Rally is researching the season
Christmas with kids in Launceston
Launceston's Christmas tree in Brisbane Street Mall is 10 metres tall and is called the tallest in northern Tasmania. More than 5,000 people packed City Park for the 2024 carols.
Christmas events for 2026 are coming in late November
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Already confirmed in Launceston
So far we’ve confirmed 1 of this season’s events, and more are on the way.
George Town Christmas Carnival 2026
When: Fri 11 December, from 3pm (parade 5pm, carols 5.50pm)
Where: Macquarie Street and Regent Square, George Town
Cost: Price not stated on page
The story of Christmas in Launceston
5,000 people and a rescue job in City Park
Launceston's carols found a new home at short notice. A community carols event at the Silverdome was cancelled weeks before Christmas 2024, so the council organised Carols by Candlelight in City Park instead. On Sunday 22 December, from 6pm to 9pm, more than 5,000 people came, with local performers and a visit from Santa.
In 2025 the event became Carols in the Park, on Sunday 21 December from 5pm to 8pm with gates open at 3pm. It stayed free, with McGrath as sponsor and The Examiner as media partner.
A Saturday night for the 10-metre tree
Launceston's tree stands 10 metres tall in Brisbane Street Mall and is described as northern Tasmania's tallest Christmas tree. On Saturday 29 November 2025 it was lit at about 8.30pm, the first time the lighting was held on a Saturday evening. The Avenue was opened up for the crowd.
There was live music, face painting, Santa and an interactive Choir in the Mall led by Travis Hennessy of the Launceston Choir in the Pub. Organisers expected thousands to come along.
A battery-operated candle rule at the carols
At the 2025 carols, only battery-operated candles were allowed, the event was cashless and dogs stayed home unless they were registered assistance animals. Local band Captain O'Brien's Craic played for the first time, and a songbook could be downloaded from the council website.
Traditions today
- Carols in the Park: A free evening of local choirs, musicians and a guest from the North Pole in City Park, with a picnic on the grass.
- Lighting of the Tree: A 10-metre tree lit in Brisbane Street Mall with live music, face painting, Santa and a pop-up choir.
- Choir in the Mall: An interactive singing session at the tree lighting, led by the Launceston Choir in the Pub.
- Launceston City Community Christmas: A free Christmas Day lunch with a buffet, live music, children's activities and Santa at 50 Glen Dhu Street.
- Carols songbook: The council offers a downloadable songbook, and colouring books and pencils are sold at the carols.
A fact for kids
Launceston's Christmas tree is 10 metres tall, taller than any other Christmas tree in northern Tasmania.
Questions about Christmas in Launceston
When is Carols in the Park in Launceston in 2026?
No 2026 date was confirmed on the pages checked. In 2025 Carols in the Park was held on Sunday 21 December from 5pm to 8pm at City Park, with gates open at 3pm. Rally Takes the Train's Launceston Christmas events guide will add the date once the council confirms it.
Where is Carols in the Park held and what should I bring?
Carols in the Park is held at City Park, 43 Tamar Street, Launceston. Families are invited to bring a picnic, and low chairs and picnic blankets are welcome, with an accessible seating area. Food, drinks and coffee were on sale at the 2025 event, which was cashless.
Can I bring my dog to the Launceston carols?
No. Dogs are not permitted at Carols in the Park, except registered assistance animals. The 2025 event was also smoke-free and cashless, and only battery-operated candles were allowed. City Park was closed for setup until 3pm on the day and reopened two days later, on 23 December.
Is Carols in the Park in Launceston free?
Yes. The City of Launceston lists Carols in the Park as a free community event. The 2025 program featured local choirs, musicians and performers, plus a guest from the North Pole. McGrath was the sponsor and The Examiner was the media partner. Bring a picnic and low chairs.
Does the Launceston carols night go ahead in the rain?
Yes, in most weather. The council said the 2025 event went ahead in all weather except extreme conditions such as lightning or strong winds. The page also noted an extreme UV index of 11 for the day, so hats and sunscreen were worth packing for an event that starts at 5pm.
What songs and performers were at Launceston's 2025 carols?
The 2025 carols had local vocalists and dancers, and classics such as Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Joy to the World and Deck the Halls. Local band Captain O'Brien's Craic played at the carols for the first time. The mayor also promised a very special visitor from the North Pole.
How many people went to Launceston's 2024 carols?
