Matt Chisholm to MC 10-Year Milestone of Light Up Winter in Cromwell – A Celebration of Community, Connection and Winter Magic

As Light Up Winter prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the Cromwell & Districts Promotion Group is delighted to announce that Central Otago local and former television personality Matt Chisholm will join this year’s event as MC.

Since its inception, Light Up Winter in Cromwell has grown into one of Central Otago’s most loved community events, bringing together locals and visitors to celebrate the heart of winter through entertainment, creativity, connection and the iconic lantern release.

Now entering its tenth year, organisers are looking forward to celebrating this significant milestone with the community that has supported the event since day one.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Matt to Light Up Winter as we celebrate this special milestone,” says Tanya Dennis of the Cromwell & Districts Promotion Group.

“Matt’s genuine connection to Central Otago, his warmth, humour and ability to engage people of all ages make him a wonderful fit for our event. Light Up Winter has always been about bringing people together, and we know he’ll help make our 10th anniversary celebration even more memorable.”

Having called Central Otago home for several years, Matt says saying yes to the opportunity was an easy decision. “I said yes because life is always more exciting when you say yes rather than no. It just felt like something special to be part of.”

Matt says he’s especially looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere on the night. “What I’m looking forward to most is seeing the delight on the kids’ faces. The kids’ faces are the best part, they remind you of the importance of wonder and how we should never stop seeing the world that way.”

When asked about community life in Central Otago, Matt reflects on what the region means to him and his family.

“Our family came home to Otago for community and connection. You can’t buy that, and we have it in spades here in heartland Central Otago.”

This year’s event will once again feature live entertainment, food vendors, family activities, the popular Light Up Your Hat competition and the much-anticipated lantern release, amongst more yet to be announced. The Cromwell & Districts Promotion Group invites the community and out-of-town visitors to join them in celebrating ten years of winter magic in Cromwell.

Light Up Winter Cromwell – Saturday 1 August 2026 – Anderson Park Rose Garden, Cromwell

For event updates and lantern sales information, visit www.lightupwinter.co.nz.