Events at Ballantynes

For more than 170 years, Ballantynes has been the place where the local community come together. Our events keep that tradition going. Meet the people behind the brands, watch the new season come to life and learn something from the experts.



Sat 7 Nov · Christchurch

The Ultimate Christmas Shopping Day

Get your Christmas shopping sorted early and celebrate the launch of our Christmas Magazine. Offers, tastings and prizes.

Full details

When: Saturday 7 November, 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 Saturday 7th of November.

This year, spend $150 or more in a single transaction*, you receive a chance to:

  • Go in the draw to win one of 7 prizes worth over the value of $500 (drawn every hour), including brands such as R.M. Williams, Status Anxiety, Topshop, KitchenAid and many more.
  • Automatically go in the draw to win the grand prize of a $1000 Ballantynes Gift Card (drawn at the end of the day).

Additionally

  • In Ladies Fashions and Atrium, spend over $150 and receive a Goodie Bag.
  • In Ladies Fashions and Atrium, spend over $299 or more and receive a Luxe Goodie Bag.
  • Customers spending over $150 in Pantry (excluding alcohol) go into the draw to win a Family Edit Hamper.

RSVP today to be part of the Ultimate Christmas Shopping Day of the year!

Bookings open

Santa’s Pet Grotto 2026

Merry Woof’mas! Bring your beloved furry friends to a magical Christmas experience at our Santa Paws Pet Grotto.

Full details

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.

Please see our FAQ page if you have any other questions or concerns.

Selling quickly

Santa’s Grotto 2026

Experience the magic of a Ballantynes Christmas, with a meet-and-greet with Santa, a framed 5x7 portrait and digital downloads.

Full details

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

  • A magical meet-and-greet with Santa
  • A photo sleeve framed 5x7 portrait photo
  • 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.
  • By selecting and paying for your ticket, you confirm that you have read and understood our booking Terms and Conditions. Our detailed terms and conditions can be found here.
  • 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.
  • 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 concerns.


Sat 21 Nov · 11am to 12pm

Christmas Windows Opening

Be among the first to see the 2026 Christchurch Christmas Windows unveiled, with Santa, festive cheer and a dress-up competition.

Full details

When: Saturday 21 November, 11am to 12pm

Join us for the enchanting opening of the 2026 Christchurch Christmas Windows and be among the first to experience the wonder of this beloved festive tradition.

Gather with family and friends for a morning of delightful entertainment, festive cheer, and joyful anticipation as we count down to the grand unveiling of our magical Christmas windows.

We’re also proud to continue our support of Cholmondeley Children’s Centre. Enjoy some festive offerings, with gold coin donations warmly welcomed. Every contribution will help support the incredible work Cholmondeley does for children and families in our community.

No Christmas celebration would be complete without a special appearance from Santa Claus, who will be joining us to share in the excitement and Christmas spirit.

Children are invited to dress up in their favourite festive attire and take part in our Christmas dress-up competition, with wonderful prizes waiting to be won.

We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to this magical Christmas celebration. See you there!

Sat 28 Nov · 10AM

Creative Christmas Gift Wrapping

A joyful, hands-on wrapping workshop. Learn beautiful bows, ribbons and clever folding techniques, then take home plenty of inspiration.

Full details

When: Saturday 28 November

Add a little extra magic to your Christmas gifts at this joyful, hands-on wrapping workshop with Monica. Discover charming ways to dress your presents with beautiful bows, ribbons and clever folding techniques, then take home plenty of inspiration to make every gift feel truly special.

Your $49 ticket includes

  • A 200g box of Queen Anne Chocolate Fish Selection to wrap and gift to someone.
  • Your choice of barista coffee or speciality tea, accompanied by delicious Christmas inspired treats.
  • 3 meters of Ballantynes Wrapping Paper to take home with you.

With places limited, gather a little festive inspiration, enjoy a delicious refreshment and leave ready to make your Christmas presents shine. Book early to join us!

This workshop is aimed at adults and not suitable to our younger crafters.

Wed 2 Dec · 7.30 to 9.30AM

Christmas Shopping Breakfast

An exclusive early-morning shopping experience, with breakfast at Kin Bistro and access to the store before it opens to the public.

Full details

When: Wednesday 2 December, 7:30 to 9am

Start your festive season with a little Christmas magic and enjoy an exclusive early-morning shopping experience at Ballantynes. Join us for a relaxed and inspiring Christmas Shopping Breakfast, where delicious food and thoughtful gifting ideas come together to make your Christmas shopping effortless. Begin your morning at Kin Bistro with a beautifully prepared breakfast and your choice of a barista-made coffee or specialty tea. Then, enjoy exclusive access to the store from 8.00am to 9.30am, before we open to the public.

With specialists available throughout the store, you’ll receive expert advice and personalised gift suggestions, helping you find the perfect presents for everyone on your Christmas list. Enjoy browsing at your own pace, free from the usual crowds, and discover plenty of festive inspiration along the way.

Your $67 experience includes

  • Exclusive early access shopping before the store opens
  • Delicious breakfast at Kin Bistro
  • Barista-made coffee or specialty tea
  • Dedicated specialists available across departments
  • FREE local delivery on purchases made during the event
  • A calm, relaxed shopping environment with fewer crowds

With limited tickets, this exclusive event offers the perfect opportunity to shop comfortably and get ahead of the festive rush. As a special one-off experience, we expect tickets to sell quickly.

