An oversized parcel addressed to Hobart and bearing an instruction to open no earlier than 4 December has mysteriously appeared today at Mawson Place, next to the city's Christmas tree.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the parcel was expected to be seen at various locations around the city centre before returning to Mawson Place for a special family event.
"Rumour has it, the parcel will turn up at a few different locations across the next few weeks, bringing with it fun and festive performers to entertain people going about their Christmas shopping," Cr Reynolds said. "Then, on Saturday 4 December, it will be opened up to reveal a special surprise."
The parcel will be at a prominent CBD location tomorrow, accompanied by the Australian Army Pep Band and Archdiocese of Hobart Choir, plus stilt-walkers, bouncing reindeer and other roving performers.
Christmas-themed entertainment will feature in the city every weekend until 12 December, then daily from 15 December.
In addition, the City of Hobart is partnering with 7HOFM to bring the Selfie Elfie into the city on weekdays during the next five weeks, with passers-by invited to snap a photo with the 7HOFM elf and share in giveaways and prizes.
The highlight of the Christmas in the City program will be a special event at Mawson Place on Saturday 4 December, when the area will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland.
The 14m-tall Mawson Place Christmas tree, which features 7500 twinkling LED lights and hundreds of stainless steel baubles will light up every night of the festive season, starting tonight.
"The tree is a wonderful sight when lit up and it's worth bringing the family into the city of an evening to see it," Cr Reynolds said.
The City of Hobart's popular Charity Gift Wrapping service will return to Elizabeth Mall from Monday 6 December through to Thursday 23 December.
High-quality and sustainably sourced wrapping paper will be used to wrap gifts of all shapes and sizes in return for a small donation to a local charity or community group. This year's program will support charities and organisations that work to support children, young people, women and families in need, and people living with disabilities.
