Christmas in the City
It's the most wonderful time of the year
Tinsel, lights, candy canes and baubles - it's almost Christmas time once again! Whether you're feeling prepared for the holiday season or it's snuck up on you, we've got everything you need in one place to enjoy the holidays in Launnie:
- Extended trading in the CBD
- Festive competitions for all ages to enjoy
- Guides to shop local
- What's on this holiday season
So get your Santa hats and reindeer antlers on, and let's take a look at Christmas in the City 🌟
Extended Trading in the CBD
Many local businesses are staying open later and on extra days outside of their normal operating hours to meet demand during the busy shopping season. See below to view some (but not all) of the businesses you can shop with during extended times.
Late night / Extended trading
Aspire Adventure Equipment | 136 York St | Late night trading during December on Thursdays
Balls N Bumpers | 171 Charles St | Open 3 Sundays before Christmas (7, 14, 21 Dec) 10am to 2:30pm
Hope & Me | 18 Quadrant Mall | Open 10am to 5pm M-F, 10am to 4pm Saturdays, Open 3 Sundays before Christmas (7, 14, 21 Dec) 11am to 2pm
Inspire - yourself & your home | Shop 7/70 Brisbane Street | Open 9am to 5:30pm M-F, 9am to 3:30pm Saturdays, Open 2 Sundays before Christmas (14, 21) 10am to 2pm
Le Petit Chou | 76 George St | Open every day from 8am to 6pm over holiday period (except closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day)
Launceston Camera House | 96 Brisbane St | Open 3 Sundays before Christmas (7, 14, 21) 10am to 3pm
Country Women's Association Shop | 129 St John St | Open 6 days a week now through Christmas, M-F 9:30am to 3pm, Sun 10am to 2pm
Mad Hatters Treats | 168 Brisbane St | Christmas week opening 1 hour early at 10am (closed Christmas Day)
Rupert & Hound | 30 Seaport Blvd | Dinner service on Monday and Tuesday evenings before Christmas (8, 9 & 15, 16 Dec)
The Health Shop & Willow Dell | 128 St John St | Christmas hours 2 to 7pm until 24 Dec, open 2 Sundays before Christmas (14, 21 Dec) open 10am to 2pm
Your Tea Shop | 101 George St | The 2 Sundays before Christmas (14, 21 Dec) open 10am to 2pm
Open Christmas Eve
Balls N Bumpers | 171 Charles St | Open 9am to 4pm (last day before closing until 5 Jan 2026)
Balfour & Co | 49 Balfour St | Christmas Eve sidewalk sale (jewellery & accessories) from 10am to 2pm
Du Cane Brewing | 60/64 Elizabeth St | Open 12 to 9pm (kitchen closes at 8pm)
Inspire yourself & your home | Shop 7/70 Brisbane Street | Open 9am on Christmas Eve (close time to be confirmed)
Le Petit Chou | 76 George St | Open 8am to 6pm
LivEat | 86 Brisbane St | Open 6:30am to 5pm
Mad Hatters Treats | 168 Brisbane St | Open 10am to 6:30pm
Schnitty Bar | Shop/14 Yorktown Square | Open 11 to 3pm, 4pm to 8pm (bookings recommended)
Pachinko | 23 Quadrant Mall | Open 5 to 8:30pm (bookings recommended)
Village Cinemas | 163 Brisbane St | Open to 9:30pm with gift vouchers and experience cards available
QVMAG Shop at Inveresk | 2 Invermay Rd | Open 10am to 4pm with free gift wrapping in store
QVMAG Shop at Art Gallery at Royal Park | 2 Wellington St | Open 10am to 4pm with free gift wrapping in store
Open on Boxing Day
Footcare Shoes | 93 York St | Open 9am to 4pm with 30% off full price store wide sale
Launceston Camera House | 96 Brisbane St | Open 9am to 5:30pm
Le Petit Chou | 76 George St | Open 8am to 6pm
LivEat | 86 Brisbane St | Open 6:30am to 10pm
Mad Hatters Treats | 168 Brisbane St | Open 10am to 9:30pm
Schnitty Bar | Shop/14 Yorktown Square | Open 11 to 3pm, 4pm to 9pm (bookings recommended)
Village Cinemas | 163 Brisbane St | Open to 9:30pm with gift vouchers and experience cards available
QVMAG Shop at Inveresk | 2 Invermay Rd | Open 10am to 4pm with free gift wrapping in store
QVMAG Shop at Art Gallery at Royal Park | 2 Wellington St | Open 10am to 4pm with free gift wrapping in store
Carols in the Park (Sunday 21 December)
Coming into town for the City of Launceston's Carols in the Park from 5-8pm in City Park? Here are some local restaurants where you can eat beforehand, or pick up an item to-go.
