Christmas Day in Hobart

Things to Do in Hobart on Christmas Day

Christmas in Tasmania’s capital city, Hobart, is a magical time of year, blending natural beauty, festivities, and holiday cheer. As many businesses and operators rest and recuperate from their busiest time of year, taking time to spend with family and friends, you will find many places closed on Christmas Day itself. That does not mean there is a lack of things to do though! Hobart is blessed with many natural wonders to explore.

Whether it is your first visit to Hobart, your 50^th visit, or indeed if you live in Hobart, the city offers a range of activities and events to make your Christmas Day unforgettable. Here is a guide to some of the best Christmas activities in Hobart and things to do in Hobart on Christmas Day.

Events and Activities

1. Christmas Services

Starting your day with a Christmas service is a great way to begin, forging a sense of community & peace and recognising the original meaning of Christmas. St Davind’s Anglican Cathedral in the heart of Hobart has a number of Christmas Services on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check the service timings here.

Even if a church service is not necessarily your thing, it is a great opportunity to visit this spectacular Cathedral and witness it in action! St David’s Cathedral is also part of our Hobart Waterfront Walking Tour.

2. Community Carols

Generally, carol events are held in the lead up to Christmas Day as communities get in to the festive spirit. However, some communities may still host carol gatherings and singalongs on Christmas Day. Keep an eye on local listings for events.

Outdoor Adventures

1. kunanyi/Mount Wellington

Visiting kunanyi/Mt Wellington is a must do whilst in Hobart and Christmas Day can be a great day to do that, it usually a bit quieter! With numerous walks and waterfalls to explore along with the sensational view, a visit to kunanyi/Mt Wellington is a great way to spend the day.  Made even better with our kunanyi/Mt Wellington Driving Tour!

Make sure you check the weather forecast before heading up, along with the council gate closures. Even though it is the middle of Summer, it has been known to snow on Christmas Day! Read more about visiting the mountain in our other blog posts.

Why not pre-order a gourmet picnic hamper from Hill Street Grocers for something a little bit special, it is Christmas after all!

2. Beach Day

If the beach is more your thing, well you are in luck! Being a river-based city, Hobart is blessed with a plethora of beaches. Typically, you can turn up at any Tasmanian beach and it will not be overcrowded, but here are a few of our favorites:

• South of Hobart:
  • Long Beach Sandy Bay
  • Kingston Beach
  • Blackmans Bay Beach
  • Snug Beach
  • Cornelian Bay
• East of Hobart:
  • Bellerive Beach
  • Little Howrah Beach
  • Opossum Bay
  • Park Beach
  • Clifton Beach
  • Seven Mile Beach

So, pack a picnic, grab your sunscreen, and head off! (if you have a wetsuit, take it!)

3. Botanical Gardens

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful escape. With fourteen acres of diverse flora including a substantial native collection, it is very easy to find a quiet secluded pocket of the gardens. Visit the Japanese Garden, Conservatory, Floral Clock, and the world’s only Sub-Antarctic Greenhouse to make this a unique Christmas Day!

Dining and Cruises

1. Christmas Lunch or Dinner

Many restaurants in Hobart offer special Christmas menus, however spots tend to fill up quickly so do book early! Featuring traditional roasts, fresh seafood, and festive desserts, eating out can be a great way to celebrate. Here is two of our top pics:

• Wrest Point Revolving Restaurant: Take in the 360-degree views as the restaurant rotates around the top of the Wrest Point tower.
• Waterline: Enjoy a meal or a cocktail on the waters edge right in the heart of the Hobart docks.

2. River Cruises

The river Derwent is a beautiful waterway with imposing cliffs and stunning beaches. There is no better way to enjoy it than from the water itself. Why not include a meal and make a Christmas Day of it! Book a cruise with Hobart Historic Cruises for another unique way to Celebrate Christmas!

Attractions and Experiences

1. Hobart Waterfront

Discover the historical charm of Hobart’s waterfront with a walk through the docks and surrounding areas. From converted sandstone warehouses to modern piers, there is a huge amount to take in. Coupled with our Hobart Waterfront walking tour, this makes for a great day.

2. Wildlife Encounters

Have you ever wanted to spend Christmas Day with Koalas, Kangaroos and Tasmanian Devils! Well you can with our friends at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Pack a picnic and spend the day making new friends with some Tasmanian wildlife just 30 mins from Hobart’s centre. What a great Christmas Day story to tell!

Christmas Light Displays

Every year Hobart’s suburbs are littered with Christmas light displays to bring some Christmas cheer. Take a drive or a stroll through the suburbs and you are sure to spot some. You can also find some of the more extravagant displays listed here.

You will also find buildings in and around the city lit up and do not forget to visit the giant Christmas tree in Mawson Place.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking to enjoy what nature has on offer or something more traditional there is something for everyone in Hobart on Christmas Day.

Have a fantastic Christmas and enjoy the holiday spirit in Hobart, Tasmania!