Welcome to Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre
Dating back to 1877, The Arts Centre is a thriving community with a rich history
Located in Ōtautahi Christchurch, The Arts Centre is run by an independent charitable trust and comprises the largest collection of heritage buildings in the country. It is home to over 70 entities including galleries, museums, cinemas, boutique retailers, artisan eateries and bars, accommodation, engaging events, stunning venues and much more.
Festive Fun 2025
Make The Arts Centre your home for holiday cheer, with live performances, singalongs, workshops and a sleigh-load of Christmas magic for the whole whānau.
Find out moreSilverlocks Swing Christmas
Thursday 18 December 2025 Great Hall
Join your favourite Silverlockians as they bring swing and a smile to your lead up to Christmas.
Festive Fun 2025
Monday 1 December - Sunday 21 December Arts Centre wide
Make The Arts Centre your home for holiday cheer, with live performances, singalongs, workshops and a sleigh-load of Christmas magic for the whole whānau.
Voices Co. presents Carols In The Great Hall
Sunday 14 December 2025 Great Hall
A magical one-night Christmas concert in the Great Hall featuring Voices Co.’s stunning Pop A Cappella harmonies and festive favourites.
Carols around the Fireplace
Wednesday 10 & 17 December 2025 Great Hall
Gather around the piano for a nostalgic Christmas sing-along led by The Arts Centre’s Creative Director Chris Archer and vocalists Petrina Chisholm and Naomi Ferguson.
The Seekers Mākete
Every Saturday 10am - 4pm Market Square
Welcome to Seekers Mākete, a market where artisanal craft, gourmet street food & live entertainment comes together every Saturday!
Free
Paint an Ornament with Paint & Sip
Thursday 18 & Saturday 20 December 2025 Great Hall
Paint your very own unique Kiwiana ornament!
Suitable for adults and children ages 5+. (Caregiver required for under 12 years)
Silversmiths' Guild Annual Exhibition 2025
Tuesday 09 to Sunday 21 December 2025 First floor, Boys’ High
Discover something truly special for Christmas at the Silversmiths' Guild of Canterbury Art and Jewellery Exhibition and Sale.
Free
Joy in Miniature
Saturday 13 - Sunday 21 December 2025 Engineering
Hand-build and decorate mini Christmas ornaments and gifts in this creative porcelain workshop for ages 12–16. Each piece will be carefully fired after the workshop.
SCAPE Public Art Season 2025
Friday 7 November 2025 - Sunday 1 February 2026 South Quad
Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre is delighted to host five works by aspiring artists as part of SCAPE Public Art’s Season 2023.
Free
What's Here
New Zealand-made homewares and gifts.
Frances Nation is a store specialising in Aotearoa New Zealand-made homewares and gifts of quality craftsmanship, authenticity and longevity.