Away With The Steiners

Christmas time in Rarotonga: Is this the best time to come?

Sarah Steiner

Christmas time in Rarotonga is a great time to be on the island.  This is traditionally the off-season for tourism and so it isn’t overrun with visitors.  (Making it a bit more of an intimate island experience = the best kind!).

Some of the shops are closed over the public holiday days during Christmas time in Rarotonga – but that is only for a few days. 

There is plenty to do in the lead-up to Christmas Day and likewise lots to explore between Christmas and New Years. 

Enjoying summery treats at the Christmas markets.

Christmas Markets 

This is a huge crowd-drawing event at Christmas time in Rarotonga.  There are dance groups performing, school groups dancing, Christmas-themed food and a visit from Santa.  

If this is your first Christmas in Rarotonga this is the best event to be part of as it is a largely local event and everything is turned on to make this the most memorable Christmas yet. 

Albeit it’s slightly unusual to experience an evening of Christmas markets in such a tropical climate… But even the coconuts seem to taste better while celebrating!

Leading up to Christmas time in Rarotonga there are huge banners displayed across the main street through town with details of time and date. (Usually a week before Christmas). 

Merry Christmas from the Shaved Ice team.

Punanga Nui Market at Christmas time in Rarotonga

In the months leading up to Christmas time in Rarotonga the main Saturday markets in town also take on a Christmassy vibe.  

If you are in Rarotonga on holiday and returning to New Zealand then this is the perfect place to pick up some tropical souvenirs and Christmas presents. 

Check the Facebook page for the markets to find out what performances will be on the main stage each Saturday.  At this time of year there are often schools and dance groups performing and the music is a real treat to hear. 

Punanga Nui Markets set up for Christmas time in Rarotonga.

Take a stroll through town

You might not expect Christmas time in Rarotonga to have much evidence of the time of year spread around town…

But in fact, Avarua’s main street has a fun way of decorating for the season.  (And it’s likely a different style of decorations than you are familiar with at home!). 

Christmas tree at Christmas time in Rarotonga.

What shops are open at Christmas time in Rarotonga?

Depending on what day of the week Christmas falls, most shops on the island are closed on Christmas Day. (Remember many shops in Rarotonga are closed on Sunday).

Some of the larger convenience stores that are operated by CITC – like Kavera, Nikao Oasis, Matavera Kaps – are open for shortened hours on Christmas Day. However the sale of alcohol is not permitted.

The larger main supermarkets – CITC Supermarket, Prime Foods and Foodlands – are closed for Christmas Day.

Most of the smaller local village stores on the island will also be closed on Christmas Day.

Christmas decorations inside SuperBrown in Tupapa.

Christmas Day lunch buffets

Food is always a huge part of the Christmas time celebrations in Polynesia (and all around the world!).  

But here on the island it’s an extra special time to try some local, tropical foods that you might not usually have the chance to eat at this time of year! 

Note: These are past options from Christmas time in Rarotonga – check with your accommodation provider for the most up to date options available for this year. 

Or you can stock up on treats to create and self-cater your own Christmas Day.  Check out Prime Foods for meats and CITC Supermarket for other Christmas specials. 

Sunset on Christmas Eve on the beautiful west side of the island.

Attend a Church Service

Church is one of the biggest ways that Christmas time in Rarotonga is celebrated.  Most of the country is Christian and there is a large variety of denominations and churches around the island to choose from.  

Each of the churches hold a service on Christmas Day, and there are many opportunities in the weeks beforehand for daytime and evening services.  

Even if you aren’t a regular church goer, attending a church service in the Cook Islands can be one of the most memorable holiday activities.  The harmonies of the locals singing together is one of the best sounds of the Pacific. 

A Sunday church service at Arorangi CICC.

Make your own Christmas tree

Depending on where you’re staying at Christmas time in Rarotonga you might have the opportunity to join the locals in making a truly tropical Christmas tree! 

In Rarotonga that means making it out of kikau – the palm fronds from the coconut tree.  This is an awesome zero-waste alternative and helps to support this time of year in maintaining some traditional and some not-so-traditional customs. 

Check out our tree! 

New Years Eve in Rarotonga

Similar to the list of lunch buffets for Christmas Day, there are also many New Years Eve events around the island. 

The Nikao Social Centre located on the beachfront near the end of the runway has a New Years Eve market and fireworks display.  

A lot of local families welcome in the New Year with a shared meal and bonfire on the beach.  Be sure to do your homework and check out what is organized for public attendance – don’t just light a bonfire on a random space of beach. 

And remember – if you happen to depart New Zealand on New Year’s Day you will actually arrive in Rarotonga on the 31st of December and thus just in time to welcome in the New Year all over again! 

Preparing for a New Years Eve in Rarotonga.

Read more about the Cook Islands

Exit mobile version