about

The Bay’s biggest FREE Christmas party “A Night Before Christmas” returns in 2018 to celebrate 22 years of Christmas joy in our very own Bethlehem.

Over 13,000 people will come together to enjoy a festive variety of live music, entertainment, dance, Carols by Candlelight, and a massive fireworks display as this year’s event looks set to be another stunner – and as always, totally FREE!

Bring a picnic dinner, grab a bite from our amazing food trucks, have a photo with The Travelling Photo Booth, or maybe a selfie with one of our roving Christmas characters, and enjoy the picturesque grounds of the Bethlehem College Sports Fields.

A Night Before Christmas will feature a heap of amazing entertainers performing all the Christmas classics that are sure to get you singing and dancing along. With a variety of locally and nationally recognised performers, there’s sure to be something to get everyone into the festive spirit.

Hosted by well-known television personality, Petra Bagust, A Night Before Christmas will also feature fantastic giveaways from The Bethlehem Town Centre

You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to gather with friends, family, work-mates and neighbours to celebrate the magic of Christmas under the star-studded skies of New Zealand’s very own Bethlehem, the Home of Christmas.

If it is a wet night, we are moving it to Sunday 23^rd December.

Visit A Night Before Christmas on Facebook to keep up to date.

SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER

GATES OPEN 5PM

Bethlehem College Sports Field

Elder Lane, Bethlehem, Tauranga

Entertainment
Hosted by Will Johnston and Petra Bagust, there will be an amazing variety of entertainment including the fantastic Party Band – Nathan King & Twin Cities, Georgia Lines, Rise Dance, Stage Right Musical Theatre, Felicity Tomkins, Revolution Radio Band – and many more. The Travelling Photo Booth and Circus in a Flash will be there too.

Kids Zone 5.30-7.30pm

For children up to Primary aged – there’ll be Face-painting, a Petting Zoo, Bouncy Castles and roving entertainment.
Parking
There is plenty of parking onsite at Bethlehem College (Elder Lane, off Moffat Road) and in surrounding streets. We recommend carpooling to reduce the number of cars onsite.
Mobility and Disabilities
We have mobility parking available close to the event site for those who require it. The event site is wheelchair friendly, however as the event does take place on a grass field access may be difficult for some wheelchair users. Our portaloos also include some that are wheelchair friendly.
Fireworks
We will close the event with an impressive fireworks display to illuminate the Bethlehem skies, but we know our furry friends don’t love fireworks as much as we do. If you live in the area and have pets please keep them inside between 9:20pm – 9:45pm on Saturday 22nd December.
Timings
Gates will open at 5pm with the first half starting at 5:15pm. The second half will start at 6:30pm and will conclude with an impressive fireworks display at approximately 9:40pm.
Food and Beverage
You are welcome to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy with your friends and family, however alcohol is not permitted. We also have an excellent selection of food vendors onsite selling a great range of hot food, snacks, desserts, and hot drinks.
Waste and Recycling
We are working to be tidy kiwis and divert as much waste away from landfill as possible. We will have waste and recycling stations around the whole event site and an awesome team letting you know what can and can’t be recycled or composted. We encourage our attendees to bring food in reusable containers to avoid generating unnecessary waste.
Wet Weather
If weather prevents A Night Before Christmas from going ahead, it will be postponed until Sunday 23^rd December. If the event is still unable to be held on Sunday, then it will be cancelled. Check the A Night Before Christmas Facebook page and listen to The Hits 95.0 FM for any postponement details.
Donations
Entry to A Night Before Christmas is free, however we do take a collection at the event for Good Neighbour Trust to show our support for the great work they do in our communities.

faq

How much does it cost?

A Night Before Christmas is free to enjoy!

Is this event suitable for all ages?

Absolutely! There’s something for everyone to enjoy at A Night Before Christmas.

Is there cash out available?

Yes, there is a cash out facility onsite.

Is it cold at Bethlehem College?

It will get cold once the sun goes down. We suggest bringing a jacket to keep warm.

Can I buy/bring alcohol onsite?

No. A Night Before Christmas is an alcohol-free event, along with Bethlehem College being an alcohol-free campus. Leave the booze at home!

Can I bring my dog/pet?

No. The large crowds and fireworks makes this event unsuitable for pets.

Can I smoke at A Night Before Christmas?

Bethlehem College is a smoke-free site and as such smoking is not permitted at A Night Before Christmas.

How can I get to the event if I don’t have a car?

We suggest carpooling with friends or family. Otherwise Bethlehem College is within walking distance from Bethlehem Town Center and surrounding suburbs. Check www.baybus.co.nz for public transport options.

What can I bring?