you’ll need to plan as many places will have limited hours or be closed on Christmas Day.

Here are some suggestions for things to do on Christmas Day:

Walter Peak Scenic Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
This is a great way to spend the day, from the cruise over to the beautiful and iconic Walter Peak station. Check out more information here: https://www.everythingqueenstown.com/walter-peak-bbq-lunch-and-lake-cruise-1210/

Gondola Ride and Skyline Queenstown
Head up the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. You can enjoy a delicious Christmas dan lunch and dinner meal at the Stratosfare Restaurant at the top. https://queenstown.skyline.co.nz/book-now/

Explore Queenstown Gardens
This one’s a total FOC day! Take a leisurely stroll through the Queenstown Gardens. It's a peaceful place to enjoy the day. Take a meal of your choice and enjoy a picnic if the weather is nice.

Queenstown Beach
We have to say this is one of the favourites of non-locals in Queenstown. There is a tradition of taking a picnic down to the beach and watching the sunset over Lake Wakatipu. So grab a blanket, organise your picnic and head down to the lake!

Dining Out
There are actually many restaurants that offer special Christmas meals. Every year it changes, so the best thing is to contact us at reception if you’d like to dine out on Christmas day and we can help you make the necessary reservations.

Supermarkets
Supermarkets will be closed on Christmas day, so if you re staying with us and want to have a picnic on the beach or cook yourself and your family/friends a special meal in your apartment kitchen, then make sure you’ve done your shopping before midday on Xmas eve!

Christmas Mass Times

If you’d like to attend a Christmas Mass this year in Queenstown, then St Joseph’s Church in Queenstown has several options for you.

Sunday 24th December – Christmas Vigil Mass 7:30 PM / Midnight Carol 11:00 PM / Midnight Mass 11:30 PM
Monday 25th December – Christmas Day 9:00 AM
St Patrick’s Church Arrowtown
Sunday 24th December – Christmas Vigil Mass 10:00 PM
Monday 25th December – Christmas Day 11:00 AM

Queenstown Christmas Show 2023

If you are in town during the lead-up to Christmas, then this is an absolute must-see! All the locals in Queenstown either participate or come to watch! Its a fantastic
Queenstown Events Centre, Joe O'Connell Drive, Frankton, Queenstown
Sun 10 Dec 2023, 1:00pm–2:30pm
Sun 10 Dec 2023, 5:00pm–6:30pm

So, if you’re heading down to Queenstown to spend Xmas with us this year, then reach out and let us know if we can help you organise anything

Events, In-Town;