Paskuhan Christchurch 2026
The biggest Filipino Christmas celebration in South Island is back! On its second year we are excited to welcome everyone for a day filled with joy, community, and a line up of activities suited for the whole family.
SAVE THE DATE! Paskuhan Christchurch 2026 is on the 29th of November at The Commons (70 Kilmore St) from 10am onwards. ADMISSION IS FREE.
EVENT OVERVIEW
We are kicking off the Christmas season in the unique Filipino style with performances, food, and fun activities for the whole family!
WHAT'S ON?
Live Entertainment
See the best local Filipino talents on-stage as they showcase their passions in dancing, singing, and other performative acts.
Food and Community
No Filipino gathering is complete without food and the spirit of "bayanihan". Get your fill at the various food stalls on-site. Complete your Christmas shopping at the different retails stalls. Expand your network by exploring the different community booths to learn more about local service providers and community organisations.
Spotlight on Filipino Culture
Join in on the different family-friendly activities that showcase the unique practices Filipinos observe during the festive season. Check out the different traditional Filipino decor like the parol (Filipino Christmas lantern). You can also make your own parols at the parol-making corner. Join the different community games that are uniquely Pinoy. Sing along Filipino, and other popular Christmas tunes.
📍 The Commons, 70 Kilmore St, Christchurch
📅 Save the date! Sunday, 29th of November, 2025 from 10am to 5pm
Don’t miss out—join us for a celebration like no other!
PAROL-MAKING CONTEST
You can help us bring the vibrant colours and festive spirit of a Filipino Christmas to Christchurch! Join our Parol-Making Contest and showcase your creativity while celebrating our beloved holiday tradition.
We invite everyone to craft a stunning star-shaped parol (lantern) and help light up The Commons (70 Kilmore St) for Paskuhan Christchurch 2026.
This is your chance to:
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Celebrate Filipino culture – Share the beauty of a traditional Filipino Christmas in Aotearoa.
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Showcase your creativity – Design a unique parol and stand a chance to win (courtesy of the Philippine Consulate of Christchurch).
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Promote sustainability – Use recycled or cost-efficient materials—good for the planet and your budget!
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Be part of a festive display – Your parol will be proudly hung at the event for all to admire.
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Featured online – All entries will be shared on our event website and social media.
Contest Mechanics
Who Can Join?
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Individuals
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Schools
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Community Groups
You can also invite your non-Filipino family members, friends, neighbours, colleagues, or classmates to join the fun! This will be limited to residents of Christchurch, Canterbury and surrounding South Island regions.
Parol Design & Requirements
✨ Shape: Must be a traditional star-shaped lantern with tasseled tails.
✨ Optional extras:
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A ring around the star
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Battery-powered lights (NO mains-powered lights, please!).
✨ Size guidelines:
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Star: Minimum 750mm (height & width); maximum 1,500mm (including optional ring).
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Tasseled tails: Minimum 500mm long (or 67% of the star’s total size).
✨ Weight limit: Maximum 3kg (for safety and ease of hanging).
✨ Durability: Ensure your parol has a strong, secure string that is AT LEAST 2 metres long with the appropriate hanging hook - it will be displayed from the ceiling! The string and hook should be durable enough to support the weight of your parol.
Sustainability Encouraged!
We highly encourage the use of recycled or budget-friendly materials—let’s make this contest eco-friendly and creative!
Important Dates & Logistics
📅 Registration Deadline: 31 October 2026
📅 Drop-off: Bring your parol to The Commons (70 Kilmore Street) on 28 November 2026, between 2 PM – 6 PM.
🏆 Judging & Announcement: Winners will be announced on 29 November 2026 during the main event. All participants will also be presented on-stage during the program.
🎄 Take-home: Collect your parol after the event between 6pm and 8pm.
Judging Criteria
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Creativity/Innovation (30%) – How unique and original is your design?
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Craftsmanship/Workmanship (30%) – Is it well-made and durable?
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Christmas Spirit/Cultural Representation (30%) – Does it capture the Filipino festive spirit?
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Cost Efficiency (10%) – Did you use materials wisely?
Prizes (sponsored by the Philippine Consulate of Christchurch).
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Grand Prize: $500
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1st Runner-up: $200
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2nd Runner-up: $100
Other Important Notes
📸 All entries will be photographed and shared on our website and social media.
⚖️ Judges’ decisions are final.
⚠️ Organisers reserve the right to adjust contest rules if needed.
Let’s Make This a Colourful Filipino Christmas in Christchurch!
Your parol will help bring warmth, light, and tradition to our community celebration. Get crafting, and we can’t wait to see your dazzling designs!🌟🎄
HOW TO GET THERE
Public Transport
You can get off the Kilmore Street Town Hall bus stop if you take the #1, #29, or the #95 buses.
Private Transport
Head to 70 Kilmore St, Christchurch. Paid public and private parking is available around the vicinity. Please follow standard parking rules that apply on the day. The organisers of Paskuhan Christchurch 2026 will not be held liable for any parking fines you incur for not following the applicable parking rules.
STAY UP-TO-DATE & GET A CHANCE TO WIN AT THE RAFFLE!
To stay up-to-date with all the exciting event details, simply fill out the form below. By registering, you’ll also go in the draw to win some fantastic prizes on the day. ENTRY IS FREE!
Prizes to be announced closer to the event date.
Raffle Draw Terms & Conditions:
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The raffle is open to everyone currently residing in New Zealand who plan to attend Paskuhan Christchurch 2026.
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All raffle participants must NOT be related by consanguinity with any of the Banyuhay Aotearoa Trustees, nor with any of our event partners and sponsors for Paskuhan Christchurch.
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All winners will be drawn during Paskuhan Christchurch on the 29th of November, 2026 at The Commons, between 12pm and 5pm.
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You will need to be present at the event to be able to claim your prize.
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All unclaimed prizes will be redrawn and awarded before the end of the program.
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You only need to sign up ONCE. Multiple entries will not mean more chances of winning.
EVENT PARTNERS & SPONSORS
This event will not be possible without the cooperation of, and generous endowments from the following:
EVENT PARTNER
MAJOR SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSOR
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For partnership and sponsorship enquiries, please email mabuhay@banyuhayaotearoa.org.