Winter-themed festival: Family fun in central Christchurch

It's time to get the family together and head into Christchurch city for the Winter Festival ‘Chill in the City’.

Run by the Central City Business Association, with support from Christchurch City Council and businesses, the festival follows last year’s successful event, which attracted thousands to the central city with a range of winter-themed events and activities.

There will be even more to enjoy, from ice skating, hug a husky and Hagglund rides, to Disney’s frozen bouncy castle, tobogganing on real snow, and Hillary’s Hutt VR Experience, all taking place in and around the City Mall area.

Real-life winter fairies will be there for the kids, along with activities for everyone to enjoy.

These include ice skating starting tomorrow and running right through the weekend, with all other winter activities running on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm daily.

The Hagglund rides should prove a popular attraction at this year’s event. Photo: Supplied

There is a small donation cost for some of the activities and all money raised is being donated to the Christchurch City Mission.

Last year’s festival raised just over $12,000 and the business association hopes with the community coming in to support the festival, it can do more this year.

While most of ‘Chill in the City’ activities are aimed at family enjoyment, Saturday night offers something a little different, with ‘Chill in the City’ After Dark on New Regent St starting early evening and featuring live entertainment, mulled wine, hot toddies and delicious food.

•Full details of Winter Festival ‘Chill in the City’ can be found at www.chchcentral.co.nz.

Winter Festival "Chill in the City" - is back

Ice-skating (state of the art synthetic ice) every day from 10 til 5pm for a $5 donation entry

Gloves and helmets must be worn while on the rink. These are supplied but you can bring your own.

Click HERE to see the map for the activation locations

Below is the list of activities that are happening around the City Centre over the coming days:

This Weekend: 31 July & 1st August
10am - 5pm daily

The BNZ Centre

For a Gold Coin Donation you can:

Hug a Husky
Take a step back in time and explore Scott Base’s oldest building in Antarctica in virtual reality
Immerse yourself in the Star Dome

On the Corner of Cashel & High Street

Ice Skating - $5 donation p/p
Ride the Hagglund - Gold Coin Donation

Riverside

Tobogganing on REAL snow - Free
Fire performances on Friday 30th and Saturday 31st from 6.30pm with Canterbury Fire Arts
Craft stalls outside on Oxford Terrace and in Plymouth Lane from 10am-4pm Saturday 31 & Sunday 1
Children’s face painting
Non-alcoholic children’s punch & mulled wine (for the adults!)
Best Dressed Winter Costume Competition (think Frozen’s Elsa & Olaf!)
Live music

Bridge of Remembrance

Bounce on the Frozen Bouncy Castle - Free

Don't miss the Winter Fairies
All proceeds going to the City Mission!

Hoyts EntX Centre

Saturday - Yu Gi Oh Card Tournament held on the ground floor of the Hoyts EntX
Sunday - the Flesh and Blood Card Tournament held on the ground floor of the Hoyts EntX Centre