2023 Christmas in Geelong Program

a Christmas in Geelong 2023 PROGRAM

geelongaustralia.com.au/christmas

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CO N T ENTS

MAYOR’S M E SSAG E

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year again!

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Floating Christmas Tree Sound and Light Shows and Projections Santa Pet Photos and Giant Selfie Trail Santa Morning Teas at The Carousel etters from Santa and L Competitions reater Geelong region G map

10 Central Geelong map 12 Decorations 13 Christmas events at popular destinations 15 E vents not to miss

Information correct at the time of printing.

And through our fantastic Christmas in Geelong program, we’ve got the attractions, events and activities to make this festive season even more special.

Christmas is not just about enjoying one day with the family. It’s the lead up, the planning, the excitement. It reminds us to be grateful for all that we have, and to be kind and giving to those without. For we are all neighbours, on Christmas Day and every day.

Through our Christmas in Geelong program, there is a lot of joy to be shared and wonders to explore, right across the city. The eight-week extravaganza will begin with the lighting of the iconic Floating Christmas Tree on Saturday 11 November. The Sound and Light Shows – including four family-friendly daylight shows during December – will entertain people of all ages.

There’s also plenty for those who want to keep active, with golf, swimming and yoga on offer.

There is so much to see and do, with festive cheer spread far and wide. I encourage you to embrace some old favourites, and to also check out something new. And while you’re out, please look for shopping opportunities locally to spoil your loved ones.

On behalf of the Council, I hope you have a safe and Merry Christmas and enjoy some quality time with family and friends.

Cr Trent Sullivan Mayor, City of Greater Geelong

SPECIAL THANKS Our thanks goes to our Floating Christmas Tree sponsor, GeelongPort.

The team at GeelongPort provides safe storage and assembly space every year. As you can imagine the space required is rather large and the assistance of GeelongPort is essential.

Thank you!

A host of other family festivities are returning, such as the Projections on City Hall, Letters to Santa, the Giant Selfie Trail, free Santa Pet Photos and the School Christmas Trees in Johnstone Park.

WANT CHRISTMAS UPDATES? SIGN UP AND WIN!

There is no shortage of adult activities, with workshops, markets and special Piano Bar Christmas events.

Don't miss out on any of our Christmas news.

Sign up to our Christmas in Geelong database so we can send you a couple of updates each

The City of Greater Geelong is proudly on Wadawurrung Country.

month. And by signing up, you’ll also be entered into our Hamper Giveaway competition!

PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

OPENING NIGHT (EVENT) CHRISTMAS IN GEELONG

To help plan your Christmas in Geelong experience, look out for the symbols below throughout the program.

11 November Steampacket Quay, Waterfront Geelong

Best by day

Family-friendly

Best at night

Free Photos

Roving entertainment from 5.30pm Stage show starts 7pm Tree lit at 9pm with fireworks You’re invited! Enjoy an action-packed twohour stage show to celebrate the start of Christmas in Geelong 2023.

Our Opening Night event will include one lucky Geelong child ‘flicking the switch’ to turn on our tree with Santa.

This year, the Opening Night event will be livestreamed.

Scan the QR code to sign up or visit geelong.link/ ChristmasEDM

Scan the QR code for more info or visit geelong.link/OpeningNight 3.

CHRISTMAS PROJECTIONS 11 November – 7 January City Hall, Gheringhap Street, Geelong 8.30pm – midnight Beautiful Christmas-themed projections will again light up City Hall.

Watch them from a marked viewing area at ground level or try watching from the Civic Car Park to get a birdseye view!

Best experienced in-person, you can also watch the show online.

FLOATING CHRISTMAS TREE SOUND AND LIGHT SHOWS 12 November – 7 January Steampacket Quay, Waterfront Geelong 8.30pm – midnight See our spectacular Floating Christmas Tree Sound and Light Shows. Nightly shows are approximately 6 minutes in length and play every 15 minutes.

There are three shows to experience.

Visit the tree in-person. Alternatively, watch a live feed of our tree online.

Scan the QR code for more info about our iconic tree or visit geelong.link/ FloatingTree 4.

