Рождество в Новой Зеландии

New Zealand Christmas Tree - the pohutukawa. The pohutukawa tree, which lines most of the beaches along the east coast of New Zealand flower around Christmas time. The bright red and crimson flowers make a great sight and are one of the things New Zealanders associate most with Christmas time.

Christmas trees. Many New Zealanders decorate a tree in their homes with tinsel and lights in the European tradition. The most commonly used tree is the pine tree, which is found extensively throughout New Zealand.

December is the middle of summer in New Zealand. The summer holiday break begins on Christmas Eve and lasts until the end of January. Schools are closed throughout January and much of December (see the New Zealand School Holiday Dates)

Many towns and cities in New Zealand hold a Christmas Parade. They are usually held on a Sunday and can feature marching bands, floats and an appearance from the grand old gentleman himself, Santa Claus. The largest and best-known parade is the Auckland Santa Parade, which has been a feature of the Auckland Christmas since 1934. It attracts thousands of spectators every year and is a great event for children.

Most New Zealanders do not attend church regularly. However, the Christmas services (particularly the Midnight Mass held at 12 pm on Christmas night) is extremely popular. Cathedrals (particularly in Auckland) and churches will often be filled to overflowing.

NZ’s tallest ‘Christmas tree’ - Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower stands at 328m high and becomes most prominent at Christmas when it is lit up like a giant Christmas tree that changes colour in an orchestrated phase.