If you are after a white Christmas, you have come to the wrong place! A Summer Christmas may not be what most are used too, all long sunny days, jandals and lake swims but it’s just the way we like it. Queenstown’s warm weather, friendly locals and ‘open for business’ attitude all make for a pretty sweet Christmas and we’ve put together a few of our favourite things:

Shotover Jet Christmas Cracker:
Queenstown’s version of the big Auckland event Christmas in the Park the annual Shotover Jet Christmas Cracker is a favourite amongst the locals. This year the show is based on a tale where Christmas is called off (due to lack of snow ironically) and it’s the audience and casts responsibility to help the performers find Santa and restore Christmas to the Wakatipu. The Christmas Cracker is an outdoor event for the whole family to enjoy.

Christmas BBQ anyone?
What’s that saying? When in Rome do as the Romans do? So, it’s only fitting that when in New Zealand you spend your Christmas meal, whether it be lunch or dinner, outside around a barbecue. If you are traveling and don’t have access to a BBQ, head down to the Lake Esplanade and use one of the public BBQs.

Attractions open 364 days:
There is no rest for the wicked, and Queenstown is no exception with most attractions open and operating year-round. With the exception of Christmas Day, most other major attractions and activities will return to operation on Boxing Day, giving you Christmas Day to rest and recuperate for the next adventure! Just a heads up, if you are hoping to dine out on Christmas Day there are limited restaurants open so you will need to book in advance.