Events at Ballantynes

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!

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.

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.

When: Saturday 28 November - Two sessions, 10am & 12pm

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.

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.

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.

When: Thu 10 December, 10am and 12pm AND Tue 15 Dec 10am and 12pm

Need a little extra time to help Santa with your Christmas shopping? Or looking for a fun and creative holiday activity for your child? Join us for a magical Christmas Holiday Craft Workshop with Santa's Elves at Ballantynes.

While you enjoy up to 90 minutes of uninterrupted shopping, your child will be entertained by Santa's Elves and create a festive Christmas craft to take home and treasure.

We are delighted to partner with our friends at Crowntastic to bring a little extra Christmas magic to these sessions.

Your $50.00 ticket includes:

• 90 minutes of supervised festive fun
• Story Time with Santa's Elves
• A Christmas Wreath for your child’s door
• Making Personalised Christmas Cards
• All craft materials provided
• Lots of Festive Cheer!

Perfect for children who love to get creative and embrace the magic of Christmas.

Parents are welcome to stay during the workshop and no additional cost.

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

Terms & Conditions Apply - Please ensure you read the terms and conditions found here.

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.