Scan this QR code for more info or visit geelong. link/ChristmasProjections

FAMILY-FRIENDLY SOUND AND LIGHT SHOWS 2, 9, 16 and 23 December Steampacket Quay, Waterfront Geelong 5.30pm – 8.30pm In December, enjoy weekly early evening Sound and Light Shows on our Floating Christmas Tree designed for young families and those not wanting to be out after dark.

Enjoy the same fun show in a special earlier daylight time slot! Shows are approximately 6 minutes in length and play every 15 minutes.

Scan the QR code for more or visit geelong.link/FamilyShows

SANTA PET PHOTOS

GIANT SELFIE TRAIL

18 and 25 November, 2 and 9 December 4 locations across Greater Geelong

11 November – 7 January 20 locations across Greater Geelong

Pet owners and your furry friends, this one is for you! We know your pets love Christmas too, so here’s their chance to have a photo taken with Santa.

Our popular Giant Selfie Trail is back with some exciting new locations to create precious memories.

In 4 locations across the region – Portarlington, Lara, Grovedale and Geelong, we’re bringing Santa to you – just bring along your much-loved pet (make sure they’re restrained!), remember your camera or phone, and snap some memorable free photos with Santa. Bookings not required.

Scan the QR code for more info or visit geelong.link/SantaPet

Visit one or all of the 20 locations across the region and transform yourself or your loved ones. Step inside a snow globe, surf or swim with Santa, pat Rudolph, be an angel and more! Can you snap them all?

It’s perfect for kids of all ages and only limited by your imagination. Create colourful family memories and cute Christmas selfies.

Tag your snaps #GeelongChristmas Scan this QR code to see the locations or visit geelong.link/GiantSelfie

GRANNY LEE MUSIC AND STORYTELLING EVENTS 2 and 3 December Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer Street Geelong Free, bookings essential Join much-loved local children’s entertainer, Granny Lee for delightful Christmas storytelling and sing-alongs where kids will be engaged with fun interactive activities.

With four events to choose from, this experience is best suited for pre-school and primary aged children. Each event goes for an hour and will be hosted in Wurriki Nyal.

One event includes an Auslan interpreter.

There is also a sensory quiet event experience.

Scan the QR code for more info and to book or visit geelong.link/GrannyLee 5.

CHRISTMAS WINDOW DISCOVERY TRAIL

LETTERS FROM SANTA

COMPETITIONS

A number of vacant shop windows in central Geelong will be transformed with festive Christmas displays.

See the map on pages 10 – 11 for locations.

11 November – 8 December Various locations Santa loves receiving letters and he’d love to hear from you!

Feeling lucky? Win some great prizes, just in time for the festive season! Up for grabs are yummy Christmas hampers from local businesses, gift cards as well as the opportunity to have a special visit from Santa.

(Yes, Santa has agreed to visit one family’s home to spread some Christmas cheer!)

He’s got six mailboxes across our region and is ready to receive letters from Geelong children.

KICK ON CHRISTMAS ADVENT CALENDAR Plan your Christmas itinerary and enjoy exciting deals, offers, events and incentives available in central Geelong throughout December.

Scan the QR code to find a deal or visit geelong.link/Advent

STREET PERFORMERS IN CENTRAL GEELONG 1 – 22 December Central Geelong Let us entertain you! We’re bringing a range of festive performances, from live music to roving entertainment to central Geelong’s most popular shopping and dining precincts.

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Scan the QR code for competition info and your chance to win or visit geelong. link/ChristmasCompetitions

You can fill in our Santa letter on site and post it. You can also download a form or fill it in online. You can also choose a letter or email reply.

Be sure to post your letter before noon on 8 December.

SANTA MORNING TEAS AT THE CAROUSEL Week 1: 1 and 2 December Week 2: 6, 7, 8 and 9 December Week 3: 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 December Week 4: 20, 21, 22 and 23 December The Carousel, Waterfront Geelong 9.30 – 10.30am Tickets: $9.00 per child, bookings essential Children, enjoy a festive morning tea with Santa in the stunning Carousel pavilion.

Have a ride on your favourite Carousel horse and take a special photo with Santa.

There is also a sensory quiet event experience.

Scan the QR code to book tickets or visit geelong.link/ SantaMorningTea

Scan the QR code to find a location near you or visit geelong.link/SantaLetter

SCHOOL CHRISTMAS TREES

CHRISTMAS AT HOME

On display from 13 November

Continue the joy and excitement of Christmas at home. Enjoy old-fashioned baking, make Christmas decorations, colour in our Christmas colouring in pages, get vocal with our sing-along carol sheets and more.

