Thorndon Fair

Thorndon Fair is Wellington's iconic street fair, bringing over 20,000 people to the capital's oldest suburb.

Held on the first Sunday of every December, Thorndon Fair is one of Wellington's first big summer events. Over 250 stalls provide a great Xmas shopping experience, with stallholders coming from as far afield as Canterbury and Northland.

Some of Wellington's best food and coffee vendors keep everyone well fuelled. Thorndon has a great shopping area, and many of our local businesses open for the day, including setting up a stall outside their shop.

Tinakori Rd and Hill St are closed to traffic for the day, providing a unique chance to stroll the streets, browse the stalls and bump into old friends. With Thorndon being well served by public transport, it’s easy to leave the car at home too.

The Fair is run entirely by Thorndon School, and it is probably the largest school fair in the country. Our whole school community helps out, with well over 100 volunteers ensuring the day comes off without a hitch. It is an important fundraiser for the School, which seeks donations at the gate and runs stalls in the Fair.

The School has run the Fair since 1983, when it was gifted by the Thorndon Society, which started the Fair in 1977. That makes 2019 our 43nd Fair.

That history means that the third generation of some families are now attending the Fair. We look forward to your family creating its own Thorndon Fair memories.