Terrapin

Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant

Background image: Two giant roving puppets, named Ma and Pa Ubu who both have exaggerated features, Christmas hats on their heads, one has a large orange moustache, the other bright neon pink lips, are walking in the City of Hobart Christmas Pageant, 2024.
Credit: The Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant, 2024. Image: City of Hobart
Christmas in Hobart is getting a Terrapin-flavoured upgrade

When and What

  • Future
  • Public Space

Summary

  • Terrapin is the 2026 lead artist for Tasmania's biggest free Christmas celebration
  • We're bringing our iconic giant roving puppets, and one cheeky new face

Impact

  • Developed alongside the community groups who are at the heart of the pageant
  • Connecting Tasmanian artists with communities in a large-scale public space event

Description

Every November, thousands of people line Hobart's streets for the Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant. In 2026 we've come on board as lead artist, shaping the creative direction of the event and sending five of our favourite giant roving puppets into the parade.

Over the coming months we'll work alongside community groups to develop simple choreography knitting our artistic expertise into the pageant. Our Tasmanian community will always be our first audience - this time, they're in the show.

Pullout quote

"Terrapin is a globally recognised Tasmanian arts organisation with an extraordinary ability to spark imagination and create memorable experiences for audiences of all ages. We're excited to see how Terrapin's creativity helps community groups develop vibrant and engaging entries."
– Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds

Upcoming performances

2026

  • Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant Hobart 21 November 2026
Giant roving puppet, Pa Ubu who has exaggerated features like a Christmas hat on his head, and a large orange moustache is walking in the City of Hobart Christmas Pageant, 2024. In the background we see other pageant participants and the streets of Hobart lined with audience members.
The Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant, 2024. Image: City of Hobart

Interested in being involved?

Community groups, schools, performers and creative people of all kinds are invited to be part of the 2026 pageant. Expressions of interest are open now with the City of Hobart.

  • This is a close up image of Pa Ubu, a giant roving puppet, we see the puppet is wearing a Christmas hat, has over exaggerated features and a big orange moustache, he is walking in the City of Hobart Christmas Pageant, 2024, so in the background we see the tops of buildings.
    The Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant, 2024. Image: City of Hobart
  • Two giant roving puppets, named Ma and Pa Ubu who both have exaggerated features, they wear Christmas themed outfits, one has a large orange moustache, the other bright neon pink lips, are walking in the City of Hobart Christmas Pageant, 2024.
    The Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant, 2024. Image: City of Hobart

Partners

Terrapin

Donate

Terrapin reaches into all corners of Tasmania with innovative performance and impactful programs. We give students their first experience of the performing arts, bring laughter and connection into aged care, and support emerging local creatives to grow and thrive.

Support us with a tax-deductible donation today

Sponsored by

Proudly sponsored by Creative Australia and Tasmanian Government

  • Creative Australia
  • Tasmanian Government

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Contact

77 Salamanca Place, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7004 info@terrapin.org.au

© Terrapin 2026
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