2022 Christmas in Geelong Program

Christmas in Geelong

GEELONG GIVING TREE APPEAL

This year, we are again proudly supporting the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal. For those who can, we encourage you to support those in need in our community.

There are families and people in our community who are struggling to put food on the table, let alone buy presents. By donating what you can to the Appeal, you’ll be sharing the joy of Christmas and supporting others.

The Geelong Giving Tree is run by Bethany Community Support and bay 93.9, in partnership with Barwon Child, Youth and Family and The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre.

the QR code or visit for more info and to donate to the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal

SPECIAL THANKS:

Much 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.

PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

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

Acknowledge

as the Traditional Owners of the Land, Waterways and

past and present. We Acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres

Greater Geelong

Mayor’s message

I’m really excited to share with you our fabulous Christmas in Geelong program which kicks off, better and bigger in mid November.

For me, Christmas is all about family and sharing special moments that create lasting memories. This is the essence behind our 2022 Christmas in Geelong program.

To celebrate the start of our Christmas festivities, the Council and I look forward to seeing the popular opening night celebrations on the Waterfront return, where we light our iconic Floating Christmas Tree and launch our Christmas in Geelong program.

We have moved our opening night event to a Saturday night for the first time, which we hope will allow more families and visitors from outside the region to enjoy the festivities.

This year, we also see a return of more in-person activities, with the 2022 program being more accessible and held in more venues than ever before.

A hub of Christmas activity can be found in central Geelong with traditional favourites such as our Christmas Projections and School Christmas trees returning. There will also be craft activities, Santa’s Craft Workshop, a range of masterclasses and entertainment to experience.

Across the region, there’s a range of exciting new events on the calendar, with City facilities such as the Carousel, Potato Shed, Geelong

Botanic Gardens, Kardinia Pool, Lara Pool and Balyang Par 3 Golf Course all sharing in the spirit alongside other amazing events.

Our festive cheer will be spread far and wide, with 26 locations featured in our popular Giant Selfie Trail, Christmas trees located in Corio, Geelong West, Highton, Lara, Ocean Grove and Whittington and a Giant Bauble in Belmont.

I hope you have fun exploring the range of events and activities that the City have put together. My border collie Frankie and I look forward to participating in a Santa Pet Photo!

On behalf of the Council, may I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas.

Cr Peter Murrihy

Mayor, City of Greater Geelong

Our favourites return FLOATING CHRISTMAS TREE

SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW

12 November - 8 January

Steampacket Quay, Waterfront Geelong

8.30pm - midnight

See our spectacular Floating Christmas Tree Sound and Light show. Nightly shows are approximately 6 minutes in length and play every 15 minutes.

Visit the tree in-person. Alternatively, watch a live feed of our tree online. There are three shows to experience.

OPENING NIGHT (EVENT)

CHRISTMAS IN GEELONG

12 November

Steampacket Quay, Waterfront Geelong

Roving entertainment from 6pm Stage show starts 7pm Tree lit at 9pm

Enjoy a two-hour stage show to celebrate the start of Christmas in Geelong 2022.

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

Scan this QR code for more info

In between shows, try our interactive element where you can change the lights on the tree.

To try this feature, visit: geelongchristmastree.com

Scan this QR code for more info about our iconic tree

FAMILY-FRIENDLY SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW

3, 10, 17 & 24 December

Steampacket Quay, Waterfront Geelong

5.30pm - 8.30pm

New in ‘22, we have introduced a weekly free early evening sound and light show on our Floating Christmas Tree in December 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 this QR code for more details

CHRISTMAS PROJECTIONS

12 November - 8 January

City Hall, Gheringhap Street, Geelong

8.30pm - midnight

Stunning 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.

Scan this QR code for more information

SANTA’S CRAFT WORKSHOP

9, 10, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21 & 22 December

111-113 Little Malop Street, Geelong

10.30am - 1.30pm

Free. Bookings not required Love craft? Join Santa’s elves at Santa’s Workshop in Little Malop Street to get creative!

