How to Light Up Winter in Cromwell 🔥

Your step-by-step guide to midwinter magic including timeline, map & menu!

1. Lanterns

Lanterns are now sold out. There will be no sales on the night. For lantern-ticket holders, please ensure you bring along your QR code ticket, head over to one of two lantern token kiosks for staff to scan your ticket in exchange for lantern tokens (between 4-7pm - the earlier the better)…then join in the festivities. From 7.10pm make your way to the lantern release zone to exchange your token for a lantern, and be part of the breathtaking mass lantern release lighting up the Cromwell night sky.

Not a lantern-ticket holder? No problem - spectate and soak up the magic...it is unforgettable!

2. Bring Cash & Come Hungry

With two vibrant food zones offering an array of delicious street food, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and even fountain-side dining, there’s something to warm every belly. A true winter feast awaits! Check out the menu below. 

3. Face Painting & Family Fun

Tamariki will love the glowing goodies available for purchase, fun activities, and face painting to add extra sparkle to the night.

4. All Aboard! 🚂

Back by popular demand – Thomas the Train will be running on the Greenway Express! A treat for the little (and big) kids.

5. Glowing Hole-in-One

Give it a go - glowing golf like you’ve never seen it! 

6. Light Up Your Hat!

Last chance to enter the Light Up Your Hat Competition! Get creative, crafty and bright – but don’t forget to register online before the day to take part and be in to win.

7. Dress Warm (and sparkly)

It’s a Central Otago winter’s night, so rug up in layers, woollen layers would be our top tip! Add fairy lights, glow gear, or a touch of sparkle to light up the night in style.

8. Escape to the Crystal Palace In need of a little warmth? The Crystal Palace offers a cosy reprieve – relax, regroup, and recharge before heading back into the magic.

9. Get Your Groove On

Live performances throughout the night will bring the vibes – enjoy the energy, soak up the sounds, and let the night move you.

10. Whimsical Magic, Aerial Acts, Fire Dancers & More

Be captivated by whimsical, mesmerising, and illuminating entertainers roaming the night – from glowing characters to the spellbinding spectacle of fire dancers lighting up the dark.

11. Celebrate Connection & Community 

Meet fellow locals and visitors, share in beautiful connections, make new friends, spot old ones – and celebrate the warmth and spirit of Cromwell.

12. Share the Glow

Don’t forget to tag your magical moments with#LightUpWinter and help brighten up everyone’s feed.

✨ That’s how you Light Up Winter in Cromwell – a celebration of connection, colour, and community under a glowing winter sky. See you there!

Light Up Winter 2025 Timeline

Light Up Winter 2025 Map