Celebrating Christmas in the city

The City Mission is bringing Christmas to Christchurch on November 28 when we officially launch our new Christmas Tree.

The 10m tree is a gift to the city and will be installed beside the Bridge of Remembrance in Cashel Mall.

We are planning a big welcome to it with an official launch hosted by Jason Gunn at noon.

We’ll have bands, choirs, stalls and a special appearance by Father Christmas.

Leading up to, and linking with, the tree launch is a Central City Business Association sponsored family parade that begins at Margaret Mahy Playground at 11am.

Families accompanied by elves and serenaded by choirs along the way will have a fun walk from the playground to the Bridge of Remembrance tree site alongside the river.

The most exciting part is - with a very Christchurch twist - the parade will be escorting Father Christmas who will make the journey in one of our world famous punts.

With Christmas in the Park cancelled for first time in 26 years and the Christchurch Christmas Parade cancelled for the first time in 73 years, this event will be the city’s big Christmas celebration for 2020.