Wellington Celebrates Christmas Day with Community and Activity

Wellington welcomed Christmas Day with a vibrant mix of community activities and festive spirit, as locals engaged in various outdoor events despite the region’s notorious weather. From parkruns to beach picnics, the capital city showcased its unique holiday charm on December 25.

391 runners participated in the Lower Hutt parkrun, which kicked off at 8:00 AM. Among them were Charlotte Sefton, 27, and Robyn Harvey-Smith, 26, who donned Santa hats while joining a lively crowd of runners and walkers. This event is part of a global initiative promoting free, social 5km runs every Saturday, with over 20 countries and 67 locations across New Zealand participating in this year’s Christmas Day parkrun, which set a record with 8,702 participants and 664 volunteers.

Sefton and Harvey-Smith, visiting from London, are on a year-long journey across New Zealand and aim to complete a parkrun each weekend. “It’s something to give us routine while we’re travelling, and you see some great places from it,” Sefton remarked. This particular event was especially memorable for them as it marked their first Christmas in summer. “It’s nice to get out in the community on Christmas Day,” she added.

Family traditions were also on display at the run. Paul and Julia Gordon brought their granddaughters from Auckland. Ten-year-old Beatrice Hale and four-year-old Evie opened one present before the race. For Evie, it was her first run, which included some assistance along the way to reach the finish line. After the run, the family planned to return home for more gifts and a festive lunch.

Nearby, at Shandon Golf Club in Petone, Richard Wake was enjoying a round of golf with his son and his son’s girlfriend. While his wife opted for a session at the gym, Wake appreciated the chance for a relaxed day. His son, Caleb, recently returned from studying in the United States. Reflecting on the differences in holiday experiences, he noted, “Despite four white Christmases, it doesn’t feel like Christmas. I like this; this is a good Christmas vibe for me—garden games, a BBQ, big ham. It’s always good to be home.”

At Days Bay Wharf, locals continued the tradition of brisk swims. Kevin Lenahan counted down in Gaeilge as he and friends took a plunge into the cold waters. “It’s absolutely freezing,” exclaimed Jess Davidson from the water, before they went for a second dip, embracing this unique community ritual.

On the beach, Abbie Kate Brown and her family set up a picnic amid gusts of wind. Following a Christmas Eve seafood dinner, the family has made this picnic an annual tradition. With coffee and Christmas crackers shared on their blanket, they found joy amidst the gusty conditions, even sharing leftovers with the local seagulls.

Wellingtonians embraced the holiday spirit through exercise, family gatherings, and community events, demonstrating the essence of togetherness and celebration in the face of unpredictable weather.