If you and your family are seeking to escape the Christmas rush, then Hobart and its surrounding areas in Tasmania could be perfect for you. Just a short trip by boat or plane from the mainland, and you will find yourself in a picturesque location that boasts everything that the City of Hobart has to offer, including shopping and popular attractions, and also the serene and isolated surrounding areas that make Tasmania so special.
One of the positive considerations for visiting Hobart and Tasmania over summer and during the Christmas period is the weather. While it is still the hottest time of the year, Hobart is located south of Australia’s mainland and is a much cooler location. There is no need to spend Christmas day sweltering in the heat, when you can enjoy warm weather that is comfortable to be in.
The City of Hobart during Christmas
Hobart is a waterfront city that offers all of the main department stores, shopping areas and entertainment options, including cinemas – however it is still small enough to easily stroll around on foot. If you are traveling with small children or the elderly, Hobart is a great city to access without a car. You can discover the shops that will be filled with decorations, Christmas lights and Christmas trees at this time of year, and at the same time explore the foreshore area that hosts popular markets and has places to eat icecream and fish and chips.
Food is a huge part of the Hobart culture, and if you are shopping locally for food during Christmas time you will have lots of gourmet offerings. You will find that many of the stores and markets have local produce and will bring out many of the traditional favourites to sell. You can enjoy scrumptious seafoods, meats and locally grown vegetables, and use these to prepare your Christmas feast, but also consider some of the local jams and gourmet goodies like biscuits and cakes to give away as gifts to your family and your friends. These will be well received and can even be posted to other destinations as unique offerings that won’t be available anywhere else.
The Salamanca Markets at Salamanca Place, Hobart might be the best place to find your fresh food gifts, but you will also be treated to many other handicrafts and souvenirs that you won’t be able to find elsewhere. There are over three hundred stalls that range from the traditional to the unique, and these markets are not only well-known in Hobart, but they are remembered and spoken about all over the world.If you are visiting Hobart and Tasmania, you will not be able to escape without visiting the Salamanca Markets, and you’ll find it hard to resist not doing your Christmas shopping there.
During this season the location comes alive with buskers and performers who showcase their Christmas repertoire and dress up in seasonal costumes. There will be lights and trees and decorations and the Christmas spirit will be strong. Visiting the Salamanca markets during Christmas is exciting for individuals and the entire family, and it will be easy to do as they are held every Saturday.
Elizabeth Mall is another popular destination for Christmas shopping and you’ll find that the decorations and shop windows come to life with season’s greatings from the start of December. The local council and store holders always add extra services to the Christmas shopping experience, including gift wrapping, parcel minding, and there is also a shuttle bus that can easily get you in and out of the inner Hobart shopping area.
The Hobart Taste Festival
We’ve already identified the love that Hobart has for fresh foods and gourmet gifts, but even after Christmas the indulgence still exists. Every year Hobart hosts the Taste Festival which is a week long event that runs from the end of December into January. Every day and night there is food, drinks and live entertainment for the entire family, and there will be no better way to relax and wind down over the Christmas and New Year period.
Picture local cheeses and wines, fresh berries and preserves, cold meats and locally grown produce. Foodies from around the world love to indulge themselves in the offerings of the Hobart Taste Festival, and if you would like to join in then consider spending the entire Christmas period in the area of Hobart and Tasmania.