While many of us hibernate during winter, Australia’s island state becomes a hive of activity during the cooler months, with several festivals celebrating everything from chocolate to cider.

You can sip locally made whisky by the fire or if you’re willing to brave the cold, take a dip in the Derwent River to celebrate the winter solstice.

No matter how you prefer to holiday, here are 5 of our must-experience Tasmanian winter festivals.

1. Dark Mofo

When: 16-22 June 2021

In June, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) hosts Dark Mofo, celebrating the darkness of the southern winter solstice.

The festival features musical acts, light installations, a winter feast and even a winter solstice nude swim, in which about 1000 people brave the cold and take a dip in the Derwent River.

This year’s festival runs from 16-22 June, with many free events for people to enjoy. Visit Dark Downtown where you’ll find art, bars and live performances in the heart of the city.

You can also see free gigs at the Odeon and Altar. Make sure you get in early and don’t miss out as venues are subject to COVID-19 restrictions.

After a hiatus last year due to COVID-19, accommodation in Hobart is almost fully booked for this year’s festival. While that might mean you can’t attend this time around, it doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for next year.

2. Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival

When: 16-17 July 2021

Only 30 minutes from Hobart is the Huon Valley – an area renowned for its beautiful countryside and flourishing apple orchards.

Each year, the region celebrates its apple-picking history, with feasting, music and storytelling by the fire.

Drawing on pagan traditions from cider producing regions in England, the festival features a wassail ritual, which includes singing and making a racket by banging pots and pans to scare off evil spirits and ensure a bumper apple crop.

If that doesn’t take your fancy, there are plenty of other activities on offer. Enjoy some of the state’s best cider or taste Tasmania’s finest cuisine, while listening to talented musicians playing everything from folk-punk to traditional Irish music.

3. Tasmanian Whisky Week

When: 9-15 August 2021

Gin might be all the rage at the moment, and for good reason, but Tasmania’s whisky producers have taken the world by storm, winning coveted international awards.

If you’re a true whisky connoisseur, you might want to attend Tasmanian Whisky Week.

More than a dozen distilleries take part in the festival, with various events held to celebrate Tasmania’s passion for whisky.

If you miss the festivities, you can still follow Tasmania’s whisky trail, visiting dozens of distilleries scattered across the island, including one of the oldest in the state, Lark Distillery.

Only a short drive from Hobart, you’ll find the Shene Distillery. Here you’ll be treated to picturesque views and world-class whisky made from the finest local ingredients. Take a tour of the distillery and see the whisky-making process before enjoying a taste.

4. Chocolate Winterfest

When: 8 August 2021

Touted as Tasmania’s best chocolate festival, chocoholics will be in heaven at this event in Latrobe – just a 10-minute drive from Devonport.

Immerse yourself in this chocolate experience, with a variety of activities celebrating one of the world’s favourite treats.

There are tastings, workshops and even a chocolate-inspired wearable art competition. If you’re a chocolate lover, you won’t want to miss this festival.

5. Festival of Voices

When: 30 June to 11 July 2021

Honouring the power of voice, this festival brings thousands of singers together to share their passion for the craft.

Catering to all ages, the festival features choral performances as well as contemporary singing and cabaret.

There are pop-up choir performances in and around Hobart, a singers’ lounge showcasing a range of acts and a finale concert where 400 performers come together to sing.

The Festival of Voices is a must-experience event for those who love to sing, with participation encouraged. If you’re not a singer, then just enjoy the sweet sound of music reverberating around the Tasmanian capital.