Using recycled materials, the workshops encourage kids to let their imaginations run wild! Make Christmas decorations, a magic Christmas wand and more.

Scan this QR code for details about

Santa’s Craft Workshop

GIANT SELFIE TRAIL

12 November - 8 January 26 locations across Geelong

Our popular Giant Selfie Trail is back with even more locations to create precious memories.

Visit one or all of the 26 locations across the region and transform yourself or your loved ones. Be an angel, step inside a snow globe, surf or swim with Santa, pat Rudolph 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 this year’s Giant Selfie Trail

LETTERS FROM SANTA (AND EMAIL)

Santa loves receiving letters and he’d love to hear from you!

He’s got six mailboxes across our region and is ready to receive letters from Geelong children. 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 send your letter between 12 November and 8 December.

Scan this QR code for more info and to find a location near you

COMPETITIONS

SCHOOL CHRISTMAS TREES

Enjoy wandering through 30 individually decorated Christmas trees on display in the forecourt at Johnstone Park and along Little Malop Street (between Moorabool and Yarra Streets).

The displays showcase the creativity of primary school students from schools throughout the region.

The trees are on display from 14 November.

Scan this QR code to see the participating schools and their location

Feeling lucky? Christmas in Geelong 2022 includes some great ways to win 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!) Tag your Christmas pics

#GeelongChristmas

Scan this QR code for competition info and your chance to WIN!

SANTA MORNING TEAS AT THE CAROUSEL

Week 1: 7, 8, 9 & 10 December

Week 2: 14, 15, 16 & 17 December

Week 3: 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23 December

The Carousel, Waterfront Geelong

9.30 - 10.15am

Tickets: $8.00 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.

STREET PERFORMERS IN CENTRAL GEELONG

12 November - 31 December

Central Geelong

Let us entertain you!

We’re bringing live music, circus theatre, puppet shows and other roving performers to central Geelong’s most popular shopping and dining precincts.

Scan this QR code for more info and to book tickets

CHRISTMAS AT HOME

Continue the joy and excitment of Christmas at home. Enjoy old-fashioned baking, make Christmas decorations, colour in our Christmas colouring in pages, get vocal with our sing-a-long carol sheets, create your own chalk art mural and more.

Find advice for a sustainable festive season, tips for giving and a fun Christmas quiz. Idea: nominate a quiz master, grab your family and friends and test you local Christmas knowledge! Joyous noel everyone!

NEW EVENTS IN 2022

SANTA PET PHOTOS

26 November 3, 10 & 17 December

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.

In four great locations across the region, 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 photos with Santa. This will be some paw-some fun!

GRANNY LEE MUSIC AND STORYTELLING EVENTS CHRISTMAS NIGHTS AT THE CAROUSEL

19 & 26 November

10 & 17 December

Free. Bookings are essential.

Join much-loved local children’s entertainer, Granny Lee for a delightful Christmas storytelling, sing-alongs and activities for pre-school and primary aged children. These free events are being hosted across the region in partnership with Geelong Regional Libraries, at the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre (The Dome), Corio Library, Leopold Library and Waurn Ponds Library.

Scan this QR code for more info

Scan this QR code for locations and more info

10 & 17 December

The Carousel, Waterfront Geelong

Enjoy a special after hours experience at Geelong’s famed Carousel. Ride the horses, participate in craft and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

In addition to The Carousel’s planned activities, you will also be able to experience the familyfriendly Sound and Light Show on our iconic floating Christmas tree between 5.30pm and 8.30pm. And don’t forget to take a selfie at the Carousel too!

Scan this QR code for more info of planned activities

CHRISTMAS NATURE PLAY AT THE GBG

3 December

Geelong Botanic Gardens

Two sessions. Bookings essential. Get out into nature to celebrate Christmas! Kids will enjoy unique Christmas-themed nature play activities including making a Christmas tree ornament and experiencing an interactive story. Pre-show entertainment by Dazzling Dan the Magic Man. Explore our beautiful gardens before or after the event.

