Christmas in July in Queenstown: What's On in 2026
Christmas in July is back across Queenstown for 2026. What is on at Coronet Peak and Ayrburn, and how to fit the mountain and the lights into one day.
Queenstown does Christmas in July properly, with real snow, real fires and a run of festive events across town and up the mountain. Here is what is actually happening this year, and how your car from Evolve Rentals lets you fit more than one of them into a day.
What is Christmas in July?
Christmas in July is a Southern Hemisphere tradition that moves the "white Christmas" to the middle of our winter. Kiwi summers do not offer snow, log fires or mulled wine, so Queenstown celebrates in July instead, and with snow on the mountains by then it barely needs the excuse.
We covered the tradition last year in Christmas in July in Queenstown: Snow, Santa and Slope Side Cheer. The events have moved around a little since, so here is what is on in 2026.
What is happening at Coronet Peak for Christmas in July 2026?
Coronet Peak is running its own Christmas in July dress up day on 25 July 2026. Dig out a Christmas jumper, a Santa suit or whatever festive gear you have, and head up for a merry day on the slopes.
If you want to keep going, Coronet Peak's Night Ski Party featuring Hot Dub Time Machine follows on 29 July, running from 4pm to 9pm with music from 5pm. It is not a Christmas event as such, but it rounds off a festive week on the mountain nicely. Entry is free, though you need a valid lift pass to ski or ride.
Where else can you get festive in Queenstown?
Ayrburn's Winter Wonderland is back for 2026. The Winter Wonderland Lights are free to visit through to 31 July, and ice skating on The Dell runs until 26 July. We covered it in full in Queenstown Winter Fun Without the Big Price Tag, including the food and drink around the precinct and how to make an evening of it.
Between the celebrations at Coronet Peak and the lights and ice rink at Ayrburn near Arrowtown, late July has a proper festive stretch without needing a packed calendar.
How do you make a day and night of it?
Plan it as two halves: the mountain by day, Ayrburn by night. The two are in different directions from town, which is exactly why a car makes it work.
- Daytime: head up to Coronet Peak for the 25 July dress up day, and ski or simply soak up the atmosphere
- Evening: drive over to Ayrburn for the lights and a skate on The Dell
That plan does not work well on shuttle timetables, especially once it is dark and cold. Driving yourself between the mountain and Arrowtown is the difference between a rushed evening and a proper night out. If you have not yet, our 2026 ski season guide has more on getting to the fields.
What should you know about driving home?
Queenstown's winter roads deserve respect, especially at night and especially if the evening has involved mulled wine. Sort a designated driver, take a taxi, or stay local if you have had a drink. The roads are at their prettiest in winter, and they are safest with a clear head behind the wheel.
If you would rather end the night with something warm and alcohol free, our guide to Queenstown's best hot chocolate stops has you covered.
Book your car for Christmas in July
Whether you are heading up to Coronet Peak or out to Ayrburn, your own car means you are not tied to anyone else's schedule. Book your rental car with Evolve Rentals and make the most of Christmas in July, your way.
FAQs
When is Christmas in July celebrated in Queenstown?
There is no single fixed date. Events run through July, with Coronet Peak's Christmas in July day on 25 July 2026 and Ayrburn's Winter Wonderland Lights running to 31 July.
Why does Queenstown celebrate Christmas in July?
Because New Zealand's winter falls during the northern hemisphere's Christmas season, giving Queenstown the snow, fires and cold weather atmosphere that a summer Christmas cannot.
Do you need a lift pass for Coronet Peak's Christmas in July day?
You need a lift pass if you plan to ski or ride, as it runs as part of the mountain's normal operating day. Check Coronet Peak's event page for the latest details before you go.
Is Ayrburn's Winter Wonderland free?
The Winter Wonderland Lights are free to visit with no tickets needed. Ice skating on The Dell is a separate, ticketed activity running until 26 July.