Jingle all the way to your local racecourse – Christmas at the Races is back, kicking off at Tauherenikau this Sunday! A long-time favourite for work parties, family get-togethers, and festive catch-ups with friends, it’s the ultimate way to wrap up the year and launch into the holiday spirit in style.

Across over 25 events nationwide from 9 November to 24 December, racecourses around Aotearoa are transforming into festive playgrounds filled with great food, live entertainment, and top-class thoroughbred racing. Whether you’re toasting the year’s achievements with your team or getting the whānau together for a pre-Christmas celebration, Christmas at the Races offers something truly special – a fun, social day out that everyone will remember.

There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a raceday in full festive mode. Think the sound of hooves thundering down the straight, laughter echoing from the marquees, and champagne flutes clinking under the summer sun. With live music, themed hospitality, and plenty of Christmas cheer, it’s a setting that combines excitement and relaxation like no other.

Forget the usual restaurant dinner or afternoon of bowling, Christmas at the Races takes your end-of-year celebration up a notch. It’s the ideal mix of team or family bonding, entertainment, and indulgence, all rolled into one unforgettable day. Providing flexible options from private marquees to shared lounges, or a picnic on the public lawn, there’s a space to suit every group size and budget. Indulge in the opportunity to enjoy gourmet catering, bar service, and tote facilities so your guests can try their luck on the races. With racegoers dressed to the nines and venues decked out for the season, it’s an instant mood booster and a great way to celebrate the year’s wins.

 

With the venue, catering, and entertainment already sorted, all you need to do is round up your crew and enjoy the day! Whether you’re chasing the buzz of a big raceday crowd or prefer an intimate table setting, Christmas at the Races delivers the perfect mix of glamour, excitement, and festive fun.

 

🎄Tauherenikau Racecourse - Sunday, 9 November
🎄Racing Tauranga - Saturday, 15 November
🎄New Plymouth Raceway - Friday 21 November
🎄 Whanganui Racecourse - Saturday, 22 November
🎄 Racing Te Aroha - Wednesday, 26 November
🎄 Ellerslie Racecourse - Saturday, 29 November
🎄 Whanganui Racecourse - Saturday, 29 November
🎄 Cromwell Racecourse - Sunday, 30 November
🎄 Arawa Park - Rotorua Racecourse - Wednesday, 3 December
🎄 New Plymouth Raceway - Thursday, 4 December
🎄 Riccarton Park - Friday, 5 December
🎄 Pukekohe Park - Saturday, 6 December
🎄 RACE Trentham - Saturday, 6 December
🎄 Racing Te Aroha - Sunday, 7 December
🎄 Tauherenikau Racecourse - Wednesday, 10 December
🎄 Racing Tauranga - Friday, 12 December
🎄 Te Rapa Racecourse - Saturday, 13 December
🎄 Ascot Park - Saturday, 13 December
🎄 RACE Trentham - Sunday, 14 December
🎄 Ruakaka Racing - Whangarei RC - Wednesday, 17 December
🎄 Ōtaki-Māori Racing Club - Friday, 19 December
🎄 Matamata Racecourse - Friday, 19 December
🎄 Te Rapa Racecourse - Saturday, 20 December
🎄 RACE Trentham - Saturday, 20 December
🎄 Gore Racecourse - Sunday, 21 December
🎄 Ashburton Raceway - Wednesday 24 December

 

So, back a sure thing this festive season, head to loveracing.nz/christmas to find your nearest event and start planning your end-of-year celebration today! 🥂🐎