TSB Festival of Lights New Plymouth 2025: Dates & Times
There’s something quietly magical about a Victorian park that glows after dusk — and for five weeks every summer, Pukekura Park in New Plymouth becomes exactly that. The TSB Festival of Lights transforms a botanical garden into New Zealand’s biggest free light festival, drawing locals and visitors alike to wander illuminated paths, catch live music, and soak in the atmosphere without spending a cent.
Duration: Mid-December to late January ·
Daily Hours: 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM ·
Location: Pukekura Park, New Plymouth ·
Cost: Free admission
Quick snapshot
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- Free entry for all visitors (New Plymouth District Council, event organiser)
- Lights are on nightly from 8:30pm to 11pm (NPDC)
- Location: Pukekura Park, New Plymouth city centre (TSB Festival of Lights official site)
- 36 nights of entertainment across 70+ events (NPDC)
- Exact dates for the 2026–27 summer edition (Eventfinda, NZ event listings)
- Full artist lineup for the 2025–26 programme (headline acts confirmed, but nightly schedule pending) (Eventfinda, NZ event listings)
- Whether the Winter Pop-Up will return in 2026 (only June 2025 dates confirmed so far) (Eventfinda, NZ event listings)
- Summer 2025–26 runs 20 Dec 2025 – 24 Jan 2026 (NPDC)
- Winter Pop-Up held 19–22 June 2025 (Eventfinda)
- Summer 2026–27 dates likely announced mid-2026 (NPDC)
- Free event programmes available from December 2025 (NPDC)
- Headline acts include Racing, Caravãna Sun, Lost Tribe Aotearoa (NPDC)
- Powered by 100% renewable electricity in 2025 (NPDC)
Seven key details about the 2025–26 TSB Festival of Lights Festival, sourced directly from the organiser and official listings:
| Detail | Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | ||
| Name | TSB Festival of Lights | |
| Location | Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, New Zealand | |
| Dates | Dates | Mid-December to late January (annual) |
| Hours | 8:30pm – 11pm nightly | |
| Cost | Free | |
| Organiser | New Plymouth District Council (in partnership with TSB) | |
| Winter Pop-Up | June 19-22, 2025 (Matariki weekend) |
The festival has evolved from a local Christmas lights display into a national fixture. Key recent editions:
| Edition | Dates | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2024–25 | td> | 20 Dec 2024 – 24 Jan 2025 | Based on TSB Festival of Lights Facebook page |
| Winter Pop-Up 2025 | 19–22 Jun 2025 | Matariki weekend (Eventfinda) | |
| Summer 2025–26 | 20 Dec 2025 – 24 Jan 2026 | Confirmed by NPDC |
The festival’s growth from a local Christmas display to a national event reflects the sustained community support and council investment.
What time does the Festival of Lights turn on?
The festival runs nightly from to , according to the New Plymouth District Council (local government organiser).
What are the exact start and end times?
- Lights switch on daily at 8:30pm sharp (TSB Festival of Lights official site)
- The display ends at 11:00pm each night
Is the schedule the same every night?
- Yes, hours are consistent across the entire 36-night run (Eventfinda, NZ event directory)
- Winter Pop-Up hours may differ; check official programme closer to date
Bottom line: The TSB Festival of Lights turns on at 8:30pm and runs until 11pm every night of its summer season. First-time visitors should arrive by 8:15pm to catch the opening glow. Regulars know the park is busiest between 9pm and 10pm on weekends.
The timing consistency across the season simplifies planning: visitors can rely on the same schedule every night, with no late-season changes.
Where is the New Plymouth Light Festival?
The festival is held at Pukekura Park, a Victorian-era botanical garden in central New Plymouth garden (Wikipedia).
Which park hosts the festival?
- Pukekura Park, the city’s main green space, is the sole venue (official festival site)
- The park features a lake, fernery, and band rotunda — all lit up during the festival
What is the address?
- Pukekura Park, Liardet Street, New Plymouth 4310
- Located a short walk from the waterfront and city centre (see NPDC park page)
Bottom line: Pukekura Park is the fixed home of the TSB Festival of Lights, and its central location means most visitors can walk from downtown accommodation. For drivers, the catch is limited on-street parking; the council recommends using the free shuttle or walking from outlying car parks.
The central location reduces reliance on cars for most visitors, making the festival accessible even without parking arrangements.
What date does the Festival of Lights end?
The 2025–26 summer edition runs from Saturday 20 December 2025 to to Saturday 24 January 2026, confirmed by the New Plymouth District Council (event organiser).
When does the summer edition end?
- 24 January 2026 is the final night (Eventfinda)
- The festival runs for 36 consecutive nights (Taranaki Media, regional outlet)
Are there any winter dates?
- A Winter Pop-Up edition ran 19–22 June 2025 for Matariki (Eventfinda)
- No future winter edition has been confirmed beyond 2025
The 2025–26 edition is the longest on record at 36 nights. For families planning a summer holiday, the final week (17–24 January) often sees lighter crowds after school holidays end — a trade-off between fewer people and fewer special events.
