Candy Cane Lane: Napier’s new Christmas wonderland!

What was once a three-day Santa’s Grotto has had a full glow-up, transformed into two free festive experiences spanning two weeks in the lead-up to Christmas.

Candy Cane Lane brings together an immersive Christmas wonderland for all ages to enjoy, followed by Santa’s annual visit. This year’s concept gives families more time than ever before to explore, take photos, use the letter to Santa station and escape into the Christmas spirit.

The long-running grotto tradition has been completely reimagined this year, with a new name, a new look, and a refreshed approach designed to elevate Napier’s Christmas celebrations. This year’s concept has been brought to life at 250 Emerson Street. 

Candy Cane Lane opens this Sunday 7 December from 1pm to 4pm, coinciding with the Harcourts Christmas Parade and Fiesta. From Monday, it will be open daily from 1pm to 4pm through to Tuesday 23 December. Santa arrives 18 to 21 December, 10am to 2pm.

This year’s glow-up has been shaped in collaboration with local event specialist Hillary Riches and stylist Suzanne Beaumont. This powerhouse duo has brought a fresh creative vision that has resulted in a more immersive and beautifully considered festive experience for the community.

“We wanted to help bring something to life that felt truly magical for Napier families,” say Riches + Co’s Hillary Riches and Miss Frou Frou’s Suzanne Beaumont. “Candy Cane Lane is playful, warm, and full of little details that make the experience feel special. It has been a joy to bring a fresh vision to life for such a well-loved community tradition.”

“We are incredibly proud to bring this new experience to the CBD,” says Pip Thompson, General Manager at Napier City Business Inc. “Candy Cane Lane allows us to share festive magic with the community at a time of year when joy, connection and simple moments really matter. We cannot wait to welcome families in to see the transformation.”

Recognising the need for more accessible festive experiences, Candy Cane Lane will also offer a limited number of Sensory Santa sessions, running on a booking basis outside of regular hours.

The expanded format creates new possibilities for how the space can be used in future, including opportunities for local businesses and community groups to activate workshops or events.

Open daily: 7-17, 22-23 December, 1-4pm
Meet Santa: 18-21 December, 10am-2pm
Cost: Free

Candy Cane Lane Colouring-in Competition 🎄✨

Pick up a colouring sheet from Candy Cane Lane  or download one here (CANDY CANE LANE_A4 Colouring), let the kids get creative, and drop it back to enter our local prize pack draw!

Prize Pack Includes:
✨ $50 Cool Toys voucher
✨ $50 Wardini Books (Napier) voucher
✨ $50 Vinci’s Pizza voucher
✨ Family pass for Par2 MiniGolf

Drop-off locations:
📍 Candy Cane Lane, 250 Emerson St
(Open 7–17 & 22–23 Dec, 1–4pm, and 18–21 Dec, 10am–2pm)
📍 Cool Toys
📍 Wardini’s
📍 Vinci’s

Free to enter. Deadline: Sunday 18 January 2026.