With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to nurture your inner creative and let arts and creativity take the reigns. Santa pun intended. That’s why we’ve pulled together a comprehensive guide to Christmas creativity this holiday season. From Christmas craft inspiration to shopping local to Christmas events near you, we’ve got you covered.

Need help with gift ideas? Prefer to create your own Christmas decorations rather than handing your money over to the commercial giants? Keen to support local creatives, but not sure where to start? Feeling festive, and wondering what Christmas events are happening near you? We’re here to help, bringing you a collection of Christmas tips, tricks and crafts to get you through the festive season. Read on. 

Last-minute gift inspiration from local creatives

Whether you’re shopping for your niece or your mum, why not choose to support your local creatives this Christmas? From local pottery lessons to a framed print from your sister’s favourite illustrator, our district is filled to the brim with creative gift ideas. Here are a few of our favourites to get you started, or head to our Creative Directory to explore more from our local creatives.

• Ceramics come in all shapes and sizes, and there’s something special about a gift that has been handcrafted with care. Check out Cardrona-based Shannon Courtenay Ceramics Studio or Gibbston ceramists Sam Mayell, and browse their unique collections of ceramics to fill your basket.
  
  
• Boutique cinema tickets never go astray, especially when they’re from a boutique as delightful as Dorothy Browns Cinema and Bar. A cinema, bar and bookshop, Dorothy Browns offers a range of gift vouchers, some of which include local wine and cheeses.
  
  
• Local jewellery has something for everyone. Consider a locally crafted piece - perhaps by Wānaka’s Amy Bixby or Fruit Bowl Studios, Hāwea’s The Feather Craftsman, or Queenstown’s Lainymade Laser Cut Jewellery, Anna Claire, or Yennis Mak.
  
  
• Illustrations more your style? Check out award-winning illustrator Laura Shallcrass for a little inspiration. Pick up one of her beautifully illustrated children’s books, or a puzzle, a Chunky water bottle, or Cargo beer all featuring her artwork. For a Glenorchy-based illustrator, Dïne the Fox has illustrated more than a few books of her own!
  
  
• Local sculptures are a great option for those extra special presents. Check out Fiona Garlick and her Arrowtown Studio for some local inspiration.
  
  

Browse a gift shop

Not sure what you’re after, or feel like browsing for a little creative inspo? Check out these shops below, who stock a range of local artists and creatives.

• Te Atamira. Did you know Queenstown’s local arts and culture centre also has a shop? And spoiler alert, it’s filled with great Christmas gift ideas from local makers.

• Local galleries. Pop into your local art gallery this Christmas, and pick up a piece of artwork for that special person. In Wānaka, try exploring gallery thirty three or the Wānaka Fine Art Gallery. You can visit the David John Gallery or Fiona Garlick’s Gallery and Studio over the hill in Arrowtown, or check out Starkwhite Gallery in Queenstown.

• Country Lane in Frankton has a range of artisan shops to browse.

• The Lakes District Museum and Gallery shop lets you tap into a piece of our history. 

Workshops and classes

Give the gift that keeps on giving with a local workshop, class or course. For adults and kids alike, the Queenstown Lakes District has all you need to pick up a new hobby, skill, or passion. 

• Dance class. Get your loved ones dancing! In Queenstown, check out LTA Studios or Pasion Salsa. In Wānaka, WanaDance offers adult hip-hop classes, or Dance Wānaka has a range of classes for kids!
  
  
• Art class. Bring out your inner artist with an art class from Queenstown’s Raquel Carter or a free art class at Te Atamira. Over in Wānaka, check out art classes by Little Art School or Jo Jago.
  
  
• Music lesson. How about a music lesson with Turn up the Music or Maya Music? 

There are so many opportunities for creative expression in our district. Give your loved one a truly thoughtful gift this Christmas, and help bring a splash of creativity into their lives!

Family-friendly Christmas crafts

With the help of some local elves, here are a few Christmas craft ideas you can try at home this holiday season. Throw on some Christmas carols, crack open the Christmas biscuit tin, and get into the festive spirit! 

• Watercolour Gift Cards

You’ll need:

1. Watercolour paints or pencils
2. Watercolour paper
3. Black pen

Creating watercolour cards is the perfect way to get creative with shapes and colours - but be aware, once you start this easy Christmas craft, it’s hard to stop! Start by painting a single colour triangle - or Christmas tree - and let it dry. If you’re using watercolour pencils, draw your triangle, then grab a wet brush and blend the colours to fill it in.

When your tree is dry, it’s time to decorate. Using your black pen, draw your ornaments, tinsel and lights onto the tree. And don’t forget the star on top! From there, let your creativity take over as you experiment with more and more creations. Reindeer, wreaths, or your own Christmas ornament - you’re the artist.

Side note, watercolour paper and pencils also make a great Christmas gift!

• Nature's Christmas wrapping
  
  Nature can inspire creativity, so why not come full circle and use it in your wrapping paper? Once you’ve finished reading the newspaper, give it a second life by using it to wrap your gifts. Wrap it in twine, then use some of nature’s natural decorations for an extra special touch. A beech tree branch, a lavender twig, or green herbs go a long way!
  
  
• Origami stars
  
  Origami stars make for the perfect afternoon craft. This helpful Origami tutorial will walk you through the creation process step by step. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll have stars decorating your home in no time. Hang them on your tree, turn them into a garland or use them as a gift card.
  
  
• Clay ornaments
  
  You’ll need some air-dry clay and a cookie cutter for this one, but the good thing about these ornaments is they’ll last for years to come. Roll out the clay, then use the cookie cutters to make your favourite shape. If you don't have a cookie cutter, no worries. You can just a knife to cut out your shape - whether that’s a heart, a Christmas tree, a candy cane or a gingerbread man.
  
  Once you’re happy with your shape, add a small hole about an inch from the top of the ornament that you can tie string through later. Leave it to dry for 48 hours, paint it with your favourite Christmas colours, tie a ribbon through it and pop it on the tree.

Get festive at a local event

Nothing gets you quite into the Christmas spirit like festive community events. If you’re looking for a little Christmas inspiration for you, your friends or your whānau, here are a few of the local events taking place in the Queenstown Lakes District. Head to our What’s On page for more events near you!

• Festive Friday Christmas Market | Fri 22 Dec | Queenstown
  Browse stalls by local creatives, pick out a handcrafted gift for that special someone, or find a Christmas treat for yourself with this selection of handmade goods on the Queenstown lakefront.
  
  
• Electric Rush Christmas Eve Charity Party | Sun 24 Dec | Queenstown
  A free event at 1876 raising money for the Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade. Join the Electric Rush crew for an epic, festive blowout this Christmas Eve. 
  
  
• Christmas Eve in the Garden Bar | Sun 24 Dec | Luggate
  Luggate Hotel and Hold Fast Entertainment are bringing you a fun-filled afternoon of entertainment, Santa, raffles and tasty food at the Luggate Hotel.