Plan your night

A gold coin donation on entry keeps the show free for the whole community. Collectors carry branded Christmas at the Bowl buckets, and eftpos machines are available at the gates.

A limited number of candles and holders are handed out by volunteers at every entry point, one candle for every two people. Please recycle leftover candles in the collection bins at each gate on your way out.

The Bowl is an outdoor venue, so dress for it. You may want a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent early on, a warm layer for later in the evening, and a rain jacket just in case.

Bring a picnic or takeaway food, there are no restrictions on food coming in. Food vendors also operate within the venue all evening. Please be mindful of our Clean Christmas approach and take your rubbish home.

The event is general admission, so sit anywhere on the grass. Bring a picnic blanket and a cushion for comfort. If you need a seat, please bring a low sand chair only and be courteous to those behind you.

Christmas at the Bowl attracts over 10,000 people, and there is ample space for everyone. Please be kind, make room for others where you can, and share the holiday spirit with the people around you.

Dell Gate, from Pukekura Park

Brooklands Drive, off Brooklands Road

Racecourse, through Pukekura Raceway off Coronation Avenue

Kaimata, via Kaimata Street

Park on the streets around the venue or within the Racecourse, with access via Coronation Avenue. Please respect residents' driveways and berms: vehicles that block access ways can be towed.

Closed for all except disabled-access vehicles. There is a two-minute drop-off zone at the bottom of Brooklands Drive on Brooklands Road. It is a tow-away area if you overstay.

Enter from Saddle Row beside the Parkside Motel and Apartments. Parking wardens will direct you to the right area. After the show two lanes exit onto Coronation Avenue: the left lane for northbound traffic, the right lane for southbound. Turning left and using the one-way system is the quickest way out.

Vehicles displaying a mobility parking permit can use Brooklands Drive before and after the show to drop off and pick up people with limited mobility at the Brooklands Gate entrance.

A limited number of parks are available on the Gables Lawn, first come first served, for audience members with a mobility permit on display who cannot arrange a driver for drop-off and pick-up.

Disabled toilets are available throughout the venue, including at the top of the Bowl.

Wheelchairs can go anywhere in the general admission area. Please note that some sections of the Bowl have a very steep gradient which can be difficult to navigate.

No alcohol is sold within the venue, but you are welcome to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with your picnic. This is a family event and we reserve the right to remove anyone behaving inappropriately.

The show concludes with a live fireworks display: it is loud and small debris can fall. If that is a concern, plan to leave before about 9.30pm. The Trust complies with all NZ standards and employs a professional fireworks technician.

The Bowl of Brooklands and surrounding Pukekura Park are smokefree. As this is a family event we ask that there is no smoking or vaping within the venue.

Please take your rubbish home to reuse and recycle. A limited number of general waste and recycling bins are on site, and candle recycling bins are at every gate. Leave only footprints and take only memories.