Terrapin takes the reins of Hobart’s beloved Christmas Pageant
Published on 26 August 2026
The City of Hobart is pleased to announce acclaimed Tasmanian puppetry company Terrapin as the lead artist for the 44th Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant, to be held on Saturday, 21 November 2026.
As Tasmania's biggest Christmas celebration, the Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant heralds the start of the festive season and regularly attracts more than 30,000 people to Hobart's CBD.
Working alongside the City of Hobart, Terrapin will help bring the pageant to life through community creative workshops, supporting participating groups to develop vibrant and imaginative floats. Terrapin is also creating a brand-new puppet especially for the 2026 pageant.
For more than 40 years, Terrapin has been captivating audiences through contemporary puppetry, giant roving puppets, interactive installations and innovative theatre works presented across Tasmania, Australia and internationally.
The City of Hobart is also calling on community groups, creatives, performers, schools, clubs, organisations and community-focused businesses to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to participate in the 2026 pageant.
The annual parade is driven by the communities of Hobart and provides a unique opportunity for participants to share their creativity, culture and festive spirit with thousands of spectators.
Expressions of Interest are now open and close on Monday, 7 September 2026.
Participation is open to community groups and organisations; arts, music, cultural and creative groups; dance, performance and arts organisations; schools, clubs and individuals; and community-focused or creative businesses.
For more information or assistance with an Expression of Interest, contact events@hobartcity.com.au
Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:
"The Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant is one of our city's most loved and enduring events, bringing together tens of thousands of people to celebrate the start of the festive season.
"Terrapin is a globally recognised Tasmanian arts organisation with an extraordinary ability to spark imagination and create memorable experiences for audiences of all ages.
"We're excited to see how Terrapin's creativity helps community groups develop vibrant and engaging entries, and we can't wait to unveil a spectacular new puppet at this year's pageant.
"The pageant is a wonderful showcase of the people and organisations that make our community so vibrant.
"Whether you're a school, sporting club, arts group, community organisation or local business, we encourage you to be part of this iconic Hobart tradition."
Quotes to be attributed to Terrapin artistic director Sam Routledge:
"It's been a long-held dream for Terrapin to be synonymous with Christmas in Hobart.
"What we love about the Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant is that it's meeting people where they are.
"It's the arts at its most approachable: free, outdoors, and made side by side with the community.
"Let the silly season begin."