MOTAT set to light up Auckland this Christmas
MEDIA RELEASE: 5 November 2026
MOTAT set to light up Auckland this Christmas
Thousands of twinkling lights along with illuminated heritage trams and a spectacular Christmas tree will transform MOTAT into a festive wonderland for 12 magical nights this December.
One of Auckland's much-loved festive traditions, MOTAT Christmas Lights, returns this December with shiny new decorations and lights, live entertainment, festive activities and plenty of Christmas cheer for the whole whānau.
And this year, MOTAT is spreading the Christmas joy even further. Together with its suppliers, MOTAT has partnered with four charities – Big Brothers Big Sisters NZ, Caring Families Aotearoa, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust NZ, and Variety - The Children's Charity of New Zealand – to provide over 3,500 complimentary tickets to children and families they support, helping more Aucklanders experience the magic of Christmas Lights.
Liz Cotton, Director of Museum Experience, says MOTAT Christmas Lights is about creating moments of joy and connection for Auckland families.
"There's something special about seeing MOTAT come alive after dark, with the heritage Pumphouse glowing, trams covered in lights and families enjoying the excitement of Christmas together.
"We love creating this experience for Aucklanders, and this year we're especially pleased to work with our suppliers and charity partners to share it with even more children and families. Christmas is a time for bringing people together, and we hope these tickets will help create some wonderful memories."
Visitors can look forward to plenty of sparkle this year, with new decorations for our iconic Christmas tree and event partner La Lumiere once again bringing their creative touch to installations and festive photo opportunities.
Across the museum, thousands of lights will illuminate heritage buildings, trams, corners and walkways, creating a magical setting for an evening of exploration and fun for all the whānau.
Visitors can hop aboard an illuminated heritage tram, visit Santa Claus in his mailroom, sing along with carollers and enjoy live performances from the West City Band and local choirs.
There will also be outdoor games, festive treats and a bustling food truck market in partnership with the Food Truck Collective. Visitors can bring a picnic rug and settle into the Historic Village to enjoy the summer evening, while MOTAT's working steam-powered machines, Pumphouse Boiler and Village Forge offer a distinctly MOTAT twist on the festivities.
Cyclists to the event get rewarded with free bike valet parking and priority queue entry, making it even easier to enjoy a festive evening at MOTAT.
Christmas Lights brings together so much of what makes MOTAT special. Where else can you take a ride on a delightful tram covered in Christmas lights, see steam-powered technology in action and meet Santa, all in one evening?
Following a sold-out event in 2025, MOTAT is encouraging everyone to book early to secure their preferred night.
Christmas Lights runs across 12 selected nights from Friday 4 to Monday 21 December, with tickets priced at $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 5–15. Children under five are free, although a ticket is still required.
Tickets are now on sale: For more information and bookings, visit motat.nz/events/christmas-lights-2026/.
ENDS
Event information
What: MOTAT Christmas Lights 2026 When: 4–7, 11–14 and 18–21 December 2026 Time: 8pm–11pm each night Where: MOTAT Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland (entry via Gate D, Stadium Road) Tickets: Adults $10; children 5–15 years $5; under 5s free (ticket required) Bookings: Online only at motat.nz. No gate sales.
Media opportunities
Media are invited to experience and capture the magic of MOTAT Christmas Lights, including:
Filming and photography of the illuminated trams, heritage buildings, new light displays and Christmas tree.
Interviews with MOTAT representatives about the event and the initiative providing over 3,500 complimentary tickets to charity partners.
Behind-the-scenes coverage of the preparations and the work involved in transforming the museum for Christmas.
Opportunities to explore the stories of charity partners and the families they support, subject to their agreement and appropriate permissions.
Media contact: Nicole Parish Communications Manager,MOTAT
E: nicole.parish@motat.org.nz, M: 021 273 356