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Santa Claus will swap the North Pole for Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum this festive season, setting up his southern hemisphere study for Auckland families to visit from Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, December 21.
Visitors can step inside Santa’s Study on weekends between 9.15am and 4.30pm to meet Father Christmas, take photos, and share their Christmas wishes. The cosy space, filled with festive décor and twinkling lights, offers an enchanting new way for families to celebrate the season.
Auckland Museum director of audience engagement Victoria Travers says the museum is delighted to welcome Santa for his Auckland stay.
“We’re giving Santa a home away from the North Pole, so he can meet his Auckland fans while getting some important work done,” Victoria says.
“Auckland Museum is already such a special place for families, and this gives our visitors a unique opportunity to make magical memories while exploring our galleries and enjoying crafts and performances that celebrate the holiday season.”
Guests are encouraged to bring their own camera or phone to capture the moment — with Santa’s chief elf on hand to assist with photos or an “elfie”.
Throughout November and December, the museum will host a series of free Festive Whānau Weekends, featuring Christmas crafts, local choir performances and family-friendly activities.
The four-metre Grand Foyer Christmas Tree will return as the centrepiece of celebrations, alongside the North Pole Mailbox, where children can post wish lists directly to Santa.
Festive Whānau Weekends highlights
November 22 – December 21, 2025
Visit Santa’s Study
Saturday and Sunday, 9.15am–4.30pm
Meet Santa in his private study at Auckland Museum — an affordable, family-friendly experience available for a limited time.
Free Christmas Crafts
Saturday and Sunday, 10am–3pm – Orientation Space, Te Ao Mārama South Atrium
Decorate a wooden bauble to take home or gift to someone special.
Sounds of the Season
Saturdays, 12pm – Grand Foyer
Enjoy live performances from Auckland choirs, including:
November 22 – Auckland Korean Choir
November 29 – Vocālis
December 6 – Handel Consort & Quire
December 13 – All Together Now
December 20 – Stimmung Choir
The museum’s Grand Foyer Christmas tree and Santa’s Mailbox will be available to view from Saturday, November 22.
Further information and booking details are available on the Auckland Museum website.
