Warm Up Your Winter this August at the Whakatū Winter Festival – A New Celebration for Nelson

Nelson City Council is excited to announce the Whakatū Winter Festival, a brand-new celebration bringing warmth, light, and community spirit to the heart of the city this winter.

Running from Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 August 2025, the indoor artificial ice skating rink returns to the city, additionally on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 August the city centre will come alive with:

• Live music and cultural performances across two stages
• A night market filled with street food
• A family-friendly silent disco in the Moochi retail space
• The Toi Koru exhibition at Nelson Provincial Museum Pupuri Taonga o Te Tai Ao (extended opening hours)
• Roving performers

Festivalgoers can also enjoy:

• Ice skating sessions from 20–24 August in a fully covered, upper-level car park space in Morrison Square
• Tickets for ice skating must be purchased prior and are on sale now.

The Whakatū Winter Festival is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates Nelson’s creativity, diversity, and community connection – encouraging locals and visitors alike to head into the city and experience it in a new light.

The event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

For skating bookings and full event details, visit: Website
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