OXFORD WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL
Celebratethe Oxford Winter Lights Festival — a vibrant community festival filled with light displays as a winter celebration
Set against the stunning backdrop of Oxford, North Canterbury, this year’s festival embraces the theme of Matariki Herenga Waka, bringing people together to reflect, celebrate and connect.
Wander through illuminated displays created by local homes, businesses and community groups, enjoy special events across the festival weekend, and experience the warmth and creativity of our community in the heart of winter.
Oxford Winter Lights Festival 2026
Celebrating Matariki Herenga Waka
This winter, Oxford will once again come alive with light, creativity, culture, and community spirit as the Oxford Winter Lights Festival returns for 2026.
Running from Saturday 27th June until Sunday 12th July 2026, the festival invites locals, businesses, schools, and visitors to embrace this year’s Matariki theme: Matariki Herenga Waka – The Mooring Place of Canoes
This special theme reflects connection, arrival, togetherness, and the strength of community. Entrants are encouraged to interpret and display the essence of Matariki through light displays that embody whānau, kai, celebration, community, and new beginnings.
Whether through colour, storytelling, creativity, or cultural inspiration, the festival aims to transform Oxford into a glowing celebration of the Matariki season.
Join Mārama the Kiwi on her adventures in Oxford this June and July. Explore the Oxford Winter Lights Festival with her.
✨ Meet Mārama the Kiwi ✨
Oxford Winter Lights Festival 2026 is proud to introduce our newest little guiding light… 🥝🏮
Mārama the Kiwi!
Wrapped in colour, carrying a lantern of light and filled with the spirit of Matariki, Mārama will be exploring Oxford throughout this year’s festival — lighting the way for whānau, tamariki and visitors alike. 🌟
The name Mārama is a beautiful Māori word meaning:
✨ light
✨ illumination
✨ clarity
✨ understanding
It reflects everything the Oxford Winter Lights Festival is about — connection, creativity, community and bringing light into the heart of winter.
Keep an eye out for Mārama as they appear throughout the festival season, guiding everyone through glowing displays, sparkling pathways and magical moments under the stars. 🏮✨
Let Mārama and their lantern become your guiding light this Matariki season. 💛
REGISTER FOR THE
OXFORD WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL
Oxford Winter Lights Festival Categories
The festival is open to all homes and businesses that are within the Oxford township
This year’s Oxford Winter Lights Festival will feature three exciting categories:
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Te Kete Whetū (The Basket of Stars) - Children’s Category (13 years and under) – a brand-new category for 2026
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Ngā Kāinga Tīrama (Homes of Light) - Residential Category
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Te Ara Pakihi Whetū (The Pathway of Shining Business) - Business Category
We are thrilled to introduce the Children’s Category, encouraging our youngest creatives to become part of the festival and share their own interpretation of Matariki through light and imagination.
Each category will have its own judging criteria, with judges looking at:
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Creativity and originality
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Connection to the 2026 Matariki theme
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Community spirit
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Use of light and visual impact
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Representation of whānau, kai, celebration, and new beginnings
REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
Click on the category you would like to register for, submit your application and enjoy in the light festivities.
Te Kete Whetū – Basket of Stars (13 years and under)
Ngā Kāinga Tīrama – Homes of Light - Residential Category
Te Ara Pakihi Whetū – The Pathway of Shining Business
Further information about prizes and category details will be released soon.
A special judging evening will take place on Thursday 11th July 2026, with the community encouraged to explore Oxford and enjoy the incredible displays across the district.