Enjoy wandering through 30 individually decorated Christmas trees on display in the forecourt at Johnstone Park. The displays showcase the creativity of primary school students from schools throughout the region.

NEW! Vote for your favourite decorated tree to help the school win a $500 voucher.

Also find advice for a sustainable festive season, tips for giving and a fun Christmas quiz.

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REGIONAL GEELONG MAP Giant Selfie Trail

Christmas decorations

Christmas trees

Christmas at the Pool

Santa Pet Photos Santa Mailboxes

CORIO

Christmas at the Shed Christmas in the Gardens Christmas at Balyang Par 3 Golf Course

NORLANE

GEELONG WEST

Giant Selfie – Beach snow globe Barwon Heads Hotel, 1 Bridge Road

BELLARINE RAILWAY - QUEENSLIFF TO LAKERS SIDING Christmas train – Special scenic trip to Queenscliff and Lakers Siding stations

WHITTINGTON

LEOPOLD

DRYSDALE

ST LEONARDS

Giant Selfie – Christmas Stamp Santa mailbox Christmas tree Giant Selfie – Snow balloons Korayn Birralee Family Centre, 146 Purnell Road

GROVEDALE

POINT LONSDALE

ARMSTRONG CREEK

#GEELONGCHRISTMAS

CENTRAL GEELONG

Christmas activities at Corio Library, cnr Cox Road and Moa Street:

EAST GEELONG

BELMONT

Giant Bauble, Belmont Library, 163 High Street

CORIO

WALLINGTON

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BARWON HEADS

See activities in central Geelong on page 10-11

CENTRAL GEELONG

NEWTOWN

WAURN PONDS

Giant Selfie – Santa’s en route Armstrong Creek Community Hub, 46 Central Boulevard

BELMONT

PORTARLINGTON

HIGHTON

ARMSTRONG CREEK

BARWON HEADS

OCEAN GROVE

DRYSDALE Christmas at the Shed Potato Shed, 41 Peninsula Drive Christmas at the Pool North Bellarine Aquatic Centre, Belchers Road Christmas activities at Boronggook Library, 2-8 Wyndham Street: Giant Selfie – Santa’s present maze Santa mailbox

EAST GEELONG Christmas activities at the Geelong Botanic Gardens, top of Podbury Drive: Christmas in the Gardens (event) Christmas in the Conservatory Santa Pet Photos (event)

GEELONG WEST Giant Selfie – Merry Christmas Geelong West Library, Pakington Street Christmas tree Town Hall, Pakington Street

GROVEDALE Santa Pet Photos (event) Cobbin Farm, 231 Grove Road

HIGHTON Giant Selfie – Choo choo train Belle Vue Avenue Christmas tree Belle Vue Avenue

LARA Giant Selfie – Leaning Christmas tree Lara Library, 5 Walkers Road Christmas tree Waverly Road Santa Pet Photos (event) Lara Swimming Pool, Bank Street

LEOPOLD Giant Selfie – Bauble room Leopold Community Hub and Library, 31-39 Kensington Road=

NEWTOWN Christmas at Balyang Par 3 Golf Course 19-33 Marnock Road

NORLANE Giant Selfie – Bauble house The fOrT, cnr Melbourne and St Georges Roads

OCEAN GROVE Christmas tree The Terrace

PORTARLINGTON Giant Selfie – Christmas cracker Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street Decorated heritage rotunda Portarlington foreshore Santa Pet Photos (event) Portarlington, Newcombe Street (next to Parks Hall) Christmas Beanie Tree (decoration) Bendigo Bank, 44 Newcombe Street

ST LEONARDS Yarn-bombing decorations

WALLINGTON Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park

WAURN PONDS Giant Selfie – Feed Rudolph Leisurelink Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 240 Pioneer Road Giant Selfie – Angel Wings Leisurelink Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 240 Pioneer Road Santa mailbox Waurn Ponds Library, 230 Pioneer Road

