Get excited for the holidays in Hobart! Our comprehensive guide is here to help you make the most of this festive season with all the must-see events and activities. From Hobart regulars to holiday explorers, our guide highlights the season's best events and activities.
Kicking off the festivities, the Hobart Christmas Pageant is a hit with its vibrant parade of floats and performers lighting up the streets. Adding a touch of magic, the Myer Hobart Christmas Windows showcase beautifully themed displays that captivate both young and old. And Carols by Candlelight is something you definitely don't want to miss, filling the air with melodious cheer under the starlit sky. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Hobart
- Hobart Christmas Pageant
- Myer Hobart Christmas Windows
- Carols by Candlelight
- Hobart Twilight Market Christmas Edition
- Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Christmas Display
- Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert
Hobart Holiday Light Displays
Myer Hobart Christmas Windows
What to Expect:
Animated window displays telling a Christmas story
Description:
Myer Hobart transforms its storefront into a captivating Christmas tale. Animated window displays unfold a unique narrative, bringing characters to life through intricate movements and detailed scenes. Visitors can press their noses against the glass to spot hidden details in each vignette. This tradition harks back to the 1950s when Myer first introduced animated Christmas windows in Australia. The displays blend modern technology with old-world charm, creating a uniquely Tasmanian holiday experience.
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Hobart Holiday Markets and Shopping
Hobart Twilight Market Christmas Edition
What to Expect:
Twilight market with local artisans and food vendors
Description:
The Hobart Twilight Market Christmas Edition transforms the waterfront into a bustling bazaar as the sun sets. Local artisans showcase handcrafted gifts, while food vendors serve up Tasmanian delicacies. The aroma of mulled wine and fresh pastries wafts through the air. Visitors can browse unique stalls and discover one-of-a-kind presents. This market celebrates Tasmania's rich artisanal tradition, highlighting the island's creative spirit and local produce. Live music adds to the ambiance, featuring talented local musicians.
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Hobart Twilight Market Christmas Edition
Hobart Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Carols by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Open-air concert under the stars
Description:
Hobart's Carols by Candlelight illuminates the night with an open-air concert under the stars. Local and national performers take the stage, their voices carrying across the crowd as thousands of candles flicker in unison. Attendees can join in singing beloved carols, creating a powerful chorus. This event has its roots in a 19th-century tradition of gathering on Christmas Eve to sing carols by candlelight. The concert often features a mix of traditional and contemporary holiday music, reflecting Tasmania's diverse cultural heritage.
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Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Symphony orchestra performing holiday classics with a Tasmanian twist
Description:
The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra's Christmas Concert elevates holiday music to new heights. World-class musicians perform beloved classics alongside pieces inspired by Tasmania's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The concert hall resonates with the rich tones of orchestral instruments. Audience members can experience the premiere of a new composition commissioned specifically for this event. Founded in 1948, the TSO has been a cornerstone of Tasmania's cultural scene, bringing musical excellence to the island for over seven decades.
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Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert
Hobart Other Holiday Activities
Hobart Christmas Pageant
What to Expect:
Tasmania's largest Christmas parade
Description:
Hobart's streets come alive with Tasmania's largest Christmas parade. Colorful floats, marching bands, and costumed characters wind through the city center, delighting spectators of all ages. You can join the crowd and wave to Santa as he makes his grand entrance. This beloved tradition dates back to 1979 and has grown into a significant community event. The parade showcases local talent and creativity, with many floats designed by community groups and schools.
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Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Christmas Display
What to Expect:
Christmas-themed botanical displays
Description:
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens bloom with holiday cheer through their Christmas display. Native and exotic plants are artfully arranged to create festive scenes, showcasing the diversity of Tasmania's flora. Visitors can stroll through themed gardens, each telling a different holiday story. The gardens, established in 1818, are Australia's second-oldest botanic gardens and have incorporated Christmas displays into their rich history. Educational signs provide insights into the plants used and their significance in Tasmanian ecology.
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Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Christmas Display
Nearby Events
Bellarive Seaside Festival (Bellerive)
What to Expect:
Beachside Christmas celebration
Description:
Bellerive's Seaside Festival brings Christmas to the shore with a unique beachside celebration. Sand sculptures replace snowmen, and palm trees stand in for pines. The festival features local seafood, beach games, and live music with an Australian twist on holiday classics. Visitors can participate in a sandcastle-building contest or take a dip in the Derwent River. This event highlights Tasmania's coastal culture, blending traditional Christmas elements with the laid-back atmosphere of an Australian summer.
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Kingston Christmas Parade (Kingston)
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local themes
Description:
Kingston's Christmas Parade showcases the town's community spirit with locally-themed floats and performances. School groups, sports teams, and community organizations create entries that reflect Kingston's unique character. The parade route winds through the town center, lined with cheering spectators. You might spot a float featuring Tasmania's native wildlife or local landmarks. This event has been a Kingston tradition for over 30 years, growing from a small procession to a beloved annual celebration that brings the community together.
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Glenorchy Christmas Carols (Glenorchy)
What to Expect:
Community carol sing-along with local choirs
Description:
Glenorchy's Christmas Carols event unites the community in song. Local choirs lead a massive sing-along, filling the air with harmonious melodies. The event showcases Glenorchy's diverse cultural heritage, featuring carols from various traditions. Visitors can join in singing or simply enjoy the performances. This gathering reflects Glenorchy's strong community bonds, bringing together residents of all ages and backgrounds. The event often includes performances by school groups, highlighting the talent of the area's youth.
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Tasmanian Christmas Craft Fair (Launceston)
What to Expect:
Largest Christmas craft fair in Tasmania
Description:
The Tasmanian Christmas Craft Fair in Launceston boasts the largest gathering of artisans and craftspeople in the state. Hundreds of stalls showcase handmade goods, from intricate woodwork to delicate jewelry. The fair hums with activity as demonstrators showcase traditional crafting techniques. Visitors can try their hand at various crafts in interactive workshops. This event celebrates Tasmania's rich history of craftsmanship, which dates back to the island's early colonial days. The fair provides a platform for both established and emerging artists to display their work.
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Tasmanian Christmas Craft Fair
Sorell Christmas Carols (Sorell)
What to Expect:
Rural town celebration with a focus on local talent
Description:
Sorell's Christmas Carols event shines a spotlight on local talent in this charming rural town. The intimate gathering features performances by community members, from school choirs to solo artists. The event takes place in a picturesque outdoor setting, surrounded by Sorell's historic buildings. Attendees can enjoy homemade refreshments prepared by local community groups. This celebration reflects Sorell's strong agricultural heritage, often incorporating elements that honor the town's farming roots. The event fosters a sense of community pride and togetherness.