Rotorua Racing Club’s Holiday Raceday on Saturday, 27 December 2025 promises to be the biggest and most fun-filled raceday of the year at Arawa Park Racecourse. With gates opening at 11 am and the summer sunshine set to bring everyone together for a festive family day out, it’s one for the diary for sure.
Building on the huge success of last year’s Holiday Raceday (read more about it here) which saw around 3,000 attendees, a lively atmosphere and delighted families enjoying a raft of kid’s entertainment throughout the day, this year’s event again delivers top-class racing with an 8-race card alongside plenty of fun for all ages.
There’s also children’s activities lined up between the races with the competition set to be as hot as that on the track. We’ve got a Kids Draw at Race 2, a Kiwi Kids Sack Race at Race 3, Heads or Tails at Race 4, Beach Spade and Ball Race at Race 5, Kids Number Rounders at Race 6, and the ever-popular Jandal Toss at Race 7, plus a bouncy castle, face painting and big party games to keep little ones smiling all day. Sound like something your tribe would enjoy? Make yourself known to the MC in the Parade Ring between races.
General admission is just $10 per person (payable at the gate), making it an affordable summer highlight, and for those who want to take the stress out of the day there are also pre-purchased Table & Chairs packages available ($140 per table) giving you a front row seat without having to set the alarm!
To add to the fun, Ted will be hosting an oncourse Punters Club with entry available for $10, giving racegoers the chance to join in more friendly competition throughout the day – you never know, you might claim back some of those Christmas expenses.
Keeping the energy high all day long, DJ Jay will be playing throughout the afternoon and continuing after the final race, meaning there’s no need to rush off when the horses are done as the good vibes roll on into the evening.
With great racing, affordable entry, family-friendly activities, prizes to be won - including a staycation at the Arawa Park Hotel, food and beverages on offer and a relaxed post-Christmas atmosphere, Holiday Raceday at Arawa Park is the perfect way to enjoy summer racing and make lasting holiday memories with friends and family.
For more about the day including how to snap up those trackside spots, visit our website here.