Launceston's Christmas spirit is set to shine on Friday November 25, with the official lighting of the Christmas tree in the Brisbane Street Mall.
Northern Tasmanian families are invited to attend the free, family-friendly event, following a two year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson said the annual Christmas in the City event typically drew thousands of people from across the region, and he was delighted to see it returning in 2022.
"One of my first orders of business as Mayor was to immediately write to the North Pole to formally invite Santa to our Christmas in the City event in Launceston on November 25," Mayor Gibson said.
"I'm pleased to advise that Santa has confirmed his attendance and will arrive at approximately 8.30pm to oversee the lighting of Launceston's Christmas Tree, with the assistance of Make-AWish Australia.
"We hope to see as many people as possible attending this wonderful community event, which at heart is about sharing the joy of Christmas with Launceston families."
The Christmas in the City event is being coordinated by the City of Launceston in collaboration with Launceston Central City and Chilli FM, and will feature entertainment, late night shopping in participating stores, face-painting and children's activities.
The event will run from 5pm to 9pm, and both The Avenue and St John Street, between Paterson and York St, will be closed to vehicle traffic between 6pm and 9pm.
In the lead-up to Christmas, Launceston Central City will once again oversee the popular Christmas window display competition which allows CBD retailers to showcase their Christmas spirit, and the reindeer competition which challenges shoppers to find all nine of Santa's reindeer in storefronts across the city.
Launceston Central City Executive Officer Amanda McEvoy said the annual lighting of the Christmas tree was one of Launceston's most popular community events.
"The lighting of the Christmas tree always draws a bumper crowd, and I know for many families it really marks the start of the festive season in Launceston," Ms McEvoy said.
"The lead-up to Christmas is looking really exciting for Launceston; retail vacancies are down again, and we've got a number of new businesses which have opened in recent months and which are all offering something different.
"On top of this, there are an incredible 15 new hospitality businesses opening in the city this quarter alone.
"Santa's mailbox will once again be in the Old Brisbane Arcade and there will be a Christmas gift guide on our website at www.launcestoncentralcity.com.au showing the variety and quality of original gifts that you can buy in the city — and support local businesses — this Christmas."
"Whether it's socialising, or finding that perfect Christmas present, central Launceston is the place to be this Christmas, and we look forward to seeing a huge turnout for the Christmas in the City event on Friday, November 25."