Scan this QR code for info and to book

CHRISTMAS BLACK FRIDAY

SHOPPING DAY

26 November - Central Geelong

Shop ‘til you drop at Geelong’s biggest shopping event. Meet local maker stalls and collect some handmade Christmas gifts from Creative Geelong and Geelong Illustrators. Enjoy special discounts from a range of stores within Westfield Geelong and Market Square Shopping Centre. Be entertained while you shop.

Scan this QR code for more details

CHRISTMAS BY THE POOL

19 - 23 December

4pm - 7pm Kardinia Aquatic Centre

4pm - 6pm Lara Aquatic Centre

Soak up summer and Christmas by the pool at two great outdoor locations in the region.

Enjoy 10% off family casual entry, carols while you swim and a complimentary Christmas gift for all entrants.

Scan this QR code for more info

Leonards

Fyansford East Geelong

geelong

Giant Selfie trail

decorations

trees

pet photos

mailboxes

Lee events

walk and find

ARMSTRONG CREEK

Giant Selfie – Selfie with Santa Armstrong Creek Community Hub, 46 Central Bvd

BARWON HEADS

Giant Selfie – Surf with Santa cnr Hitchcock Ave and Clifford Pde (in Clifford)

BELLARINE RAILWAY -

QUEENSLIFF TO LAKERS SIDING

Christmas train – Special scenic trip to Queenscliff and Lakers Siding stations

BELMONT

Christmas activities at Belmont Library, 163 High St: Giant Bauble

Giant Selfie – Milk for Santa CENTRAL GEELONG

See activities in central Geelong on page 12 CORIO

Giant Selfie – Floating balloons

Korayn Birralee Family Centre, 146 Purnell Rd

Christmas activities at Corio Library – Cox Rd, cnr Moa St:

Giant Selfie – Choo-choo train

Santa mailbox Christmas tree

Granny Lee Music and Storytelling

DRYSDALE

Christmas at the Shed

Potato Shed, 41 Peninsula Dr

Giant Selfie – Feed Rudolph Potato Shed, 41 Peninsula Dr

EAST GEELONG

Christmas activities at the Geelong Botanic Gardens: Christmas Walk and Find

Christmas Nature Play at the GBG

Santa Pet Photos

FYANSFORD

Christmas Walk and Find, Red Gum Island

GEELONG WEST

Giant Selfie – Pat Rudolph

Geelong West Library, Pakington St Christmas tree Town Hall, Pakington St

GROVEDALE

Santa pet photos

Cobbin Farm

HAMLYN HEIGHTS

Giant Selfie – Christmas candy land Community Hub, 37-61 Vines Rd

HIGHTON

Giant Selfie – Christmas stamp Belle Vue Ave

Christmas tree

Belle Vue Ave

LARA

Giant Selfie – Snowy snow globe

Lara Library, 5 Walkers Rd

Christmas tree

Waverly Rd

Santa pet photos

Westlakes Reserve

Christmas by the Pool, Lara Pool

LEOPOLD

Christmas activities at Leopold Community Hub and Library, 31-39

Kensington Rd:

Giant Selfie – Gingerbread House

Granny Lee Music and Storytelling

Santa mailbox

NEWTOWN

Christmas at Balyang Par 3 19-33 Marnock Rd

NORLANE

Giant Selfie – Hang on the Tree

Labuan Square, 31 Forster St

Giant Selfie – Candy canes

The fOrT, cnr Melbourne Rd and St Georges Rd

OCEAN GROVE

Giant Selfie – White angel wings

Ocean Grove Library, Presidents Ave (cnr The Avenue)

Christmas tree

The Terrace

Ride the Waves with Santa’s Elves Ocean Grove Beach

PORTARLINGTON

Giant Selfie –

Giant Christmas cracker Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe St

Decorated heritage rotunda Portarlington foreshore

Santa pet photos

Portarlington Recreation Reserve

ST LEONARDS

Yarn bombing decorations

WALLINGTON

Christmas Festival of Lights at Adventure Park

WAURN PONDS

Giant Selfie – Bauble house

Leisurelink Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 240 Pioneer Rd

Giant Selfie – Wings of an angel Leisurelink Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 240 Pioneer Rd

