Christmas has arrived in Ballarat

CHRISTMAS festivities are underway in Ballarat with the official launch of the City’s program last Friday.

Decorations have been around the CBD since last month and include a giant bauble located at Queen Victoria Square instead of its usual spot in the Bridge Mall.

There is also a festive art trail, live music, family activities and workshops.

“What we have and continue to do is really interactive decorations in the middle of Sturt Street,” said mayor Cr Des Hudson.

“We know that lots of families come in, they love the reindeers and there’s lots of family photos at Christmas.”

Maps for the art trail are available at the Ballarat Information Centre at Town Hall and it guides people on a walking tour of Ulla Taylor’s street art.

“It’s a whole series of art pictures that are bringing the town to life,” said Cr Hudson.

Participants can answer a question at each location and return their map to Town Hall for a chance to win one of three Christmas Hampers that feature local produce and gifts.

BCMA singing and dancing Christmas elves will also be taking to the streets to bring some cheer to the centre of town.

“We’re going to be going around Sturt Street and trying to bring out the Christmas spirit,” said BCMA student Gemma.

“It will be fun because we like getting into characters and it’s nice to see little kids’ reactions and get people excited about Christmas.”