This festive season, Hobart is bringing back the traditions you love – like the iconic Christmas Pageant and joyful carols – and adding something brand new: The Big Switch On, a free community celebration to light up the city!
Here's what's on:
Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant
When: 10.30 am - 12 pm on Saturday 22 November 2025
Where: Hobart CBD
The much-loved Christmas Pageant returns with all its colour and energy!
Thousands will line the streets to enjoy the festive parade, and this year's headline act is Zindzi & the Zillionaires – the ARIA-nominated children's entertainer known for her upbeat, positive tunes.
Expect dancing, singing and plenty of festive cheer!
Learn more
The Big Switch On!
When: 6.30 - 9 pm on Saturday 29 November 2025
Where: Mawson Place
Hobart's Christmas tree lighting tradition gets a fresh twist!
Join us for a free evening of live music, creative workshops and community spirit, capped off by the big countdown to light the tree.
Highlights:
- 7 pm – Whistle & Trick
- 8 pm – Bunny Racket
- 8.30 pm – Christmas Tree Lighting
Bring the family and celebrate as the city sparkles!
Learn more
Community Christmas Carols
When: Saturday 6 December 2025
Where: Across the city
From 6 December to 20 December, Hobart will host a series of carol events across the city, including:
- Carols in the Park – Saturday 6 December
- C3 Beyond Carols – Wednesday 10 - Monday 15 December
- Carols at John Turnbull Park – Saturday 6 December
- Carols at St David's Cathedral – Saturday 20 December
- Plus more at Mount Stuart Hall and Elizabeth Mall!
Sing along and soak up the festive spirit at these community gatherings.
Letters to Santa
When: Saturday 29 November - Sunday 14 December
Where: Elizabeth Mall
Santa's red mailbox is back! Kids can post their Christmas wishes straight to the North Pole and receive a special reply.
Don't forget to include your name and address so Santa knows where to send his letter!
Christmas Gift Wrapping
When: TBC
Where: Elizabeth Mall
Take the stress out of wrapping!
Drop by our city gift-wrapping station in the Elizabeth Mall in December and have your presents beautifully wrapped for a gold coin donation.
All proceeds go to local charities – spreading joy while you shop.
Festive Pop-Ups
When: Saturdays in December
Where: Across the city
Every Saturday in December, Hobart's streets will come alive with surprise performances – from choirs to buskers and roving acts.
Shop, stroll and enjoy the magic of Christmas in the city!
Park and Ride
When: Monday to Saturday, from Monday 8 December to Tuesday 24 December
Where: Regatta Grounds
Skip the parking stress. Hobart's Park and Ride returns on Monday 8 December, looping every 15 minutes from Regatta Grounds to the city and waterfront.
Prefer to drive? Check the live Park My Ride Map – Tasmania's first live online city map showing users real-time parking availability across Hobart's on-street and multi-storey car parks.
Salamanca Market
When: Saturdays from 8.30 am to 3 pm
Where: Salamanca Place
And of course, don't forget Salamanca Market every Saturday for a range of Tasmania's best local products and produce.
The perfect place to look for heartwarming gifts or that special meal to celebrate with loved ones at Christmas.
Learn more