Christmas Events at Ballantynes
2025 Santa's Grotto Sessions
Experience the magic of a Ballantynes Christmas.
Add a little joy to the festive season with a visit to Santa’s enchanting grotto! Santa and his cheerful helpers have been working hard all year to sprinkle magic and Christmas cheer just for you.
What’s Included:
1) A magical meet-and-greet with Santa
2) A photo sleeve framed 5x7 portrait photo
3) Digital downloads to share the memories
Important Details:
- Grotto visits are by reservation only. We will not be able to accommodate walk-in visits.
- Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid missing out!
- Maximum of 8 people per session.
*Terms and conditions : To amend or reschedule your booking please cancel the original booking and then rebook a new suitable time. Any new bookings will be strictly dependent on availability. Please see our FAQ page if you have any other questions or concern: https://www.ballantynes.co.nz/grotto-faq.html
Click the appropriate image to choose your desired session and time.
Santa Pet Grotto
Merry Woof’mas!
Bring your beloved furry friends to a magical Christmas experience at our Santa Paws Pet Grotto!
What’s Included:
- A magical meet-and-greet with Santa
- A photo sleeve framed 5x7 portrait photo
- Digital downloads to share the memories
- A delicious Christmas treat for your pet
Important Details:
- The photo sessions will take place just inside our Lichfield Street entrance (43 Lichfield St). Please wait outside with your furry friend, and our team will bring you in when it’s your turn.
- Please arrive 5 minutes early to keep everything running smoothly. We’ll do our best to accommodate late arrivals, but we can’t guarantee your spot if you’re late.
*Terms and conditions : To amend or reschedule your booking please cancel the original booking and then rebook a new suitable time. Any new bookings will be strictly dependent on availability.
Christmas Window Opening
Come and enjoy the festive fun as we reveal our 2025 Christmas Windows!
Christchurch
When: Saturday, 22nd November 11am - 12PM
Timaru
When: Saturday, 8th November, 2-2:45pm
The Ultimate Christmas Shopping Day - Christchurch
Get your Christmas Shopping sorted early this year and join us as we celebrate the launch of our Christmas Magazine with the Ultimate Christmas Shopping Day! Enjoy a day filled with Christmas inspiration, tastings, demonstrations and exclusive offers in our Christchurch store on the 8th of November.
Make sure you have a look at some of our wonderful events that take place during the day - including workshops that shows you all the tricks and tips to decorate your Christmas tree here.
Plus, be one of the first 350 customers to spend $200 or more in-store and present your receipt at the gifting tree to receive an Exclusive Gift (T&Cs apply).
RSVP to secure your spot now!
Morning with Santa
Santa is making a special trip to Ballantynes alongside Mrs. Claus and some of Santa's helpers to bring you an interactive morning of fun and excitement before he gets too busy!
Join the Christmas crew for some song and dance, magical Christmas stories and festive crafts!
Ticket price is $60 per child. Spaces for this special event are strictly limited. We hope to see you there.
Christmas Wreath Workshop - For adults
Join Mateo, our in-house Florist for a festive hands-on floral workshop. Create a beautiful Christmas wreath for your front door or to add to your decorations for your home.
Participants can take home what they make.
Your booking fee of $120 per person includes a glass of festive bubbles and some delicious afternoon tea.
Whilst open to any age, this workshop is not designed for our Junior Customers.
Christmas Centrepiece Arrangement Workshop
Timed to ensure you can take your creation home and be ready for Christmas day enterataining.
Join our in-house Florist Mateo, as he guides you on creating a beautiful festive centrepiece for the dining or hall table
A hands-on workshop, with limited spaces with a booking fee of $150 includes morning tea and a glass of festive bubbles.
Book now to avoid disappointment.
*Note the picture used to advertise this event is a guide only, flowers will be dependent on market availability.
Other events at Ballantynes
Express Colour Analysis with in-house stylist Leigh
Join our talented in-house stylist, Leigh, for an Express Colour Analysis Service.
In a short 30-minute session, you’ll gain insight into the colours that best complement your complexion, undertone, and overall style. Walk away with a clearer understanding of your seasonal colour category, perfect for refreshing your wardrobe and look for the season ahead.
Your Express Colour Package ticket of $95 includes:
- A focused session to uncover your unique undertone, seasonal colour palette, and your best shades.
- A take-home express colour guide to enhance your shopping and styling choices.