A jam-packed summer of events

IT’S the festive season – and in Geelong that means endless beach swimming and plenty of events.

There’s no better place to be, as many people take a well-earned break after a long year, ready to relax with family and friends.

Caravan parks, beaches and camping spots are bustling, and Geelong still is alive with the festive spirit – even City Hall is shining with projections, all celebrating kindness and designed by 60 local kindergarten children.

If you ran out of time before Christmas, you can still visit our spectacular 25-metre-high Floating Christmas Tree right in heart of our stunning waterfront.

The tree will be shining bright, with sound and light shows every 15 minutes each night until 7 January. You can’t miss it at Steampacket Quay – down the waterfront end of Moorabool Street.

And there’s still time to visit the National Wool Museum in Geelong where you can experience Christmas around the world, with the many Christmas traditions celebrated by our diverse community.

Across our region we celebrated with Christmas in Lara, the always popular Portarlington Community Carols and, of course, the traditional Carols by Candlelight in Geelong.

It was wonderful to see the spirit of Christmas alive and well in our great town.

The New Year is set to be a big one – from the beach to the dancefloor – there’s something for everyone here in Geelong.

The City of Greater Geelong is hosting free fireworks on New Year’s Eve at the waterfront. The first, family-friendly session will be held at 9.30pm, as well as the traditional midnight display.

There will be some changes to traffic and public transport, with more details on Council’s website.

The visitor economy is booming at this time of year, and although it’s busier for locals around town, we all see the benefits, with our restaurants overflowing, people eating our beautiful produce and accommodation booked out all holidays.

From the bay to the surf beaches, rolling green hills and beyond, we have a lot to be thankful for in the region, and it’s always a pleasure to share it with visitors from far and away.

Looking ahead to January, we have more festivals in store with the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and the 2025 Festival of Sails, which together attract almost a quarter million people to our region.

And our Free Children’s Fun Day at Rippleside Park will be back on Australia Day featuring flag raising ceremonies, Geelong Scottish Dancers and free rides and entertainment.

Come check out the interactive Scouts compound and emergency services displays and cheer on the brave participants in the Fire Extinguisher Competition.

This is just a small snapshot of all the exciting events happening across Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula over the holiday period.

To see everything on across our region this summer, check out our events page at geelongaustralia.com.au/events.

As the new mayor, I can’t wait to see in the New Year with friends and family before again getting stuck into the work that’s ahead of us.

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy 2025.

Cr Stretch Kontelj

Mayor,

City of Greater Geelong