Seasonal Events: What’s On in Hobart This Season

Whether you’re drawn to festive celebrations, outdoor markets, or waterfront food festivals, this season is full of reasons to visit. Here’s your curated guide to what’s happening in and around the city — perfect for planning your next getaway when staying at one of our Hobart properties.

Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant – 22 November 2025

Kick off the festive season with one of Hobart’s most beloved traditions. The Christmas Pageant brings the CBD to life with floats, costumes, performers, and joyful energy. This year’s event is led by children’s entertainer Zindzi & the Zillionaires, making it especially delightful for families.

Top Tip: Bring a camp chair or picnic rug – the pageant goes for a while, and the little ones can get tired!

https://www.hobartcity.com.au/Things-To-Do/Christmas/Myer-City-of-Hobart-Christmas-Pageant

The Big Switch On – 22November 2025 (Evening)

After the pageant, the celebrations continue at Mawson Place with the lighting of Hobart’s Christmas tree. Enjoy live entertainment, creative workshops, and a magical atmosphere that marks the true start of the holiday season.

https://www.hobartcity.com.au/Things-To-Do/Christmas/The-Big-Switch-On

Community Carols – 6 to20 December 2025‍

Across Hobart, you’ll find free carol events, bringing the Christmas spirit to everyone! From Carols in the Park to events at John Turnbull Park and St David’s Cathedral, there’s no shortage of places to soak up the community spirit.

https://www.hobartcity.com.au/Things-To-Do/Christmas/Christmas-carols

Salamanca Market – Every Saturday (Year-Round)

A visit to Hobart wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the iconic Salamanca Market. Wander between stalls offering Tasmanian produce, handmade goods, artworks, and gourmet treats. The waterfront setting and vibrant atmosphere make it a highlight of any trip. I highly recommend visiting Elly's Gourmet Confectionery, a Tasmanian gourmet popcorn and fudge company that is to die for. Free tasters of all their products too!

Top Tip: The markets are bustling during the summer months, but it can get difficult to move around with ease – arrive prior to 10am to avoid the crowds.

https://www.salamancamarket.com.au/Home

Farm Gate Market – Every Sunday (Year-Round)

On Bathurst Street, the Farm Gate Market offers a cosy, local-focused experience perfect for winter. Taste hearty seasonal food, chat with producers, and enjoy the warmth of Hobart’s creative and vibrant food community.

https://farmgatemarket.com.au/

Taste of Summer – 27December 2025 to 3 January 2026

One of the season’s marquee events, Taste of Summer (formerly Taste of Tasmania) is a world-class celebration of Tasmanian food, drink, culture, and craft. Held on Princes Wharf No. 1 on the waterfront, the festival features more than 75 stallholders showcasing the best of the island - from oysters and seafood to cool-climate wines, craft beer, and artisan foods.

There’s a vibrant music program, kids’ entertainment, and a real community feel. On New Year’s Eve, there’s a special ticketed night event, complete with Hoodoo Gurus headlining and prime waterfront views of fireworks. On 31 December, during the day (12pm–4 pm), there’s a Community Day event, where it’s free to enter the festival.

Top Tip: bring a reusable water bottle, use the festival’s compostable bins, or grab a reusable wine-cup for just $5.

https://www.tasteofsummer.com.au/‍

Street Eats @ Franko –Every Friday (Dec–Apr)

If food markets are your jam, don’t miss Street Eats @ Franko, a lively inner-city night food and drink market held at Franklin Square. From early December through to April, the market lights up every Friday from around 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Expect a rotating line up of eclectic food stallholders, live music, and a very Tasmanian vibe. The event is smoke-free and BYO isn’t permitted, so you can focus on the food, the drink, and the groove.

Plus, there’s a fiery spin-off: Flamin’ Franko, a two-day barbecue edition where char-grilled Tasmanian meats and seafood take centre stage, paired with live music and great vibes.

https://www.streeteatsfranko.com.au/‍

Australian Wooden Boat Festival – 7 to 10 February 2026

Held every year, this internationally renowned festival celebrates maritime craft and culture. Enjoy boat displays, workshops, sea shanties, demonstrations, and a lively waterfront atmosphere that appeals to families, history lovers, and seafarers alike.

https://australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au/

Royal Hobart Regatta – 7 to 9 February 2026

One of Australia’s oldest sporting events, the Regatta offers three days of aquatic fun. Expect rowing competitions, canoe polo, stunt displays, food stalls, and a festive riverfront buzz.

https://royalhobartregatta.com/

Tasmanian Wine Festival – 7 to 8 February 2026

Set within the gorgeous Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, this festival is a dream for wine lovers. Taste wines from more than 45 local vineyards, enjoy live music, and sample gourmet Tasmanian food in a tranquil outdoor setting.

https://taswinefest.com.au/

Festa Italia – 16 February 2026

Celebrate Italian culture with a day full of music, food, dancing, and community celebrations. Festa Italia brings authentic Italian flavours and vibrant entertainment to Hobart, offering visitors an authentic cultural experience.

https://www.facebook.com/FestaItaliaHobart

Why Hobart Is Unmissable This Season

A Festive, Welcoming Atmosphere

The city’s Christmas celebrations create a warm, inviting mood perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers.

Markets Packed with Tasmanian Flavour

From the waterfront elegance of Taste of Summer to the laid-back street-food vibe of Street Eats @Franko, Hobart’s markets deliver the best of local food and creativity in a variety of settings.

Waterfront Festivals Unique to Hobart

Taste of Summer, the Wooden Boat Festival, and the Regatta all showcase Hobart’s special connection to its harbour and maritime history.

Wine, Food, and Garden Delights

The Wine Festival in the Botanical Gardens is perfect for relaxing afternoons, while the food-focused events bring the island’s best produce front and centre.

Insider Tips for Visitors

• Book early, especially for big-ticket events like Taste of Summer.
• Layer up - Tassie weather can change quickly, even in summer.
• Use public transport on busy event days; parking is limited near waterfront festivals.
• At Taste of Summer, reuse cups and water bottles to reduce waste.
• Support Tasmanian makers - explore stalls, talk to producers, and try something new.

Plan Your Seasonal Escape to Hobart

From gourmet food festivals and street-food markets to waterfront fireworks and regattas, Hobart offers an unforgettable mix of experiences. This season, let the city’s vibrant food culture, community spirit, and natural beauty be part of your trip.

‍

‍