Making space in the diary is hard in December, but here are some of our top picks of what’s happening in Hobart this Christmas, to squeeze into your social calendar.

Christmas Special of Street Eats

The ever popular Street Eats @ Franko is holding a special Franko’s Funky Christmas special. This team knows how to throw a party with festive spirit. There will be funky carols alongside a neon-lit fountain, surrounded by delicious street food and drinks. Plus a visit from a very groovy Santa!

20 December | Time from 4 pm – 9 pm | Franklin Square | Free

Learn how to do Furoshiki (Japanese gift wrapping)

We’re all doing our part to minimise our impact on the environment, particularly at Christmas when the wrapping paper rubbish pile can be larger than the family dog. Furoshiki is the art of using cloth material to wrap presents using no tape, glue or staples. Bonus, the receiver of the gift gets to keep and reuse the cloth, making this super eco-friendly. Jan from Wafu Works will be at Salamanca Market offering free classes on how to wrap your gift Furoshiki-style. Buy a present from one of the market stalls and head over to the Salamanca Lawns to wrap it.

21 December | Time 10 am – 2 pm | Salamanca Market | Free with all materials supplied

Park and Ride

To avoid parking pain, you can hit up the public transport or put on your runners and get riding or walking. If you prefer your car, then give Park and Ride a try. This free service is a shuttle from the Regatta Grounds through to the city. The bus will continue on a loop to collect you (and your shopping haul) and return you to your car.

16-24 December | Time 9.30 am – 5.30 pm | Regatta Grounds | Free

Dress for Success

Christmas is also the time to think about giving back. Clear out your wardrobe and donate your clean, gently-used work-appropriate clothing (blazers, jackets, skirts, dresses and shoes) to Dress for Success. This group launched in Hobart this year with the aim of empowering women to achieve financial independence. They help women with professional attire for interviews and support them with development tools for gaining and maintaining work. To make it easy to donate, they’ll be part of a lunchtime clothing drive.

9-13 December | Time 12-2 pm | Elizabeth Mall

Lunch in the Mall

On Christmas Day, a lovely group of family and friends will be holding a luncheon in Elizabeth Mall. If you would prefer to spend the day making new friends, both locals and visitors alike, then come on down, everyone is welcome.

25 December | Time 12-2 pm | Elizabeth Mall | No cost or RSVP required ■