Special Events at Hobbiton Movie Set: The Ultimate Guide to Annual Events in The Shire™

From festive feasts and bustling marketplaces to themed entertainment, these premium experiences are among the most sought-after events in Middle-earth™. Each special event begins with a fully guided 2.5-hour walking tour of Hobbiton Movie Set, giving guests the opportunity to explore the lush rolling hills of The Shire™ before enjoying an evening of Hobbit-style festivities complete with food, beverages and entertainment.

Because of their popularity, these events often book out well in advance, this guide to Hobbiton’s special events will help you choose the celebration that gets you most excited and help you plan your party business.

No matter, what time of year you’re visiting, there’s a magical event waiting around the corner in The Shire.

SUMMER HARVEST FESTIVAL 

Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours (including return transport from The Shire’s Rest)

The Summer Harvest Festival is one of the most vibrant events held at Hobbiton Movie Set. Typically held during New Zealand's summer in January or February, your evening begins with a guided tour through the 12-acre Movie Set, including a visit inside a fully themed Hobbit Hole™ on Bagshot Row™ before arriving at the iconic Green Dragon™ Inn.

As dusk settles across The Shire™, the Bywater Marketplace comes alive with themed entertainment, interactive games and delicious Hobbit fare. For those with a Hobbit-sized appetite, the Party Marquee offers a seated buffet feast inspired by Bilbo’s famous birthday celebrations. Lanterns, colourful bunting and festival décor create a warm and immersive atmosphere straight from Middle-earth.

At the end of the evening, you will re-join your guide for a walk through the Movie Set, the trails will be illuminated to help light the way for this stunning journey under moonlight.

Highlights of the Summer Harvest Festival

• Fully guided evening tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
• Access to a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior on Bagshot Row
• Marketplace food stalls and themed entertainment
• Buffet dinner in the Party Marquee
• Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beverages included
• Moonlit walk through The Shire 
  Learn more about the Summer Harvest Festival

MID-WINTER FEAST

Duration: Approximately 5 hours (including return transport from The Shire’s Rest)

The Mid-Winter Feast is a cosy celebration perfect for cooler evenings in The Shire, usually held during New Zealand's winter around July and August. Following a fully guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set, visitors are welcomed into the warmth of The Green Dragon™ Inn with a specially brewed mulled beverage before enjoying an evening of feasting and entertainment.

Settle beside roaring fireplaces inside The Green Dragon Inn while enjoying Hobbit-sized canapés and themed entertainment. The evening continues in the Party Marquee with a hearty buffet dinner filled with traditional Hobbit fare — and as always in The Shire, second helpings are encouraged.

This event concludes with a breathtaking guided walk back through the village of Hobbiton under glowing lantern light and smoky Hobbit Hole chimneys.

Why Visitors Love the Mid Winter Feast

• Warm mulled beverages by the fire
• Winter-themed atmosphere inside The Green Dragon Inn
• Delicious buffet dinner
• Live entertainment and canapés
• Views of the illuminated Movie Set  
  
  
  Learn more about the Mid Winter Feast

INTERNATIONAL HOBBIT DAY

Duration: Approximately 5.5 hours (including return transport from The Shire’s Rest)

International Hobbit Day takes place on 22 September each year and is the biggest celebration of the year at Hobbiton Movie Set, honouring the birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins with a lively Middle-earth™ festival.

Visitors embark on a guided walking tour through Hobbiton Movie Set before arriving at the bustling Green Dragon Marketplace, where traditional Hobbit fare, live music, roving performers and interactive games create an unforgettable party atmosphere.

The famous Hobbit Southfarthing beverages flow throughout the evening alongside wines and non-alcoholic options, while the Party Marquee offers a buffet supper overflowing with hearty Hobbit dishes.

One of the highlights of the night is the lively prize giving ceremony celebrating best dressed guests, game winners and raffle prizes.

The evening concludes with a short illuminated walk through the glowing village before returning through the surrounding farmland “there and back again.” This is a night to remember and bookings fill up fast!

International Hobbit Day Highlights

• Celebrate Bilbo and Frodo’s birthdays with your fellowship
• Live entertainment and themed games
• Marketplace food stalls
• Best dressed competitions and prizes
• Buffet dinner and drinks included
• Evening walk through the illuminated village of Hobbiton
  
  
  Learn more about International Hobbit Day

HOBBITON BEER FESTIVAL

Duration: Approximately 5.5 hours (including return transport from The Shire’s Rest)

Prost! The Hobbiton Beer Festival is a must-do event for ale lovers of and fans of Middle-earth alike.

Hosted in New Zealand's spring season around October or November, guests will enjoy a guided evening tour through Hobbiton Movie Set, before arriving at The Green Dragon Inn to begin a night of feasting, live music and exclusive beverages. Every guest receives a commemorative stein to enjoy throughout the evening and take home to remember the celebration.

The Hobbit Southfarthing range includes handcrafted ales, cider, ginger beer exclusive to Hobbiton Movie Set with a range of wines and non-alcoholic beverages also available.

Inside the Party Marquee, the buffet is awaiting the hungry Hobbits ready for an evening of cheer, while themed entertainers and interactive live music keep the celebration going late into the evening.

What Makes the Hobbiton Beer Festival Unique

• Exclusive Hobbiton Movie Set ales
• Complimentary commemorative stein to take home
• Interactive live entertainment
• Buffet dinner bursting with Hobbit fare
• Views of the Movie Set illuminated under the moonlight
  
  
  Learn more about the Hobbiton Beer Festival

A HOBBITON CHRISTMAS

Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours (including return transport from The Shire’s Rest)

Celebrate the festive season in Middle-earth with A Hobbiton Christmas - a holiday event unlike anywhere else! 

A Hobbiton Christmas is hosted each December, which happens to be the beginning of New Zealand's summer season. Your evening begins with a fully guided tour through The Shire, including passing by Bag End and through the interiors of a Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row, before arriving at The Green Dragon Inn for a festive mulled beverage.

Outside, the Bywater Marketplace offers themed treats, festive entertainment and seasonal delights before guests are escorted to the Party Marquee for a Christmas buffet dinner filled with traditional Hobbit fare.

As the night draws to a close, guests enjoy one final moonlit walk through Hobbiton, where glowing lanterns and smoking chimneys create a truly unforgettable Christmas atmosphere.

Highlights of A Hobbiton Christmas

• Christmas-themed Hobbiton experience
• Festive mulled beverages
• Buffet Christmas dinner
• Evening illuminated walk through The Shire
  
  
  Learn more about Hobbiton Christmas
  
  

Whether you’re celebrating International Hobbit Day, enjoying a winter feast or wandering through lantern-lit paths after a summer festival, Hobbiton’s special annual events offer an unforgettable journey into Middle-earth.

Tips for Booking Hobbiton Special Events
Many guests consider these events to be the ultimate way to experience Hobbiton Movie Set beyond a daytime tour. As these events are extremely popular, we recommend to:

• Book as far in advance as you can, each special event usually goes on sale for the following year after the current year's event has taken place on the Hobbiton Movie Set website
• Plan accommodation early during peak seasons
• Dress appropriately for evening outdoor conditions, noting the season you are visiting
• Bring a camera to capture memories and the festive night-time atmosphere

Explore upcoming events and secure your place early through our Special Events page.