Granny Lee Music and Storytelling

Waurn Ponds Library, 230 Pioneer Rd

Santa mailbox

Waurn Ponds Library, 230 Pioneer Rd

WHITTINGTON

Christmas tree

The Link, 19 Worden Ct

Floating Christmas Tree Sound and Light Show

End of Moorabool St

Christmas at the Carousel

The Carousel, Waterfront Geelong

Giant Selfie – Christmas lantern The Carousel, Waterfront Geelong

Santa’s mailbox The Carousel, Waterfront Geelong

Roving Christmas-themed street entertainment, Waterfront Geelong Ferris Wheel Waterfront Geelong

Giant Selfie – Summer Santa snow globe Pavilion at Eastern Beach (next to fountain)

Giant Selfie – Christmas Under the Sea Westfield Geelong, Moorabool St (opposite the National Wool Museum)

Santa photos Westfield Geelong

Giant Selfie – Season’s Greetings snow globe Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer St (on Gheringhap St side)

Santa’s mailbox Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer St

Christmas nativity scene Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer St

School Christmas trees, Johnstone Park

Giant Selfie – Bauble bliss Geelong Library, Lt Malop St

Giant Selfie – Portal to the North Pole

Geelong Library, Lt Malop St

Giant Selfie – Christmas balloons

Geelong Library, Lt Malop St

Santa’s mailbox

Geelong Library, Lt Malop St

Granny Lee Music and Storytelling Geelong Library, Lt Malop St

Giant Selfie – Santa’s en route City Hall Council Conference and Reception Centre, Lt Malop St

City Hall Projections

Gheringhap St

Christmas tree art

Civic Car Park, Gheringhap St

Giant Selfie – Meet me under the mistletoe Gartland Building, 71 Lt Malop St

Santa’s Craft Workshop

Lt Malop St

School Christmas trees Lt Malop St

Roving Christmas-themed street entertainment, Lt Malop St

Santa photos

Market Square Shopping Centre

Catenary Lights and Star intersection of Moorabool St and Malop St

by the Pool

Kardinia Aquatic Centre

more to do in Central Geelong

PIANO BAR GEELONG CAROLS IN THE LANEWAY

20 December

90-92 Little Malop Street, Geelong

5pm - 7.30pm

Free. Bookings essential

Enjoy a special Christmas event hosted by the famed Piano Bar Geelong crew. You might also like to kick up your heels and make some festive requests at the Piano Bar after dark too.

Scan this QR code for info and to book

CHRISTMAS DAY MORNING YOGA

25 December

128 Ryrie Street, Geelong

From 8.30am

Start Christmas 2022 feeling amazing inside and out by participating in a special Christmas day class that is designed to support your holiday well-being.

These are ticketed classes hosted by Wonder Yoga.

Scan this QR code for more info and to book

FLOWER AND WREATH MAKING WORKSHOPS

20 & 27 November

4, 11, 17 & 18 December

1 McLarty Place, Geelong

Be the envy of your family and friends with stunning festive flower arrangements and amazing Christmas wreaths you have made yourself!

These are ticketed workshops hosted by A Natural Bunch. Bookings essential.

Scan this QR code for info and to book

CHRISTMAS MASTERCLASSES

With something for everyone, up-skill your Christmas efforts by participating in one or multiple masterclasses offered by businesses in central Geelong.

Masterclasses on offer cover topics including food, wine, table decorations, painting, flower arrangements and wreath making.

These are ticketed events.

Scan this QR code for the full list of classes available

12 November - 26 December

Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong

See our Christmas nativity scene at Wurriki Nyal, our new civic precinct.

Find it at the Gheringhap Street entrance into the building.

NATIVITY SCENE AT WURRIKI NYAL CATENARY STAR

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

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

Find it at the intersection of Moorabool and Malop Streets.

CHRISTMAS DRINKS

Get your favourite people together and celebrate Christmas with a festive cocktail (or drink) at one of Geelong’s many bars, restaurants, wineries, breweries or cafes.