Gather your Christmas gift list, invite a friend, and join us for a memorable festive morning at Ballantynes.


Sat 5 Dec · 10am and 12pm

Christmas Wreath Workshop

Create a beautiful centrepiece for your front door, guided by Monica our florist, and add a personal touch to your festive season.

Full details

When: Saturday 5 December, 10am and 12pm

Join Monica, our florist, for a wonderfully festive Christmas wreath-making workshop. Create a beautiful centrepiece for your front door and add a personal touch to your festive season. Relax, get creative, and add your own personal style in this welcoming, hands-on workshop.

Monica will guide you through each step, helping you bring your ideas to life and create a wreath you’ll be proud to take home.

Your $125 ticket experience includes

  • Expert guidance throughout the workshop
  • A wreath base, battery operated LED lights and all other materials required
  • Barista made coffee or speciality tea
  • A delicious selection of Christmas-inspired treats
  • Your finished wreath to take home and hang with pride

Places are limited, so book early and enjoy a joyful, creative start to the festive season.

This workshop is aimed at adults and not suitable to our younger crafters.

Sat 7 Nov · 11 to 11:45am

Discover the World of Colour Analysis

A group workshop on seasonal colour analysis. Find the shades that suit you, and go in the draw for a 1:1 appointment with Leigh.

Full details

When: Saturday 7 November, 11 to 11:45am

Whether you’ve ever questioned why some outfits feel effortlessly right or felt like something was missing from your wardrobe, a colour analysis could be the answer.

Join Stylist Leigh for an engaging group workshop exploring the fascinating world of seasonal colour analysis.

In this informative session, you will learn about the four colour seasons, discover the characteristics of each palette, and gain practical tips for identifying the shades that best complement different features, skin tones and colouring. Leigh will demonstrate how colour can influence the way clothing looks and feels, helping you make more confident wardrobe choices in the future.

Whether you’re refreshing your style, building a more versatile wardrobe, or simply curious about colour analysis, this interactive group presentation is designed to inspire and educate.

Plus, every ticket purchased goes into the draw to win a personal 1:1 Colour Analysis Appointment with Leigh.

With only 20 seats available, secure your place early to enjoy the best view in the house.

*Please note that ticket purchases are non-refundable within seven days of the event. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sat 7 Nov · 12 to 1pm

Christmas Tablescape Styling

A practical masterclass on styling your home for the festive season, with simple techniques for a welcoming Christmas table.

Full details

When: Saturday 7 November, 12 to 1pm

Transform your home this Christmas.

Join Katy, Owner and Lead Designer at Feather & Oak Interiors Rangiora, for an inspiring and practical masterclass where you’ll learn how to style your home beautifully for the festive season.

Drawing on her passion for creating homes that are both timeless and fresh, Katy will share simple, achievable styling techniques that will help you create a tablescape that feels welcoming, relaxing, and full of Christmas charm.

Whether you’re refreshing your existing decorations or starting from scratch, you’ll leave with ideas and confidence to transform your home this Christmas.

Spaces are limited, so book now to secure your place.

Your Christmas styling will never be the same again.

Sun 8 Nov · 1 to 1.30PM

Step into Style with Leigh

Book a 1:1 session with visiting stylist Leigh. Walk away feeling fabulous and fashion ready.

Full details

When: Sunday 8 November

Style in 30 minutes with Leigh

Book your 1:1 session with our visiting stylist Leigh for just $95.

We are happy to shape your session as you wish. Some popular choices are:

  • Special Event or Cup Day Styling: get outfit-ready for your next big event or celebration
  • Express Colour Analysis: discover your best colours to shop with confidence
  • Seasonal Style Update: explore the latest seasonal looks and learn how to adapt them to your lifestyle, budget, and personal style

Walk away feeling fabulous and fashion ready! With limited spots, we recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment.

About Leigh

Many of you will remember Leigh as a beloved member of the Ballantynes team for many years. While Leigh is no longer part of our permanent team, we are delighted that she will continue to visit Ballantynes from time to time as a guest stylist, bringing her signature warmth, expertise, and passion for empowering women to feel confident in how they present themselves.

Please note

  • We are unable to offer ticket refunds within one week of the event.
  • To ensure the best experience and so that we can focus fully on you, these consultations are for individual attendees only. For group bookings, please book multiple slots.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Sat 19 Dec · 10 to 11:30am

Create a Modern Christmas Table Centre Piece

A relaxed, hands-on workshop with Monica, our florist. Make a festive centrepiece to take home. No experience needed.

Full details

When: Saturday 19 December, 10 to 11:30am

Celebrate the festive season with a relaxed, hands-on workshop hosted by Monica, our florist. Discover how to combine seasonal foliage, texture and contemporary styling as you create a beautiful Christmas centrepiece designed to take pride of place on your table.

Your $110 ticket includes

  • Expert guidance throughout the workshop
  • A centrepiece base, pillar candle and all other materials required
  • Your choice of barista-made coffee or speciality tea
  • A delicious selection of Christmas-inspired treats
  • Your finished centrepiece to take home and enjoy

No floristry experience is required. This welcoming workshop is suitable for every level of creativity. Designed for adults, places are limited to keep the experience personal and inspiring.

Reserve your place and create something beautifully festive for your Christmas table.