.png)
ABOUT
Light up Winter
SATURDAY, 2ND AUGUST 2025
4pm-8.30pm
ANDERSON PARK ROSE GARDEN
Step into a whimsical woodland at this year’s Light Up Winter.
A magical cascade of lights will transform The Anderson Park Rose Garden into a realm of
enchantment and wonder.
Be mesmerized by illuminating fairies and street performers, revel in the joyous atmosphere with live music and captivating performances. Wander through the Street Food Alleys brimming with a diverse range of delicious local flavours to appease every palate.
Sparkle up with face-painting, and hop on board the ever popular Thomas The Tank Engine on the greenway express lane. Escape from the winter chill, and head to the Crystal Pavilion with local mulled wine or warming hot chocolate in hand, the perfect way to soak up the festive vibe of local performers stage-side.
Take in the creative spirit of the Light Up Your Hat competition, as the evening culminates with the ever magical mass lantern release.
Lantern ticket details coming soon...stay tuned!
With gold coin entry, join us in Cromwell, where the heart of winter beats with the warmth of community and the magic of light.
Be mesmerised by the sight of hundreds of lanterns silently drifting up into the night sky, where the heart of winter beats with the warmth of community and the magic of light. The spectacular lantern release is the finale event of the night and not to be missed.
Our lanterns are flame retardant, completely biodegradable, and free from any wire that could harm wildlife.
Please note that a limited number of lanterns will be released on the night with details of how to purchase these, coming soon.
GET CREATIVE
Light up your hat
The iconic Light Up Your Hat competition is a fun and creative event where participants of all ages are encouraged to design and decorate their hats with lights to showcase their unique style and creativity.
It’s a wonderful way to connect as a community and celebrate individuality through wearable art, with the on-stage parade a true highlight!
NEW for 2025, we’re introducing a Corporate Category—a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to get involved, show off their creative flair, and enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry with others in similar industries. It’s all about team spirit, community pride, and of course, a little competitive sparkle!
Join the fun and let your hat shine bright in this dazzling event—with the chance to win an exciting line-up of prizes.
LIVE MUSIC
Adding to the vibrancy of this year’s event, the charming Fine Thyme Belles kick start the on-stage performances, followed by local youth acts 45 South, Mistep and ReSounding, to get you moving and grooving.
ROVING PERFORMERS
Glowing fairies, towering stilt walkers and flame dancers will mesmerise the crowds whilst the roving magical clown guarantees to delight visitors of all ages.
THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE
Little ones seeking an adventure, hop on board Thomas The Tank Engine on the greenway express lane.
FACE PAINTING
Sparkle up the night and shine bright.
-
Is there an entry fee?Our gold coin collectors will be at entrances to collect your much appreciated gold coins.
-
How do I purchase a lantern?A limited number of lanterns will be available for release on the night. In line with our Health & Safety guidelines, please note that anyone purchasing a lantern is required to agree to our Terms & Conditions. Details of how to purchase your lantern will be coming soon.
-
What are the lantern purchase terms & conditions?Details coming soon.
-
Will lanterns be available for purchase at the event?Details coming soon.
-
What is the price of a lantern?Details coming soon.
-
What are lanterns made of?Lanterns are flame resistant, environmentally friendly and contain no wires that may be harmful to wildlife. Please note that we will not allow any other lanterns to be released at the event.
-
Where do I collect my purchased lantern?Details coming soon.
-
What time does the lantern release take place?7.30pm; or as otherwise announced by the event organisers.
-
Can I bring my dog?We ask that you leave your furry friends at home as they may be distressing to some of our younger visitors; or themselves become distressed by the activity.
-
No smoking, no vaping please.For the benefit of our tamariki, we ask that you do not smoke or vape within the event grounds.
-
Will there be food available?We will have a number of food vendors available on the night. Feel free to dine around the fountain; or if preferred you may want to bring picnic chairs & blankets and make the most of the grounds.
-
Where can I park?The Anderson Park Rose Garden is centrally located with a number of public carparks in close proximity to the event. This excludes the Anderson Park playground car park which will be closed to the public and incorporated into the event set-up. Please note that the venue has no steps with a number of pathways, making it accessible for all event users. In the lead up to the event, a map will become available on our website, to highlight the event layout for ease of navigation. Where possible, given the extensive greenways leading to the park grounds, we encourage families and friends to leave their wheels behind, and come on foot!
-
No BYO please.Light Up Winter is a family friendly event, and we would like everyone to be safe and happy. There will be mulled wine on sale to help bannish the winter chill.
-
Keep CupsTo minimise our environmental impact, we will once again have Light Up Winter cups available for purchase at our mulled wine stall.
-
What should I wear?Dress to the conditions. Warm winter boots or shoes, and woollen layers would be our top tip! Light Up Winter branded beanies will be available for purchase, whilst stocks last.
-
How do I get involved?As an individual, you may wish to get involved by volunteering your time. For businesses, you may wish to enquire about sponsorship by emailing communications@cromwell.org.nz to find out more.