Auckland’s favourite festival lights up winter again
Clear your calendars: the Takapuna Winter Lights Festival is back from Thursday, 24 July to Sunday, 27 July 2025, and it’s set to dazzle Takapuna’s streets and public spaces once again with a spectacle that’s bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever.
Following record-breaking attendance in 2024, which saw over 50,000 people flood the streets of Takapuna across 4 nights, this much-loved family festival will once again transform the heart of the North Shore into a glowing wonderland of light, music, art and performance.
Curated by internationally renowned light artist Angus Muir, the 2025 festival will blend cutting-edge creativity with community spirit, featuring immersive installations, interactive zones, and activations across Hurstmere Green, Hurstmere Road, Potters Park, and Waiwharariki Anzac Square.
“With a mission to mesmerise and inspire through multi-disciplinary art and inclusiveness, Winter Lights has become a key event on the Arts and Culture calendar of Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Terence Harpur, CEO of the Takapuna Beach Business Association.
“In the midst of winter, Takapuna Winter Lights is an event that shines brightly for our community and our local businesses, creating an experience that brings people together to celebrate creativity and connection. Takapuna Winter Lights captures the spirit of our neighbourhood, sharing it across Tamakai Makaurau – and breathing energy into our beachside businesses.”
Returning favourites and new surprises include:
- Large-scale interactive lighting sculptures to mesmerise and inspire you.
- Local Talent on Show – with live performances from Takapuna Grammar School’s rising music and performance stars, bringing homegrown entertainment to the main stage.
- Family-friendly vibes – delicious food, warm drinks, roaming performers, and playful installations make it a must-do winter activity for all ages.
- With over 130 places to eat and drink in Takapuna, there is something for everyone.
- SHINE – the inclusive early-evening tour programme is back after a successful launch in 2024. SHINE was developed in partnership with Yes Disability and PHAB, ensuring the festival is accessible for everyone.
This year, due to the massive demand at previous events, Takapuna Winter Lights will be ticketed, with tickets allocated to session times, to avoid overcrowding. Anyone wanting to attend the event can sign up for a FREE ticket via this link.
Takapuna Winter Lights 2025 is a free event, thanks to the support of the Takapuna Beach Business Association, Auckland Council, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Angus Muir Design, Go Media, Mercury, Barfoot & Thompson, and funding partners including Aotearoa Gaming Trust, The Lion Foundation, Four Winds, and One Foundation.
Event Details:
- Location: Hurstmere Green, Hurstmere Road, Potters Park & Waiwharariki Anzac Square, Takapuna
- Thursday 24 July – Sunday 27 July 2025, from 5PM – 10PM
- Free Tickets here: TAKAPUNA WINTER LIGHTS TICKETS
- Visit www.winterlights.nz for updates and info
- Visit the Facebook event page for more details