More than 5,000 people went to Carols by Candlelight in City Park on Sunday 22 December 2024, which ran from 6pm to 9pm. It was free, with local performers and a visit from Santa. Council staff and community groups helped to run the night at short notice.
Why were the 2024 Launceston carols moved to City Park?
A community-led carols event at the Silverdome was cancelled weeks before Christmas 2024. The City of Launceston organised Carols by Candlelight in City Park instead. Mayor Matthew Garwood praised Councillor Lindi McMahon and the Tourism and Events Team Leader, Angie Hart, for their behind-the-scenes work on the night.
Is there a songbook for the Launceston carols?
Yes. A songbook could be downloaded from the City of Launceston website for the 2025 carols, so kids can practise before the night. Christmas colouring-in books and pencils were also for sale at the event, which helps keep little ones busy while the performers set up on stage.
When is the Launceston Christmas tree lighting?
In 2025 the tree was lit in Brisbane Street Mall on Saturday 29 November at about 8.30pm. The council said it was the first time the lighting was held on a Saturday evening. A 2026 date was not confirmed on the pages checked, so check the council closer to the end of November.
How tall is Launceston's Christmas tree?
The tree in Brisbane Street Mall is 10 metres tall. The City of Launceston describes it as northern Tasmania's tallest Christmas tree. Installation of the tree and decorations began the week before the 2025 lighting, and the tree is lit at the Lighting of the Tree event in late November.
What is Choir in the Mall in Launceston?
Choir in the Mall is an interactive performance at the Lighting of the Tree. In 2025 it was led by Travis Hennessy of the Launceston Choir in the Pub, and the crowd sang along. It sits alongside live music, face painting and a visit from Santa in Brisbane Street Mall.
What can kids do at the Launceston tree lighting?
In 2025 the free tree lighting had live music, face painting, a visit from Santa Claus and a Choir in the Mall singalong. The Avenue was opened up for the crowd, and organisers expected thousands of people. The tree was lit at about 8.30pm, which is late for young children.
What is Deck the Malls in Launceston?
Deck the Malls is an art competition for Launceston's city centre. In 2025 fifteen winning artworks became festive flag banners, and all the other entries are displayed at eye level for families to spot.
Is there a free Christmas Day lunch in Launceston?
Launceston City Community Christmas is a free event on 25 December, listed for 11am to 2pm in 2025 at 50 Glen Dhu Street, South Launceston. It has a Christmas buffet, live music, children's activities and a visit from Santa. Registration is through launcestoncommunitychristmas.com.au, so check the website for who it is open to.
How long has Launceston City Community Christmas been running?
The 2025 event page carries a 10 years logo, which suggests the 2025 lunch was its tenth year. The page does not give a founding story. Check the website for the 2026 Christmas Day date and registration.
What do kids do at the Launceston Community Christmas?
The free Christmas Day event includes a buffet, live music, children's activities and a visit from Santa. The 2025 session ran from 11am to 2pm at 50 Glen Dhu Street, South Launceston. Registration is needed through launcestoncommunitychristmas.com.au, so register before the day rather than turning up.
Where can kids meet Santa in Launceston?
In 2025 Santa appeared at the Lighting of the Tree in Brisbane Street Mall, and a guest from the North Pole was promised for Carols in the Park. In 2024 Santa visited the City Park carols, and he was also at the Christmas Day community lunch. Dates for 2026 were not confirmed.
Where can I find Launceston's 2026 Christmas events?
The pages checked had no confirmed 2026 dates yet, only the 2025 events. Rally Takes the Train's Launceston Christmas events guide lists 2026 events once their dates appear on the host's own page. The City of Launceston's events page is the place to watch for the tree lighting and carols.
What time do the gates open for Carols in the Park in Launceston?
For the 2025 Carols in the Park, gates opened at 3pm and the program ran from 5 to 8pm on Sunday 21 December. City Park was closed for setup until 3pm. Arriving early gives families time to spread out a picnic blanket and find a spot near the accessible seating area.
Sources
- Lighting of the Tree set to shine on Saturday November 29, City of Launceston
- Christmas preparations unwrapped, City of Launceston
- City of Launceston Carols in the Park, City of Launceston
- Carols in the Park brings festive cheer to City Park, City of Launceston
- Thousands attend Launceston's Carols by Candlelight in City Park, Pulse Tasmania
- Launceston City Community Christmas, City of Launceston