Mad Hatters Treats | 168 Brisbane St | Open 10am to 4pm and will have Snackleboxes, Bliss Buckets and Cans for lollies on the go
Santa's Mailbox
Straight to the North Pole via Old Brisbane Arcade
We've made some special arrangements with Santa to have a mailbox installed in the Old Brisbane Arcade where you can post a letter to the big jolly man himself, direct to the North Pole! From 29 November, find Santa's Mailbox in the arcade everyday until 5.00pm. The last day to drop your letter will be Thursday 18 December at 4:30pm.
Letter templates are available at the mailbox, or you can download one at the link below to print and fill out ahead of time - or post one of your own design!
📨 Please be sure to include your postal address if you would like a reply from Santa! We encourage parents to lend a hand with writing this down.
12 Shoppers of Christmas Gift Guides
Find your shopping style with the 12 Shoppers of Christmas
Meet The Twelve Shoppers of Christmas, a playful cast ready to make your holiday shopping in Launceston’s CBD easy and memorable! Each shopper - from ‘Long List Lucy’ to ‘Eco Eric’ - brings their own unique shopping style, so you can find the shopper that best suits you. Explore their holiday tips and curated gift guides from local stores, designed to match each shopper’s needs and personality. Whether you’re efficient, last-minute, or gift-obsessed, there’s inspiration for every holiday approach. Discover your shopper style and the perfect gift ideas right here on Launceston Central, and support our vibrant local shops this season!
Explore your shopping style and shopping guides at the link below.
Merrymaking in the City
Save the date for these upcoming festive events!
Swipe through and click the links to learn more.
The City of Launceston Lions Christmas Parade is held every year weaving it's magic through the City. The 2025 parade will be held on Saturday... Read more
Launceston Christmas Parade
Esplanade, Launceston
CHRISTMAS CONCERT!!! Get ready for “A Launceston Christmas” - an evening filled with brass, brilliant voices, barbershop, and The Buz Featuring:•... Read more
A Launceston Christmas
157 Saint John Street, Launceston
The first Christmas Market since the newly renovated Albert Hall reopened, around 70 makers will be on hand, with a focus on Tasmanian Cottage craft.... Read more
Albert Hall Christmas Market
47 Tamar Street, Launceston
A grand display of different Christmas Nativity scenes will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Launceston daily beginning in early December,... Read more
Launceston Christmas Nativity Display
34 Cameron Street, Launceston
Time to pack your mince pies and Christmas spirits…The Kransky Sisters are bringing the party to town!Travelling out in the trusty Morris from their... Read more
A Cracker Kransky Christmas | Earl Arts Centre
10 10 Earl Street, Launceston
Begin the Christmas season with Music in the Mornings’ favourite Ian Stenlake and friends. Featuring the perfect mix of carols and Christmas... Read more
Music in the Mornings: A Christmas Surprise featuring Ian Stenlake | Princess Theatre
57 57 Brisbane Street, Launceston
Get ready for a night of festive fun as we unwrap the holiday cheer and mix the classic game of bingo with the glitter, glam, and cheeky comedy of a... Read more
Drag Bingo Christmas Unwrapped
5, 74-82 Saint John Street, Launceston
Head into the Launceston CBD to shop local and enjoy a day of FREE festive family fun! While you complete your Christmas shopping, the city centre... Read more
Love Local Festive Fun Day
108 108 Brisbane St, Launceston
THE 2025 FRESH COMEDY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR with SAMMY J!It's a Christmas miracle! Presenting the 2025 Fresh Comedy Christmas Spectacular headlined... Read more
The Fresh Comedy Christmas Spectacular with SAMMY J (Netflix, ABC TV)
4 4 Invermay Road, Launceston
Step into the magical world of The Nutcracker as Ballet & Dance Arts Tasmania proudly presents this beloved holiday classic, performed by our... Read more
The Nutcracker | Princess Theatre
57 57 Brisbane Street, Launceston
Carols in the Park is a beloved community tradition in Launceston, celebrating the spirit of Christmas. Returning to the majestic City Park, this... Read more
City of Launceston Carols in the Park
45-55 Tamar Street, Launceston
Every family has a Christmas story…some are chaotic, some are hilarious and some become the ones we talk about every year after. This year, let's... Read more
Christmas Day Lunch
28 Mudbar Restaurant, Launceston
Christmas chaos is done, now it's Dad's turn to kick back! While you hit the Boxing Day sales, Dad can hit the beer list and catch the Test on the... Read more
Boxing Day at Alchemy
90 90 George Street, Launceston
Celebrate the countdown in style at Launceston's premier waterfront destination.Enjoy a 3-course set menu with two sittings: 6pm &... Read more
New Year’s Eve by the Water
13 13 Park Street, Launceston
Experience the Ultimate New Year's Eve Celebration at Royal ParkSet against the stunning waterfront backdrop, Launceston BeerFest NYE offers a... Read more
Launceston Beerfest NYE Celebration at Royal Park
7 Park Street, Launceston
What's on
