This year, Launceston Life is all about supporting local - and with the fun events and activities planned in town over the festive season, what better time to pull on your hat and gloves and show support for local businesses?
With Christmas 2020 off the cards for all of us last year, events arranged by different groups and organisations in the community for 2021 means we can all come together once again - all while being mindful of social distancing, mask wearing and hand sanitising. With FREE parking in the multi-storey car park every Saturday in December, make sure you take advantage and get yourself into town to gather festive gifts, wrapping, food and more.
Here’s a little run down of some of the events taking place in Lanson this Christmas...
Friday, 3rd December
Christmas lights
Christmas gets underway in Launceston on Friday 3rd December. Launceston Town Council will be switching on the town’s Christmas lights, plus Santa will be in the Square on his magical sleigh, ready to hear from eager children as they talk through their Christmas lists.
This evening will also be the start of Launceston Chamber of Commerce’s late night shopping events, which will continue every Friday night in the run up to Christmas.
St Mary Magdalene’s Christmas tree festival
Also starting on the 3rd December is St Mary Magdalene’s famous Christmas tree festival, which will run until Sunday, 12th December.
Come for a quiet walk around the beautiful church and take a look at the decorated trees. Refreshments will be available. Organisers ask that visitors wear a mask and sanitise their hands on arrival - face masks can also be provided on the door.
Friday, 10th December
Spirit of Christmas
The Spirit of Christmas will take place in the Square from 4.30pm to 7.30pm, and will feature fantastic entertainment and live music all night!
The second in Launceston Chamber of Commerce’s late night shopping events, the kids can marvel at magical entertainment from Harry Kazzam, and why not pop along to St Mary Magdalene’s Church at 6pm to watch a performance of the Nativity?
Then, from 6.30pm, gather around Launceston’s Christmas tree in the Square to sing some of the nation’s favourite carols, with music from Popchoir and Launceston Town Band.
Friday, 17th December
Winter Festival
This one’s for the grown ups! Between 4pm-10pm, head on over to the Winter Festival and take advantage of fantastic live music, street food and a festive tipple from one of the many bars, including Firebrand Brewing Co, Ales & Tales and English Spirit.
This will be Launceston Chamber of Commerce’s last late night shopping event before the big day, so make sure you come along and capture the atmosphere before Christmas.
Between 4pm-6pm there will be a number of local acts, including Adam Hicks and Popchoir, then between 6pm-7pm former X Factor contestant Benji Matthews will be performing, followed by the Countrymen between 8.30pm-9.30pm.
December Friday Markets
Another fantastic set of events are coming to Lanson this December, with Friday Markets in the Pannier Market car park, 10am-7pm. Nearby parking available.
There will be plenty of local businesses and makers selling their goods ready for Christmas, so make sure you pop along to grab some festive goodies.
Magical Winter Experience
Every Friday and Saturday in the run up to Christmas, the Magical Winter Experience will be taking place in the Market House Arcade, courtesy of arcade trio Maddielili Photography, Queen of Bombs and Once in a Blue Balloon.
Head over to Maddielili Photography Studio for a picture with Santa, then head over to the Elves’ balloon workshop at Once in a Blue Balloon for some fun crafts, and finally pick up your gift from Santa’s gift station at Queen of Bombs.
Places must be booked. Go to https://bookwhen.com/maddielili