WHITTINGTON Christmas tree The Link, 19 Worden Court

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loating Christmas Tree Sound and Light Shows 1 FWaterfront Geelong at The Carousel 2 Christmas The Carousel, Waterfront Geelong Selfie – Carousel snow globe 3 Giant The Carousel, Waterfront Geelong Selfie – Christmas maze 4 Giant The Carousel, Waterfront Geelong Mailbox 5 Santa’s The Carousel, Waterfront Geelong Christmas-themed street 6 Roving entertainment, Waterfront Geelong Wheel 7 Ferris Waterfront Geelong Selfie – Christmas under the sea 8 Giant Pavilion at Eastern Beach (next to fountain) at The National Wool Museum 9 Christmas 26 Moorabool Street Selfie – Snowy snow globe 10 Giant Westfield Geelong, Moorabool Street

CENTRAL GEELONG MAP

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#GEELONGCHRISTMAS Remember to tag your beautiful photos and share the festive spirit on social media.

There are prizes for tagged photos!

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(opposite the National Wool Museum)

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photos 11 Santa Westfield Geelong Lee Music and Storytelling 12 Granny Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer Street Mailbox 13 Santa’s Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer Street nativity scene 14 Christmas Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer Street Selfie – Pat Rudolph 15 Giant Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer Street Christmas trees 16 School Johnstone Park, Gheringhap Street

Selfie – Selfie with Santa 17 Giant Geelong Library, Little Malop Street Selfie – Surfing with Santa 18 Giant Geelong Library, Little Malop Street Mailbox 19 Santa’s Geelong Library, Little Malop Street Projections on City Hall 20 Christmas Gheringhap Street Laneways Festival – Christmas Edition 21 Twilight Friday 1 December, 5–9pm Little Malop Street (between Yarra and Moorabool Street) and Centrepoint Arcade

Selfie – Gingerbread house 22 Giant 112–114 Little Malop Street Window Discovery Trail: 23 Christmas › 111–113 Little Malop Street › 112–114 Little Malop Street › V illage Cinemas Geelong, 194 – 200 Ryrie Street › 76 Yarra Street Christmas-themed street entertainment, 24 Roving Little Malop Street Workshops, 25 Christmas 111–113 Little Malop Street photos 26 Santa Market Square Shopping Centre Star and Lights 27 Catenary intersection of Moorabool Street and Malop Street

by the Pool 28 Christmas Kardinia Aquatic Centre, 25 Park Crescent in the Gardens 29 Christmas 16 December, from 10am Geelong Botanic Gardens, Podbury Drive 11.

CHRISTMAS NIGHTS AT THE CAROUSEL 9, 16 and 23 December The Carousel, Waterfront Geelong 5.30pm – 8.30pm Enjoy a special after-hours experience at The Carousel. Ride the horses, participate in craft and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

CHRISTMAS AT THE NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM Free and paid Christmas-themed events will be hosted at the National Wool Museum including Fabric Wrapping Workshop and Around the World at Christmas.

CHRISTMAS IN THE CONSERVATORY

NATIVITY SCENE AT WURRIKI NYAL

REGIONAL CHRISTMAS TREES

YARN-BOMBING AND BEANIE TREE

CHRISTMAS

BY THE POOL

CHRISTMAS AT THE SHED

Geelong Botanic Gardens

11 November – 26 December Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong

In addition to our iconic Floating Christmas Tree on the Waterfront, did you know we also have some beautiful Christmas trees located in Corio, Geelong West, Highton, Lara, Ocean Grove and Whittington?

St Leonards and Portarlington

Festive fun is planned for our pools this Christmas with Kardinia Aquatic Centre hosting a Christmas themed film and our indoor centres offering a Christmas Group Fitness Event Calendar with incentives and prizes.

15 December Potato Shed, Drysdale

The Conservatory at the Geelong Botanic Gardens will be festively decorated with vintage Christmas Bells to add a pop of festive fun.

See our Christmas nativity scene at Wurriki Nyal, our civic precinct. Find it at the Gheringhap Street entrance into the building.

GIANT BAUBLE

CATENARY STAR

High Street, Belmont (outside the library)

Intersection of Moorabool and Malop Streets

Did you know we have a giant bauble in Greater Geelong?

Our spectacular catenary star will once again shine brightly in central Geelong.

It’s so big, you can stand in it and create some festively fun Christmas mementos.

