Dunedin Midwinter Carnival 2025: Wings of Wonder

The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival returns this June 27 and 28, transforming First Church and surrounding grounds into a luminous celebration of light and imagination, with our theme Wings of Wonder.

Enjoy the warmth of community and fly with us into the winter night, where wonder knows no bounds. Come into a world where shimmering lanterns take flight, from our own native birds of Aotearoa, and mythical creatures that soar through the sky, to the graceful wings of butterflies. Let your imagination take wing as you weave through stunning lantern displays, interactive installations, and awe-inspiring performances.

The ever popular projections will radiate from First Church and Burns Hall. Brophy Aerials will be frolicking high in the trees. New interactive elements will be scattered around the site, and lantern processions will wind through the grounds, lighting up the night and the faces of those involved. Plus dance performances by local troupes, local live music, your favourite food trucks and SO much more!

Entry to the Carnival will be $5 for children (15 and under), $10 for adults (16+), OR $25 for a family pass (2 adults, 2 children). *All ticket prices will incur a booking fee.

Tickets are available now via the ticket button, or via our website, and will be sold for 530pm, 630pm, and 730pm sessions to spread out the audience and ensure a positive and safe experience. Gate sales will be subject to availability.

We are pleased to announce we will be offering a Relaxed Sensory Session again. All are welcome to attend this relaxed sensory session. This session may be especially welcoming to autistic and neurodivergent people or those with sensory sensitivities or access needs. This session is runs 4pm - 530pm Saturday 28 June, with those wanting to stay on for performances able. 

Pay-it-forward will be returning this year too. This option allows the pre-purchase of tickets which will then be distributed to partner agencies to disperse to families they engage with.

To purchase tickets, pay-it-forward, get information on the event, workshops and volunteering please visit our website: https://www.midwintercarnival.co.nz/

Follow us on our Facebook (@midwintercarnival) and Instagram (@dunedinmidwintercarnival) to keep up to date, or better yet, sign up to our newsletter for updates.