'Fun for the whole family': Kick off New Year’s Eve at the biggest kids party in the city

The NYE Kids’ Countdown will start at 4pm on December 31. Photo: Newsline
The NYE Kids’ Countdown will start at 4pm on December 31. Photo: Newsline
The biggest kids’ party in Christchurch will take over North Hagley Park on New Year’s Eve.

The NYE Kids’ Countdown will kick off Christchurch City Council’s New Year’s Eve celebrations from 4–7pm on December 31.

City council manager of arts and events Lucy Blackmore said the free event will be "great fun for the whole family".  

"There’ll be dance battles, games, and performances by some talented tamariki – including a young band who have aptly named themselves New Year’s Kids’ Band."

Trubie-Dylan Smith. Photo: Newsline
Trubie-Dylan Smith. Photo: Newsline
DJZ and dance troupes from That Dance Studio will also be performing. 

“It’s about creating an unforgettable experience for our tamariki and encouraging them to get amongst the action and have a blast – all before bedtime."

The festivities will be led by What Now? alum Trubie-Dylan Smith as emcee, who says he is “excited to ring in the new year with Ōtautahi”.  

"I've always loved to make people laugh and have a good time, so the more, the merrier.

"Children have huge imaginations and they're not afraid to use them. It's my life's work to be as funny and honest as kids are.  

"We’re going to have an epic evening of music, dancing and whānau fun. I can't think of any better way to bring in 2025.” 

Photo: Newsline
Photo: Newsline
Closing out the event at 7pm will be a mock countdown with streamers and confetti canons.  

Following the NYE Kids’ Countdown, the celebrations roll on with main show, featuring an international Queen covers band and local acts Castaway and Tattoo Voodoo, from 8pm-midnight.

Both the NYE Kids’ Countdown and NYE24 events are smoke-free, vape-free and alcohol-free. A range of food and drink vendors will be onsite.