Wellington Celebrates Christmas Day with Community Spirit and Activity

Wellingtonians ushered in Christmas Day with a blend of exercise, community engagement, and the region’s characteristic weather. Events ranged from festive parkruns to invigorating swims at the wharf, demonstrating a unique approach to the holiday.

On December 25, 2023, the Lower Hutt parkrun saw participation from 391 runners who donned Santa hats and elf costumes for the early morning event. The run began at 08:00, showcasing the joyful spirit of the season. Parkruns are free 5km events welcoming runners and walkers of all abilities, held every Saturday in various locations globally. This year, 39 parkrun locations across New Zealand participated, achieving a record of 8,702 participants and 664 volunteers.

Among the runners were Charlotte Sefton and Robyn Harvey-Smith, both aged 27 and 26 respectively, who are traveling across New Zealand in a van. Their goal is to complete a different parkrun each weekend during their year-long visit. Sefton expressed the significance of joining a local event on Christmas Day, noting, “It’s nice to get out in the community on Christmas Day.”

The festive atmosphere was further highlighted by participants like Paul Gordon and Julia Gordon, who brought their family from Auckland. Their granddaughters, Beatrice Hale, 10, and Evie, 4, were thrilled to open a present before the run. Evie participated in her first parkrun, requiring a bit of help to reach the finish line.

In the nearby Shandon Golf Club, Richard Wake enjoyed a round of golf with his son and his son’s girlfriend. While his wife opted for a gym session, Wake appreciated the relaxed atmosphere of their Christmas routine. His son, Caleb, had recently returned from studying in the United States, and Wake remarked, “It’s always good to be home.” Despite experiencing four snowy Christmases, he found the Wellington weather more fitting, stating, “I like this, this is a good Christmas vibe for me; garden games, a BBQ, big ham.”

At Days Bay, the local tradition of a brisk swim continued, with Kevin Lenahan and his companions diving into the chilly waters. Lenahan, participating for the second time that day, counted down in Irish before taking the plunge. “It’s absolutely freezing,” said his friend Jess Davidson, reflecting on the community’s commitment to this unique holiday ritual.

On the beach, Abbie Kate Brown and her family embraced the gusty winds for a Christmas Day picnic. This year marked the continuation of their tradition, which began after enjoying an Italian seafood dinner the previous Christmas Eve. With coffee and Christmas crackers spread out on their blanket, they welcomed the local seagulls eager for a share of their festive feast.

Wellington’s Christmas Day festivities not only highlighted the importance of community but also showcased the diverse ways residents choose to celebrate, combining fitness, family, and fun in their own unique style.