Lambton Quay will be shut down this weekend to make way for some Christmas magic.

Wellington City Council is ditching its traditional Santa parade to make way for a festival called a Very Welly Christmas.

Lambton Quay between Whitmore and Willis streets will be closed to traffic from midnight until the same time on Sunday.

City Events advisor David Daniela said people should take public transport.

"We've got the discounted bus fares happening over the weekend so take advantage of that, and the trains are putting on extra capacity- same timetable but extra capacity.

If you do have to bring a vehicle in, then there's the parking available at Westpac stadium."

Daniela said there'll be a giant snow dome, performances and a special appearance by Santa himself.

There will also be gold coin donation parking for the Life Flight Trust at Westpac Stadium.