Bright start to Geelong Christmas celebrations

FAMILIES from across Geelong have welcomed the start of the festive season at Christmas in Geelong’s opening night last weekend.

Hundreds of families gathered at Steampacket Quay on Saturday for the community celebration that included the city’s iconic floating Christmas tree having its lights switched on for the first time this season.

Local entertainers including Taylor Henderson and Dean Walter, and roving shows kept crowds entertained as the sky darkened but stayed dry before the main event.

Six-year-old Zoe Bonney was the lucky child who had her name drawn from Santa’s sack to help the jolly red fellow switch on the tree lights before a fireworks show.

The 25-metre tree will dazzle with its sound and light show each night until January 8, running every 15 minutes from 8.30pm to midnight.

The City of Greater Geelong also launched Christmas projections at City Hall on Saturday.

The multimedia artwork, designed by experienced creator Georgie Pinn with contributions from Ian de Gruchy and Olaf Meyer, will also be nightly until January 8.

COGG will continue rolling out Christmas-themed activities including for adults during the coming weeks as part of its Christmas in Geelong program