We are spoilt for choice in central Geelong with venues including 18th Amendment, Union Street Wine Bar, Bells Beach Brewery and Piano Bar Geelong all within walking distance!

Celebrate Christmas in your neighbourhood

RIDE THE WAVES WITH SANTA’S ELVES

4, 11 & 18 December Ocean Grove

Christmas in Australia is a summer affair - so why not try something different and ride the waves with Santa’s Elves in Ocean Grove?

Classes go for 2 hours with all ages and abilities catered for.

These are ticketed events hosted by Go Ride A Wave.

Scan the QR code for more info and to book

CHRISTMAS AT THE SHEDREGIONAL CHRISTMAS TREES

Did you know we have seven Christmas trees across Greater Geelong?

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

Scan this QR code for locations

16 December

Potato Shed, Drysdale

Enjoy a festive night on The Bellarine with a Christmas-themed movie the whole family will enjoy plus music, games and giveaways.

Also enjoy the Shed’s nightly light installation and more.

Scan this QR code for information about events at the Shed

GIANT BAUBLE

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

It’s so big, you can stand in it and create some festively fun Christmas momentos. Find it in Belmont outside the library in High Street.

CHRISTMAS AT BALYANG PAR 3

19 - 24 December

Balyang Par 3 Golf Course

1pm - 5.30pm (last tee off from 5pm)

Get your friends and family together and play a special afternoon round of golf at Balyang Par 3 Golf Course.

Enjoy discounted entry, carols while you play and a complimentary gift for all players.

Scan this QR code for more details

CHRISTMAS WALK AND FIND

12 November - 8 January

Geelong Botanic Gardens and Barwon River, Fyansford

Experience Christmas in the great outdoors!

Visit the Geelong Botanic Gardens and look out for hidden Christmas messages, signage and displays while enjoying this iconic location. Tip: make sure you visit the conservatory.

Walk along the Barwon River by Red Gum Island in Fyansford to find more festive cheer.

Scan the QR code for more info

CHRISTMAS COLOURING

When visiting the Carousel, make sure your mini artists grab some colouring sheets to festively decorate.

Colour them in at the Carousel or take them home as a souvenir.

MERCHANDISE

Looking for some fun keep-sakes to take home?

Christmas glow merchandise and other assorted Christmas-themed trinkets will be sold from the Carousel.

Available from 12 November, while stocks last.

SUPPORT LOCAL, GIFT LOCAL

Let’s support our community and where we can, ‘think local first’ when Christmas shopping this year.

Think about gifting products, services, experiences or even gift vouchers purchased locally. This helps people, industries and Geelong’s economy.

CHRISTMAS CALENDAR

With so much on this festive season, make sure you plan your Christmas itinerary and diarise all the exciting offers available within the Christmas in Geelong program.

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

DENIS WALTER CAROLS

BY THE BAY

3 December

Eastern Beach Reserve, Geelong

Preshow from 7pm

Main show 7.45pm - 9.30pm

Fireworks at 9.30pm

Get into the Christmas spirit and sing along with family and friends at Geelong’s largest annual Christmas carols event.

GALA CHRISTMAS CONCERT AND MARKET CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

10 December

Johnstone Park, Geelong Market 4pm - 9pm Concert 6.30pm - 8.30pm

The traditions of Geelong’s Gala Christmas celebration you know and love in an all-new familyfriendly format supporting the Barwon Health Foundation.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

OF LIGHTS

18 November - 1 January Adventure Park, Wallington

See Victoria’s largest Christmas lights festival, with 3 million lights, new rides, live performances and over a thousand dazzling light installations.

Scan this QR code to get tickets

WATERFRONT MAKERS & GROWERS MARKET CHRISTMAS EDITION

4 December

Steampacket Gardens, Geelong

9.30am - 3pm

Snap up a bargain and find some special and unique Christmas gifts for your family and friends.

24 December

Johnstone Park, Geelong Starts 8pm

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

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 this QR Code to explore what's on this Christmas