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St Leonards will transform their main streets with colourful and festive community delivered yarn-bombing decorations and Portarlington will create a Christmas beanie tree.

Whether you are on foot or driving past, don’t forget to look up at this glowing illumination.

CHRISTMAS AT BALYANG PAR 3 18 – 24 December Balyang Par 3 Golf Course 9am – 5.30pm (last tee off 4.30pm) Grab your friends and family and play a special round of golf at Balyang Par 3 Golf Course. Enjoy carols in the clubhouse and a complimentary gift for all players.

Enjoy a festive night on the Bellarine when the Potato Shed presents a Christmas-themed movie night the whole family will enjoy. See Home Alone, grab some popcorn, the kids get to see Santa plus music, games, giveaways and more.

CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS 18 and 25 November 111–113 Little Malop Street Bookings essential via geelong.link/Gingerbread For 3 – 7 years: Decorate a craft gingerbread person, $5 per child.

10am – 11am and 11.15am – 12.15pm For 8 – 16 years: Decorate a craft gingerbread house, $10 per child.

2pm – 4pm 13.

GEELONG GIVING TREE APPEAL We proudly support the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal. For those who can, we encourage you to support those in need in our community.

The Geelong Giving Tree Appeal is run by Meli (formerly BCYF & Bethany) in partnership with The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre and the Times News Group.

Scan the QR code for more info and to donate or visit geelong.link/GivingAppeal

CHRISTMAS FOR 18+

MERCHANDISE

This Christmas, there’s literally something for everyone!

Available from 11 November While stocks last

Adults can have as much fun at this festive time of year as the kids with specialty drink affairs as well as other events and markets designed for 18+.

Looking for some festive fun to take home?

Christmas glow merchandise and other souvenir products will be available to purchase from The Carousel.

TWILIGHT LANEWAYS FESTIVAL – CHRISTMAS

DENIS WALTER CAROLS BY THE BAY

CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDENS

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

1 December Little Malop Street and Centrepoint Arcade, Geelong 5pm – 9pm

2 December Eastern Beach Reserve, Geelong Preshow from 7pm Main show 7.45pm – 9.30pm Fireworks at 9.30pm

16 December Geelong Botanic Gardens Opens at 10am

24 December Johnstone Park, Geelong Starts 8pm

Enjoy a free family event. Get a photo with Santa, have your face painted, create a fun photo in the Christmas Booth, Christmas craft and activities, music, magic and more.

Celebrate Christmas with the whole family on Christmas Eve singing along to a wonderful traditional carols program with some of Geelong’s popular performers.

Enjoy a special night in central Geelong. Wander through a twilight market with 50+ stalls offering handmade and unique gifts, complemented by delicious food, drinks, music and festive fun. A partnership with Piccadilly Markets and May’d Christmas Market.

Get into the Christmas spirit and sing along with family and friends at Geelong’s largest annual Christmas carols event hosted by Geelong’s own Denis Walter with special guest Frankie J Holden.

ADVENTURE PARK’S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Remember to tag your beautiful photos and share the festive spirit on social media: 14.

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#GEELONGCHRISTMAS

SUPPORT LOCAL, GIFT LOCAL

FESTIVE STORYTIME

This Christmas, let’s support our community and where possible, ‘think local first’. Think about gifting products, services, experiences or even gift vouchers purchased locally. It helps people, industries and Geelong’s economy.

Geelong Regional Libraries are hosting festive fun storytelling and activities for ages 3 to 6 at your local library. Various sessions and locations throughout November and December. For more info visit geelong.link/LibraryChristmas

17 November – 23 December Adventure Park, Wallington See Victoria’s largest Christmas lights festival with 3 million lights, theme park rides, live performances and more than a thousand dazzling light installations.

OTHER CHRISTMAS EVENTS There’s a huge assortment of great events happening in our region as we count down to Christmas.

These include some of our traditional favourites as well as some new events, free and ticketed events, carols and Christmas markets.

Scan the QR Code to explore what’s on this Christmas or visit geelong.link/ChristmasEvents 15.

For more information about our exciting Christmas in Geelong Program, scan the QR code or visit geelongaustralia.com.au/christmas

Remember to tag your beautiful photos and share the festive spirit on social media.

#GEELONGCHRISTMAS

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There are prizes for tagged photos!