Discover our pick of a few of the best events taking place around New Zealand this weekend.

Summer-in the-square
Auckland: Auckland city’s Aotea Square will host Summer in the Square until December 20; a celebration of summer with free gigs, performances, dancing under the stars and Christmas markets on offer. This weekend, relax with Kiwi FM DJ’s on 12pm-3pm on Friday and Saturday, take in live theatre shows, and dance the night away at Bandstand Under The Stars on Friday and Saturday night. For a full programme, see aucklandlive.co.nz

7 Days cast
Invercargill: Prepare for a night of hilarious fun at the 7 Days Live Tour event at Civic Theatre, Invercargill on Sunday December 14. All your favourite 7 Days panelists will be there, including; Jeremy Corbett, Dai Henwood, Paul Ego, Ben Hurley, Jeremy Elwood, Josh Thomson, and Urzila Carlson. See ticketdirect.co.nz

The Messiah
Wellington: Traditionally performed at Christmas time, Handel’s Messiah is one of the most well-known choral works. The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will perform the iconic work, including the majestic Hallelujah chorus at the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington on Saturday evening. See nzso.co.nz

Coca-Cola-Christmas-in-the-Park
Auckland: Pack your picnic baskets and round up the kids for a fun-filled family night at Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park at the Auckland Domain this Saturday from 7.30pm. Kiwi sensation Broods will headline the free live event, as well as other musicians, dancers and singers. This year’s event supports Youthline. See coke.co.nz

Festival-of-light-Photo-by-Mark-Harris-2014-(31)
New Plymouth: The TSB Bank Festival of Lights commences tonight at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth and runs until January 24, 2015. The free event will feature a range of performances, twilight movies in the park, beach digs and more. For a full list of the festival’s events, see festivaloflights.nz
Image: Mark-Harris/ TSB Bank Festival of Lights