The Best Halloween Events in Christchurch (that won’t actually scar your kids for life)
By Kate @christchurchwithkids
Remember when Halloween in New Zealand meant maybe three kids knocking on your door in a plastic mask from The Warehouse and a packet of Fruit Bursts to give out? Yeah, same. But now it’s like we’ve stepped straight into an American Goosebumps book - spooky events, themed markets, a haunted mansion, gourmet Halloween treats and trick-or-treat trails. Christchurch has gone all in, and honestly, we’re here for it. Because Halloween isn’t just for the kids anymore - it’s our chance to relive the glory days, minus the sugar crash and plus a flat white (or maybe a witch’s brew cocktail).
1. Halloween Spooktacular at The Arts Centre
📍The Arts Centre, Christchurch CBD
🕕 Friday 31 October, from 5:30pm
The Arts Centre is turning into a slightly haunted playground of games, treats and just enough mischief to make your kids feel brave but not terrified afterwards. Collect stamps, win lollies, meet balloon artists, and dance like nobody’s watching (but everyone definitely is). Best suited for ages 4 - 12, though the adults can find comfort in the open bar. Tickets are $15 per child, $5 per adult. Top tip: Dress up! It’s FUN.
2. Trick or Treat at Riverside Market
📍 Riverside Market, Christchurch CBD
🕤 Friday 31 November, Sessions from 2:30 - 6:00pm
Now this is a genius idea: trick or treating, but indoors, safe, and with actual coffee and great food selections for dinner nearby. Grab a ticket, follow the balloon trail, and collect treats at 10 lolly stations. Tickets are $5 per child and can be booked in advance below. Bonus points for the photo booth and the costume contest. Half the ticket sales go to Ronald McDonald House too!
Tickets are here: https://riverside.nz/events/halloween-2025
3. Halloween at Ferrymead Heritage Park
📍 Ferrymead Heritage Park
🕓 Friday 31 October, 4 - 8pm
Ferrymead’s iconic Halloween event is back, and it’s delightfully spooky. You’ll find riddles from a ghostly prisoner, revolting pies to squish (thank you Mrs Plum), and the always necessary Monster Mash Disco with games and prizes. Kids can trick-or-treat safely around the park at the lolly stations while you pretend you’re “letting them explore history”, and eyeing up the food trucks. Optional extra: Take a tram or train ride!
4. Sweet Treats Around Town
📍Christchurch CBD
🕓 Daily til Halloween!
Christchurch’s foodie scene has really embraced the spooky season. Pop into Sweet Soul Patisserie on Cashel Street for witch-hat mousse cakes and pumpkin treats so beautiful you’ll hesitate to eat them (for about 3 seconds). Then there’s everyone’s favourite Rollickin Gelato with a new flavour: Boo! You S’more. If that name means nothing to you, you were clearly born after 1995.
5. Lil’ Brew Café Halloween Party
📍186a Main Road, Redcliffs, Christchurch 8081
🧁 Friday 31 October 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Lil’ Brew always does it right: top-tier coffee, three little play areas, and now… a coffin photo booth. Come (in costume) for their annual Halloween celebration with spooky lattes, witches brew cocktails and prizes for the best dressed. Perfect for when you want Halloween fun and a decent coconut milk flat white.
6. Halloween Storytime at Riccarton House
📍Riccarton House
👻 Friday 31 October, 10-11am
A wholesome start to your spooky day for just a gold coin entry! Storytime with Tracey includes bubbles, songs and an extra option for face painting - all in a literal historic haunted mansion. Afterwards, pop to the café for a fluffy. Because nothing says “Halloween spirit” like a four-year-old drinking frothed milk in a spooky old house.
7. Halloween Spook Skate
📍 Rolleston Community Centre
🕓 Sat 1 Nov, 6–8pm
Got older kids who think trick or treating is “cringe”? Take them to a cool skate event instead and call it a night. There’ll be music, limbo, lolly scrambles, and spot prizes. If you fall over, just say it was part of your zombie costume.
8. Halloween Night Market at the Garden City Mākete
📍 The Arts Centre, Christchurch CBD
🕓 Friday 31 October, 4 - 8pm
Skip the cooking and dishes, grab a food truck dinner and enjoy a festive Halloween night market with costumes, stalls, and face painting. It’s wholesome chaos meets community vibes, and the perfect excuse to eat dumplings next to a toddler dressed as a vampire.
