Wellington Advent Calendar Returns

Mark your diaries – the most Welly-ful time of the year is here! The Wellington Advent Calendar has returned, and for 2025, it’s bigger and better than ever with more than 50 local deals and discounts to be discovered. 

From today until 24 December, Wellington comes to life with some festive money-saving magic, with the calendar offering from one to three daily deals for people to enjoy across the city. From buy-one-get-one-free coffees, to fashion discounts, gallery deals and more, there’s plenty for both locals and visitors to snap up. Most deals can be redeemed right up until 31 January, too. 

Led by WellingtonNZ, the initiative has been on the city’s calendar for 16 years, and last year generated over $870,000 in revenue for participating local businesses. 

Mark Oldershaw, Chief Executive at WellingtonNZ, says Wellingtonians look forward to the Wellington Advent Calendar every year. “It’s a highly anticipated campaign, and we have already had people asking for a peek at the deals and discounts. We’re proud to be launching our biggest iteration of the calendar yet, with over 50 opportunities for people to redeem fantastic deals across some of the city’s favourite hospitality, retail, and entertainment businesses. 

“Not only is the Advent Calendar a way for people to enjoy the best of the city on a budget, but it’s also a creative way to encourage increased spending after the festive period and throughout January, which is traditionally a quieter time.” 

Each year, WellingtonNZ adds vibrancy and flair to the digital platform by collaborating with a local artist to bring the city’s offerings to life. The 2025 artist is Josie Selkirk, presenting a contemporary Māori take with her fresh, artistic approach, celebrating the capital’s culture, coastlines, and creative heart. 

As a wāhine Māori artist, Josie intentionally weaves Māori elements throughout her work. She says: “I use Māori elements to weave stories and meaning into my work. They often explore ideas around whakapapa, whenua, mana, and self-identity. The patterns hold deeper and metaphorical meaning. Something more symbolic than literal, giving each piece a story that unfolds the longer you look at it.” 

Josie’s approach to this year’s Advent Calendar was deeply personal. “I started by jotting down all the things I love about Wellington. My process began with personal memories, then I researched what others love about the city. I revisited some of my favourite spots, picked up new inspiration, started sketching, and then brought everything to life digitally.” 

Anyone can access the Advent Calendar deals simply by creating an account at WellingtonNZ.com/Advent and clicking on the daily doors to reveal the offer. Details on how to use the offer and its validity period are all on the website.

Some deals are in-person only, while others are online. When in-person, the business will give a code to enter on the Advent website, and when online, either click on the link to go directly to the business’s website with the deal applied, or click on the link and enter the code given.

WellingtonNZ is proud to be supporting Wellington City Mission and encourages users to consider donating the difference in money saved from redeeming the deals.

For more information, visit WellingtonNZ.com/Advent.

Date published: 1 December 2025