Christmas celebrations

THE second weekend in November is one of the highlights on Council’s events calendar.

That Saturday night is now linked to the launch of our spectacular Christmas in Geelong program.

The opening night event – where we first switch on the lights of the 20-metre-tall Floating Christmas Tree – is becoming an annual tradition for people of all ages.

We’re all looking forward to sharing in the joy of this wonderful celebration, with the biggest line-up of entertainment line-up yet.

Roving performers will be on the Waterfront from 5.30pm Saturday, before a two-hour stage show from 7pm.

The tree will be set alight at 9pm, followed by a fireworks display.

You’ll be able to watch the sound and light shows every night from Saturday, right through to 7 January.

The Floating Christmas Tree is the centrepiece of our program, and there is a wide range of attractions and activities scattered across the Waterfront and central Geelong.

However, Council has been very keen in recent years to see the Christmas cheer spread into different parts of our region.

Townships on the Bellarine are included in the festive decorations, displays and events.

Drysdale’s premier facilities are getting in the spirit, with a movie night at the Potato Shed and Christmas activities at the Boronggook Drysdale Library and the new North Bellarine Aquatic Centre.

The library is one of 20 locations across Greater Geelong on the Giant Selfie Trail, which provides a great range of photo opportunities.

You can also find Giant Selfie scenes in Barwon Heads, Leopold and Portarlington.

Ocean Grove has a regional Christmas tree; there are yarn-bombing decorations in St Leonards; and the popular Santa pet photos initiative will come to Portarlington.

You can bring your pet down to the Portarlington Foreshore, next to Parks Hall, on Saturday 18 November for a free photo with the jolly man in red.

No bookings are required, but he’s only there from 2pm to 4pm.

And all pets are welcome. Among hundreds of dogs last year, we also saw some cats, a goat, a lizard, a snake, a ferret and even a dingo line up for a snap with Santa.

Across the region, there’s a great mix of returning popular events, and some new activities.

Among the family favourites returning are the Projections on City Hall, Letters to Santa, the Christmas competitions and the School Christmas Trees in Johnstone Park.

There is also Christmas Music and Storytelling with Granny Lee, and multiple festive morning teas at the Carousel with Santa.

For more information on the full Christmas program, visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/christmas

While you’re out and about, I’d encourage you to peruse the local shops for any gifts you’ll be giving this Christmas.

Money spent in the region has a multiplier effect, spreading the benefits of the initial outlay.

After a tough economic year, anything you can do to support local traders would be gratefully received.

Cr Trent Sullivan

Mayor, City of Greater Geelong