faq
WHERE AND WHEN
+ When is A Night Before Christmas?
Saturday 16 December 2023
+ What if it rains?
If there is significant rain then the event may be postponed until the following evening. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates.
+ What time does A Night Before Christmas start and end?
Gates open at 4.00pm with entertainment starting at 5.30pm. The event will finish at approximately 9:45pm with a stunning fireworks display.
+ Where is A Night Before Christmas held?
The event is held at the Bethlehem College Fields, Tauranga. You can find all the venue information including directions here.
GENERAL
+ DO I NEED A TICKET?
Yes - everyone needs a ticket to enter this year's event, but don't worry, the show is still completely FREE! You can book up to 8 tickets for your group under one booking, then each person will show their ticket at entry on their phone or printed out.
+ How much does it cost?
A Night Before Christmas is a free community event, however a cash donation is appreciated where possible. You can donate online when you book your free tickets, or there will be the chance to give a cash donation at the entrance. We also suggest bringing cash to enjoy our food trucks and other products or experiences for sale.
+ MY CHILDREN ARE YOUNG/DON'T HAVE A PHONE - HOW DO THEY ENTER WITH A TICKET?
You can have all tickets on one phone, and show them altogether at entry to get you and your children through together. Alternatively, you can print each ticket out, and likewise hand all tickets to the operator to scan your children through together with you, without them needing to get through individually.
+ Who is performing at A Night Before Christmas 2023?
The full artist and performance lineup will be announced soon!
+ Is there cash out available?
Yes, there is a cash out facility onsite. Many of our food vendors also offer EFTPOS.
+ Is there parking available onsite?
There is limited free parking available at the venue, which will be open from 4.00pm. However, we do encourage alternative transport means to the event if possible, incluing walking, cycling or ride-share. If you need to park at the venue, please follow the signs and our friendly parking attendants to the nearest parking location. You can see the parking map here.
+ Is this event suitable for all ages?
Absolutely! There’s something for everyone to enjoy at A Night Before Christmas. And there are some great kids activities available for the young ones too. Check them out here
+ Can I bring my dog/pet?
The large crowds and fireworks makes this event unsuitable for pets. Service animals are permitted, but please note there will be fireworks at approximately 9.30pm, and you would need to leave the grounds by 9pm.
+ Can I smoke at A Night Before Christmas?
No sorrry (including no vaping and e-cigarettes).
+ Is it cold at the venue?
It may get cold once the sun goes down so we suggest bringing a jacket or blanket to keep warm. We've also got a bunch of delicious hot food and beverages for sale.
FOOD / BEVERAGE
+ What food is available to buy onsite?
There will be a huge range of vendors onsite providing a wide selection of delicious treats such as hot donuts, chips, burgers, candy floss, coffee, ice cream, salads, and much more. You can check them out here.
+ Can I bring my own food or drinks from home?
You sure can! Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy under the summer sky or maybe some snacks to munch on throughout the evening. If you are bringing food from home we would love it if you could use use reusable or compostable packaging where possible.
+ Can I buy / bring alcohol onsite?
A Night Before Christmas is completely an alcohol-free event. No alcohol is allowed anywhere on site.
WHAT CAN / CAN’T I BRING?
+ PERMITTED:
- Fold out chairs
- Picnic blankets
- Water, prepared food, and non-alcoholic drinks (no glass!)
- Water bottle for our water stations (no glass please!)
- Cameras (no long-lense)
- Small chilly bins/soft-pack cooler bags
- Small umbrellas
- Hand sanitiser & baby wipes
- Medication & allergy response
- Face masks
- Glowsticks, LED Candles
- Small torches (for walking home/heading to carpark after show)
- Sun-block, hats
- Guide/service dogs
+ NOT PERMITTED:
- Alcohol and illegal drugs
- Live-flame candles
- Cigarettes, vape pen
- Glass of any sort
- Fireworks
- BBQs
- Speakers, UE Booms, etc
- Bicycles, skate boards, hoverboards, or scooters
- Sports equipment
- Items to sell, fundraisers
- Pets (except service animals)
- Oversized chairs or structures (e.g. couches, gazebos, tents)
- Laser pointers
- Professional camera or recording equipment, long-lenses
- Gang patches, clothing or insignia
- Dangerous or illegal items (e.g. knives, guns, weapons)