Looking for ways to celebrate Christmas in Hobart? From festive parades to community carol events and special shopping experiences, here’s how to make the most of the holiday season in the city.
Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant
Saturday 23 November
Bluey is joining the Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant for the first time!
Nothing signals the start of the festive season in Hobart like the Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant but this year there are even more reasons to get along with Bluey joined by fellow debutants the Tasmania JackJumpers and the Terrapin.
Catch all the fun on Saturday, 23 November 2024, from 10:30 am, as Hobart’s streets fill with over 40 festive floats, dancers, and marching bands celebrating our community spirit. Featuring Santa, his elves, and more than 1,500 participants, this annual event brings joy to kids and families alike.
After the pageant, from 12–2 pm, families can meet Santa at Myer for a memorable photo opportunity.
Come along, see Bluey, and celebrate Hobart’s start to the festive season!
Christmas Window Display Competition
Saturday 23 November to Sunday 15 December
Hobart comes alive this festive season with creative shopfronts in the Hello Christmas, Hello Hobart window display initiative.
Explore the city’s decorated windows and make it a festive walking trail—don’t forget to vote for your Favorite display for a chance to win prizes!
More information and a map of participating businesses here.
Community Christmas Carol events
The City of Hobart is proud to financially support a host of community Christmas carol events to suit everyone’s needs and tastes through its grant program.
From Silent Night to Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree, this festive season there are seven community events to attend, sing your heart out and bond with locals and visitors alike.
Lighting of the Mawson’s Place Christmas Tree
Friday 29 November
Hobart’s biggest and brightest Christmas tree will be switched on for the first time this festive season.
This spectacular tree is a beacon for children across greater Hobart and the event will be marked by carol singers in full voice, bringing even more Christmas spirit to the start of the festive season.
Park and Ride Shuttle Bus Service to the CBD
Monday 9 December 2024 - Tuesday 24 December 2024 inclusive
9.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Saturday only
Enjoy quick, easy trips with each loop taking about 15 minutes!
The bus service will run every 15 minutes, looping from the Regatta Grounds car park, with stops at Murray Street (outside the Treasury Building) and Morrison Street (outside Mission to Seafarers), before returning to the Regatta Grounds.
For those coming from the Eastern Shore, there is also the option of catching the Derwent Ferry across the river and landing right in the heart of Hobart without any worries about parking or meters.
Driving into Hobart for Christmas shopping
Planning a trip into Hobart before the 25th? Here are some handy tips to make that trip a little less stressful:
- Bathurst, Barrack, and Melville streets prioritise vehicles.
- Enjoy free parking at the Regatta Grounds, with the option of a free shuttle bus every 15 minutes (see above for more information).
- Hot tip: Hobart Central and Melville Street car parks fill up slower than Argyle and
- Centrepoint!
- Consider alternative transport like Derwent Ferries and Metro Tasmania.
Salamanca Market
Saturday 20 December (and every Saturday before and after)
For all your freshest Tasmanian produce for the Christmas table and/or last-minute quality gifts, where better to go than to the state’s most visited tourist attraction, Salamanca Market?
It is a hive of activity, bursting with good vibes, filled with local knowledge, friendly store holders and very helpful Market volunteers to help you find just what you are after.
While 20 December is the last chance to grab anything for Christmas, it is open every Saturday so you don’t have to wait until the last minute.
