Where's the Party's At‍

The countdown is on, and if you're still wondering where to celebrate the arrival of 2026, look no further than your own backyard. Hamilton's central city is transforming into the ultimate party destination this New Year's Eve, whether you're into disco fever, electronic beats, or just want to dance the night away with your mates.

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SkyCity Hamilton 🕺✨

📍346 Victoria Street

Get your groove on at SkyCity's disco themed celebration kicking off around 8pm. This isn't just any party. You'll be treated to live music from Groove Street and the Gold Dust Divas, plenty of dancing, cash prize draws, and vibes that'll carry you right into 2025. R20

@skycityhamilton

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Nivara Lounge 🎧🔮

📍Basement, 266 Victoria Street

If you're after something a bit more underground and electric, Nivara Lounge is serving up CLUB ZION, a themed New Year's Eve dance party with Matrix inspired vibes. Featuring visuals, props and music from and inspired by the films; curated by their very own resident DJ Goldfinger and the Synth Obscura family. Cosplay encouraged. Strictly R18. 8pm-1am. Tickets $20.00 + $3.25 fees or $30 on the door.

@nivaraloungenz

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It was cloudless skies and happy smiles as dozens of floats travelled down Anglesea St at this year’s First Credit Union Christmas Parade.

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Hundreds of families lined the street to watch, wave, and cheer as the procession went past on Sunday afternoon.

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For Teterina Ronald and her kids Selah and Zion, it was their seventh year enjoying the spectacle.

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“We've really enjoyed every time, every year, with our kids,” Ronald said. “As they grow up, each year, it just gets bigger and bigger.

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“So this is a bit of a family tradition.”

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She said they enjoyed seeing the Chinese dragon and the Māori float.

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“We also enjoy all the kids that take part in it and the dancing and the cheerleading as well.”

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Both kids were looking forward to the Christmas season - Selah said she was excited for their family holiday and Zion was looking forward to Santa coming.

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Meanwhile, Suzanne Wong and Melanie Burr came to the parade each year with their families and friends.

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Wong said her daughter Dakota was looking forward to seeing Santa, the elves, and the princesses, while Burr’s son Cooper was excited to see the trucks and the cars in the procession.

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Hamilton’s favourite - and possibly least controversial - statue is soon to make a triumphant return to his traditional home in Embassy Park.

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Actually, Riff Raff is already back. He’s just all wrapped up and nonchalantly tucked away in a corner of the park outside the new Waikato Regional Theatre.

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Riff Raff Public Arts Trust chairman Mark Servian said the Riff Raff statue was lifted back into his old home by a mobile crane last Thursday.

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The effigy of the deviant butler from The Rocky Horror Show will remain under wraps until shortly before the park - which is still under construction - is opened to the public.

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