Plan your festive season itinerary with ease in Launceston. Our guide has all the top holiday events. Whether you're a local or exploring Launceston for the first time, our guide ensures you enjoy the festive season.
Christmas in the City transforms the town with twinkling lights and festive decorations, offering a magical experience for residents and visitors alike. Delight in the flavors and aromas of Festivale, where gourmet food and local wines spotlight the region's culinary talent. And the Carols by Candlelight is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its harmonious carol singing in a serene, candle-lit setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Launceston
- Christmas in the City
- Festivale
- Carols by Candlelight
- Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert
- Tamar Valley Folk Festival Christmas Special
- Summer Moonlight Cinema
Launceston Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Carols by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Community singing event in a picturesque outdoor setting
Description:
Launceston's City Park comes alive with the soft glow of candlelight and melodious voices during Carols by Candlelight. This cherished tradition brings together locals and visitors to sing beloved carols under the stars. You can join in the singing or simply bask in the harmonious atmosphere. The event honors a nationwide Australian tradition that began in Melbourne in 1938. Local choirs and musicians lead the performances, their voices carrying through the crisp summer evening air, creating a sense of unity and joy among attendees.
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Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
World-class orchestra performing holiday classics with a Tasmanian twist
Description:
The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra elevates the holiday spirit with their annual Christmas concert in Launceston. This prestigious ensemble, founded in 1948, infuses classical holiday compositions with unique Tasmanian elements. Audience members can experience the thrill of hearing familiar tunes reimagined through the lens of Australian culture. The concert often features collaborations with local artists, showcasing Tasmania's rich musical heritage. The orchestra's masterful performance resonates through the venue, creating an auditory tapestry that captures the essence of an Australian Christmas.
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Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert
Tamar Valley Folk Festival Christmas Special
What to Expect:
Folk music celebration with a holiday twist
Description:
The Tamar Valley Folk Festival Christmas Special infuses the holiday season with the soulful strains of folk music. This event celebrates Tasmania's rich folk heritage, blending traditional tunes with contemporary interpretations. Visitors can participate in workshops led by skilled musicians, learning the basics of folk instruments. The festival pays homage to the region's Celtic influences, which have shaped Tasmanian folk music since the early days of European settlement. Local and visiting performers fill the air with melodies that evoke the spirit of an Australian bush Christmas.
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Tamar Valley Folk Festival Christmas Special
Launceston Other Holiday Activities
Christmas in the City
What to Expect:
City-wide celebration transforming Launceston's streets
Description:
Launceston's streets transform into a vibrant holiday spectacle during Christmas in the City. Colorful decorations adorn historic buildings, blending modern cheer with colonial charm. Visitors can join guided tours exploring the city's rich architectural heritage while enjoying the festive atmosphere. The event pays homage to Launceston's status as one of Australia's oldest cities, founded in 1806. Street performers and local artisans showcase their talents, creating a lively ambiance that captures the spirit of an Australian summer Christmas.
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Festivale
What to Expect:
Celebration of Tasmanian cuisine and culture
Description:
Festivale ignites Launceston's City Park with a burst of Tasmanian flavors and entertainment. This summer extravaganza showcases the region's finest wines, craft beers, and gourmet delicacies. Visitors can participate in cooking demonstrations led by renowned local chefs, learning the secrets of Tasmanian cuisine. The event traces its roots back to 1988, originally conceived as a multicultural celebration. Live music performances featuring local and national acts reverberate through the park, creating an electric atmosphere that embodies Tasmania's vibrant cultural scene.
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Summer Moonlight Cinema
What to Expect:
Outdoor cinema experience under the stars
Description:
Summer Moonlight Cinema transforms Launceston's City Park into an open-air theater, offering a unique way to enjoy films during the holiday season. This event capitalizes on Tasmania's long summer twilights, with screenings beginning as the sun sets. Visitors can spread out picnic blankets and enjoy a curated selection of classic and contemporary films. The cinema experience harks back to the drive-in theaters popular in mid-20th century Australia, reimagined for modern audiences. The gentle rustle of leaves in the historic park adds a natural soundtrack to the cinematic experience, creating an immersive atmosphere.
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Nearby Events
Evandale Village Fair (Evandale)
What to Expect:
Historic village celebration with a focus on traditional crafts and activities
Description:
Evandale Village Fair transports visitors to a bygone era, celebrating the holiday season with a nod to Tasmania's colonial past. This charming event unfolds in one of Australia's best-preserved historic towns, established in the early 19th century. Artisans demonstrate traditional crafts, offering a glimpse into the skills that shaped early Tasmanian life. Visitors can try their hand at activities like candle making or blacksmithing. The air fills with the aroma of freshly baked goods as local bakers showcase their talents, adding to the authentic atmosphere of this unique holiday gathering.
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Longford Christmas Parade (Longford)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade celebrating community and rural traditions
Description:
Longford's Christmas Parade captures the essence of rural Australian holiday spirit. This charming event winds through the historic streets of Longford, a town steeped in colonial history dating back to 1813. Colorful floats showcase local businesses and community groups, many incorporating elements of the region's agricultural heritage. Visitors can join in the festivities by decorating their own bicycles or scooters to join the parade. The event culminates in a community gathering, where the aroma of sizzling sausages from local food stalls fills the air, embodying the warmth of country hospitality.