Sitting next to the historic Chief Post Office building which has seen 110 festive seasons, and at the centre of the whāriki (welcome mat) made from patterned paving stones by mana whenua artist Tessa Harris (Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki) and her team of weavers, this colourful temporary pavilion transcends generations and beckons all Aucklanders back to the city centre this festive season.

Co-created by award-winning designers Angus Muir, Matt Liggins, and Auckland Council city centre place activation principal Barbara Holloway, the pavilion is also a temporary stage for Christmas in Te Komititanga.

Music and free performances are filling the square at lunchtimes and twilight, counting down to Christmas like a super-sized advent calendar.

Bring the kids and see their eyes fill with wonder as roving stilt walkers defy gravity, jugglers send objects into the air, Christmas elves arrive early from the North Pole, and tinsel-covered friendly monsters surprise and delight.

Pavilion co-creator Barbara Holloway says: “We are lucky to have such talented artists working with us to create this pavilion. Colourful, evocative public art installations like this are important for our city’s renewed vibrancy and the feeling of celebration. Art never fails to lift hearts no matter how challenging the years have been.” 

The schedule of free performances can be found at kiosks in Te Komititanga and at heartofthecity.co.nz/christmas. This schedule may be subject to weather.