The fixed end date on January 24 helps families plan their summer holidays, with the final week offering a quieter experience after school holidays conclude.
Is the New Plymouth Festival of Lights free?
Yes — and that’s the whole point. The TSB Festival of Lights is deliberately free to maximise access for locals and visitors alike. The council covers costs through sponsorship and public funding, meaning your only expense is transport and whatever you buy from food stalls.
Is there any cost to attend?
- Entry is entirely free for all visitors (NPDC, official site)
- No ticket or booking required for general entry
Are there paid activities?
- Some special events (e.g., ticketed concerts) may carry a fee, but the main light display and park access remain free
- Food and drink vendors operate within the park at market prices
The policy of free admission removes cost as a barrier, ensuring the festival remains a genuinely community-focused event.
What is the programme for the Festival of Lights New Plymouth?
The 2025–26 programme includes over 70 events across 36 nights, headlined by New Zealand and Australian acts. NPDC’s announcement lists following confirmed artists:
What types of light installations are featured?
- Light sculptures, projection mapping, and illuminated garden displays throughout the 52-hectare park
- Themed zones including the lake precinct, fernery, and band rotunda
Are there live performances?
- Opening night: Kiwi rock band Racing + local act People of the Sun (NPDC)
- Headline acts across the season: Caravãna Sun, < /strong>Lost Tribe Aotearoa, Mazbou Q, and Flamingo Pier
What is the winter pop-up programme?
- The June 2025 Winter Pop-Up featured a smaller version of the lights at Pukekura Park plus events in the CBD (Eventfinda)
- More details pending for future winter editions
With over 70 events and headliners as diverse as Racing and Caravãna Sun, the programme offers substantial entertainment value for a zero-cost admission.
Timeline
The festival has evolved from a local Christmas lights display into a national fixture. Key recent editions:
| Edition | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2024–25 | 20 Dec 2024 – 24 Jan 2025 | Based on TSB Festival of Lights Facebook page |
| Winter Pop-Up 2025 | 19–22 Jun 2025 | Matariki weekend (Eventfinda) |
| Summer 2025–26 | 20 Dec 2025 – 24 Jan 2026 | Confirmed by NPDC |
The festival’s growth from a local Christmas display to a national event reflects the sustained community support and council investment.
What’s confirmed and what’s not
We’ve separated the reliable facts from the open questions to help you plan with confidence.
Confirmed facts
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- Free entry (multiple tier-1 sources)
- Location: Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
- Hours: 8:30pm – 11pm nightly
- Dates: 20 Dec 2025 – 24 Jan 2026
- 36 nights with 70+ events
- 100% renewable electricity for the 2025 edition
- Free programmes available at local i-SITEs and libraries
What’s unclear
- Exact dates for the 2026–27 summer edition
- Full nightly schedule of performers (only headline acts confirmed)
- Whether the Winter Pop-Up will become an annual fixture
- Detailed accessibility map for wheelchairs and mobility scooters
- Weather contingency plans (the park remains open in rain, but some installations may be turned off)
The confirmed facts provide a reliable basis for planning, while the open questions highlight areas where the festival is evolving and information is still pending.
Quotes from the organisers
“Five weeks of free art, nature, music, and good vibes.” “.
“The festival is set to shine bright this summer with 36 nights of free entertainment.”
— New Plymouth District Council, event organiser
These official statements reinforce the festival’s core promise of free, inclusive entertainment that blends nature, art, and music.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Festival of Lights Winter Pop-Up?
A smaller version of the festival held over Matariki weekend in June, featuring light displays and CB events. The 2025 edition ran 19–22 June but no future dates are confirmed.
Are there food and drink stalls at the festival?
Yes, a range of food vendors operate within the park each night. Options typically include coffee, ice cream, burgers, and international cuisine. Prices are market rate.
Is the festival accessible for wheelchairs?
Pukekura Park has sealed main paths suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. However, some garden areas have uneven terrain. The council provides a map at the entrance and online.
Can I park near Pukekura Park?
Limited street parking is available on Liardet Street and nearby streets. The council recommends using the free hop-on hop-off shuttle service from the city centre and the racecourse car park on race nights.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are not permitted inside Pukekura Park during the festival period, except for registered assistance animals. Service dogs are welcome.
How can I get the latest programme updates?
Check the official website festivaloflights.nz, follow the TSB Festival of Lights Facebook page, or pick up a free programme from the New Plymouth i-SITE or library.
The FAQs address common practical concerns, making it easier for first-time visitors to navigate the event.
Related reading
- Taupo to New Plymouth — travel guide for visitors attending the festival
- When Is Crate Day 2025? — another key NZ event date for planning your summer
These related articles offer additional context for travellers combining a visit to the festival with other New Zealand summer activities.
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