Fashion, Food & Family – there’s something for everyone at Auckland’s dazzling CBD precinct
By Murray Bevan
I’m a big Christmas guy. Huge Christmas guy. I’m the guy that makes Christmas gift lists in July, starts Christmas shopping in September and has the tree up in November. Huge Christmas guy.
I’m also a big Commercial Bay guy. Ever since the plans were laid for the formation of this bustling 8-building spectacle, owned by Precinct Properties, I was buzzing. It was the sheer scale of the development that enlightened me (I was a bonafide Architecture student for 3 years with a penchant for Modernism before falling prey to Fashion PR), as well as the fact that in their prospectus and in talks with key retailers, they had a vision to literally help turn the axis of Auckland’s waterfront across the east-west axis, rather than the traditional north-south axis dominated by Queen Street. What a flex. And I think they’ve been successful.
When I bought FashioNZ back in 2023, we even wrote this story about the place, not as a sycophantic rant, but to try and unpack if the place stood up to its promises. And it really does.
Commercial Bay’s heritage also surprised me, and it was a bit of a lesson to recount the history that the development embodied, from Māori heritage, to reclaimed land, the original waterfront vs what we use today, and the original name for where that waterfront was defined: Commercial Bay.
But I digress. Christmas is here, and boy do we need it. Apart from the glorious 18 metre high Christmas Tree erected in Te Komititanga Square, which has been co-signed by Precinct Properties, the owner and developer of Commercial Bay, and Heart of the City with support from the Auckland Council via the city centre targeted rate, Commercial Bay is signalling that things are looking up. Forget the nay-sayers and the Grinches, Christmas is a time to spread happiness, light people’s spirits up, and look ahead. Having traveled to the USA late in November, I have been reminded of the immense efforts that are needed to shift people’s emotions and motivate them. Our future success relies on bold ideas, money, motivation, kindness and community.
The aforementioned tree lit up for the first time on November 23rd, and will remain up and shining until January 5, 2025. It’ll act as a beacon of sorts to invite families and friends to visit the CBD and experience some joy. Commercial Bay has it all, and is a perfect jump-off point, or an all day/night venue, to enjoy Auckland. Bring the kids, bring your new BF, bring the wife, spoil her rotten, buy the dress, have the cocktail, say Yes to the shoes and treat yourself to a new fragrance.
You deserve it.
Commercial Bay’s Christmas 2024 festivities are painstakingly detailed below, so take notes and make a date! You’ll be sure to see me there.
Christmas Selfies with Santa & Festive Face Painting!
This December, bring the whole family along to enjoy festive fun, every weekend from December 8th. From 11am-3pm, little ones can transform into their favourite holiday characters with free face painting—think reindeers, snowmen, and twinkling Christmas trees. And don’t forget to snap a selfie with Santa and his two fairy helpers as they roam the centre, guiding kids to the Magic Mail Machine, where postcards head straight to the North Pole. Plus, enjoy a complimentary hot drink from Kōkako with every face painting session—because the season’s about sharing the warmth!
Candy Cane Lane & Family-Friendly Festivities
Let the kiddos embark on a festive scavenger hunt through Candy Cane Lane while you take your time browsing! Located by Public in Harbour Eats, this dedicated kid- friendly zone will keep the young ones entertained with activity packs and scavenger hunt adventures while Santa’s fairies add some extra sparkle to their day.
Deck the Halls with Live Music & a Light Show!
Every Thursday (4:30pm – 7:30pm) and Sunday (12pm – 4pm) in December, Commercial Bay is turning up the holiday spirit with live DJ sets from the best local talent, bringing the cheer and setting the vibe for the most festive shopping experience yet.
But that’s not all! Every evening from Saturday 23rd November until Christmas enjoy the lighting of Te Manaaki in Te Komititanga.
Insider Tip: For the ultimate view of the nightly Te Manaaki light show, grab a spot at Gemmi, Gochu, Queens Rooftop, or Public in Commercial Bay.
The Magic Mail Machine is Back!
One of Auckland’s favourite holiday traditions returns this year, now with two Magic Mail Machines on levels 1 and 2 of Commercial Bay. Watch as your little one’s letter to Santa is whisked away, direct to the North Pole! And this year, with every letter sent, you’ll be entered to win one of three $1,000 Commercial Bay vouchers—just the thing to make your Christmas wishes come true.
Festive Weekend Market Carts
The Christmas cheer doesn’t stop there! Explore the weekend market carts showcasing the best seasonal goodies from local retailers. You’ll find everything from holiday treats to exclusive samples, making your shopping experience even more magical.
Harbour Holiday Eats
Indulge in a trip down memory lane with Harbour Holiday Eats’ limited-edition Christmas menu. Savor festive dishes and drinks that will transport you back to the warmth of childhood Christmases, all while enjoying the holiday buzz of Commercial Bay’s finest dining spots.
Christmas hours at Commercial Bay:
Please refer to www.commercialbay.co.nz for updated hours:
From Monday 9th December:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday 10am – 7pm
Thursday, Friday 10am – 8pm
Sunday 10am – 5pm
Wednesday 25th December CLOSED
Thursday 26th December & Friday 27th December 10am – 8pm
Saturday 28th December 10am – 7pm
Sunday 29th December 10am – 5pm
Monday 30th December 10am – 7pm
Tuesday 31st December 10am – 7pm
Wednesday 1st January – Saturday 4 th January 10am – 7pm
Sunday 5th January 10am – 5pm