Be on Main Street on Saturday 29 June, for an opening night like no other. We're closing off Main Street, so you can roam through the village and enjoy live music, entertainment, street performers and Night Markets. Once darkness falls, see the magical lights being switched on for the first time, admire the incredible WWII spotlight that shines far up into the sky, and watch an explosive fireworks display. Also, snow is back by popular demand! An opening night for the whole community to enjoy. Don't miss it!

See the magic of our Fire and Ice theme come alive, with a dazzling ten-minute fire and ice themed fireworks display.

Don't miss out on this unforgettable celebration as part of the 2024 opening night! Gather with friends and family for a spectacular show of vibrant colours and holiday cheer. For the full programme of opening night activities, see 'The Big Switch’.

Gather 'round for our big sing-along, our vibrant version of pub choir with a twist! We're all about embracing the joy of music, whether you're a seasoned vocalist or just love belting out tunes with friends. Picture it: snow falling, a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and camaraderie as we tackle a Christmas classic with gusto. One practise, one edition captured!

Brought to you by Dave & Jennah of Property Brokers Greytown.

Meet Whetū, the tiniest penguin in our snowy wonderland. He has been tasked with the job of spreading Christmas cheer this July! This little guy and his hoa will be making appearances in various delightful forms, ready to welcome guests to our heart-warming, family-friendly events.

Our cheerful little penguin Whetū and his friends are bringing the fun to the festival thanks to WBS. Watch out for your chance to name his buddies on our facebook page.

Mark the start of the Māori lunar new year and celebrate our cultural heritage with art, stargazing and workshops over the first two weeks of the festival.

Take part in Matariki stargazing sessions to learn about the seven whetū, learn how to spot them and their significance. There will also be harakeke workshops for kids and adults. Weave a whetū to hang it on a native tree to remember those who have passed, or to make a wish for the year to come. You can also weave a kono or kete, a great sustainable gift skill using traditional crafts. Our Matariki programme will be launched on 15 May.

Back by popular demand! Greytown Distilling Company are bringing world-class stand-up comedy to Greytown once again. See award-winning kiwi comedians perform live by the fireplace at The White Swan every Wednesday. Four different comedians in all.

Each evening includes a sumptuous two course dinner, Greytown Distilling Company Cocktail, and 45 minutes of belly-laughing entertainment. With strictly limited tickets they’ll sell out fast!

Snow, glorious snow will be flurrying once again outside the Town Hall every Friday and Saturday night throughout the festival, with the new theme Fire and Ice.

Set to music and lights, get a taste of a northern hemisphere White Christmas right here in NZ, and enjoy this magical selfie experience! Grab a bite to eat from the range of food trucks on offer, keep your eyes peeled for whetū and his fellow penguins, and prepare for a dusting of snow.

Greytown Little Theatre presents The Case of the Careless Victim.

A radio play inspired by Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot. Be part of our live studio audience on Greytown's very own Radio STU73! Get ready to time travel back to a snowy winter's eve in 1945 for a live broadcast of a gripping radio murder mystery!

Bring your hipflasks or bottles, and join us in period dress if you so desire, as we recreate a classic radio play of the 1940s!

Our Festival of Christmas cocktail lovingly created by mix master extraordinaire Jaime Smylie of the White Swan.

The Fire and Ice cocktail - Frostbite Gin, Bourbon, Ginger, Lime with a crystalised ginger rim. Refreshing, yet a little spice to warm the cockles of your frozen heart. Available at The White Swan all festival long.

Frostbite is the official festival gin – frostbite can be purchased from Greytown Gin Distilling Company – find them in Blackwell & Sons. Gin tastings available.

You told us, and we listened! Bring back the artisan markets every weekend…

Our amazing new Laneway Night Markets will be delightful, with twinkling lights and music, tucked off Main Street. Explore this, and our Food Truck Fare around the Town Hall, and discover a treasure trove of unique finds and delicious treats.

An abundance of festivities are packed into one month with parties, delicious menus and special feasting events including the famous Oyster Saloon at Aperitif, a mid-winter feast at Greytown Hotel, and some specially curated Christmas menus from our amazing cafés and restaurants. Plus there’s food trucks galore dotted throughout the village for your eating pleasure as you soak up the atmosphere.

Let’s get creative this winter. The festival has an amazing array of creative workshops to keep you entertained this winter, not to mention a chance to learn a new skill. Wreath making, knitting, quilting, making little vintage dolls, create your own Christmas jersey, kids chocolate workshops and many more. There’s an abundance of workshops to get your creativity flowing.

Come and see our magical Greytown Lands Trust Community Christmas Tree, located in Max Edridge Piazza. Admire the penguins decorated by local children, or head to The Offering or The White Swan to decorate your own.

Be entertained by talented performers on the Nikau Foundation Street Performers Stage. See well-known and emerging musicians, singers, dancers and street performers strut their stuff. There might even be a bit of magic. A great chance to enjoy the best in local talent.

Experience the grand finale of our happy little mid-winter festival. We're closing off Main Street, so you can soak up the last flutterings of snow, and eat, drink and be merry! There will be markets, fabulous entertainment, and surprises that promise to dazzle and delight!