TSB Festival of Lights set to shine bright this summer

NPDC’s iconic summer festival returns to Pukekura Park, transforming it once again into a spectacular showcase of light, music and creativity.

Across 36 nights from 20 December 2025 to 24 January 2026, visitors can enjoy an extraordinary free programme of light installations, live music and entertainment for all ages.

New Plymouth District Mayor Max says the festival is much loved by locals as well as the thousands of visitors it attracts giving a much-needed lift to the local economy. 

“People from all over New Zealand as well as overseas come here for the festival and then take the time to experience everything else we have to offer while they’re here. It’s a key tourism drawcard and economic driver for our district.”

Festival Manager Lisa Ekdahl says this year’s programme is our most diverse and vibrant yet.

“From high-energy performances to interactive experiences, all within an illuminated utopia, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all summer long.” 

TSB chief executive Kerry Boielle says,

“TSB is thrilled to support the Festival of Lights, an event like no other that brings our community together in such a vibrant and creative way. It’s more than just a celebration of light and entertainment - it’s about creating unforgettable experiences for families, friends, and visitors, and we’re proud to help make that magic happen.”

Brylee Flutey, GM Destination, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki says,

“Venture Taranaki is proud to support the TSB Festival of Lights through our facilitation of the Major Events Fund.  As a flagship event in our region’s summer calendar, it creates unforgettable vibrancy for whānau and visitors alike, as well as providing a significant boost for the local economy, and we will be leveraging this across our promotions to showcase Taranaki as an unrivalled visitor destination.”

This year’s programme features 12 new light installations by leading international and local artists. Highlights include Lisa Reihana’s Te Wheke-a-Muturangi, a striking 15m floating artwork inspired by Māori mythology. Interactive works from Curiosity by Amigo & Amigo and The Hive by Beamhacker invite audiences to engage with light in imaginative and unexpected ways. 

The festival offers more than 70 events, designed to captivate and entertain. 

Opening night features Kiwi rock band Racing, supported by New Plymouth’s People of the Sun. Headline acts include Caravãna Sun, Lost Tribe Aotearoa, Mazbou Q, and Flamingo Pier who will lead the New Year’s Eve celebrations. 

For tamariki (children), the Festival Kids programme delivers an array of experiences from foam parties, glow-themed activities, Pukekura power play, and a tots-to-teens music night.  

Special events add to the magic with Dream Garden (acrobatic performance), Full Moon Gong Journey, The Book Factory, and Dancing to the Ritz. 

The outdoor cinema is back with showings of Cool Runnings, The Mountain, and Mamma Mia! Sing-Along.

Glow Boats are returning to the lake, and visitors can take part in a TSB Treasure Hunt for prizes.

Full programme and festival details on the festival website festivaloflights.nz or follow @tsbfestivaloflights on social media.  

Free programmes can be picked up from: New Plymouth District Council, Centre City, White Hart Precinct, TSB Main Branch Devon Street, Todd Energy Aquatic Centre, New Plymouth Airport, isite centres in New Plymouth, Stratford and Hāwera, and the library and service centres in Bell Block, Inglewood and Waitara – while stocks last. 

Fast Facts

• Open 8.30pm until 11pm daily 
• Lights are on, rain or shine. 
• 70+ events including music, cinema, kids’ activities. 
• Bookings for mobility services and Glow Boats essential. 
• The 2025 festival will light up with 100 per cent renewable electricity.
• Around 155,000 attended the 2024/2025 festival, with 44 per cent from outside Taranaki.
• The Economic impact: $15.8m total expenditure, $8.1m GDP value-add to Taranaki economy (2024/2025 BERL study). 

Caption: Curiosity, an eye-catching installation by Amigo & Amigo, is set to be one of the highlights of the TSB Festival of Lights 2025 season.