Christmas carols toring out across Geelong

GEELONG will come alive with Christmas spirit this month as carols return to the region.

Carols in Geelong will begin this Sunday, December 7 at the OneHope Baptist Church in Highton with an outdoor community event.

The free carols will offer food vans, coffee, kids’ activities, face painting and live music from the OneHope carols band, running from 5.30pm until 8.30pm.

Pirra Homestead will then host the Lara Carols on December 13, aiming to entertain guests of all ages.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and head along for the food trucks, petting zoo and Christmas carols that support local artists.

The following evening on December 14, Corio Community Park will welcome people for the Northern Carols from 5pm until 7pm.

Enjoy a sing-along session, along with a visit from Santa himself, a creative market, messy play and much more.

On December 20, the Geelong West Presbyterian Church will host Carols on Pako for a free family-friendly event.

Large crowds are expected to form at Johnstone Park on December 23 when Carols by Candlelight Geelong returns for its 62nd year.

A partnership between YMCA Geelong and the City of Greater Geelong, the traditional event promises to bring the Christmas cheer.

Children’s entertainment will run from 4.30pm until 7.30pm with the Mik Maks, before Carols by Candlelight begins and Santa arrives.

Geelong local and The Voice contestant Luke Biscan will be one of the highlight performers on the night.

Event organiser Alisha Nurnaitis said part of the event was showcasing local talent.

“All of our talent does have a connection to Geelong in some way or another, that’s something that’s really important to the carols,” she said.

One of the main goals for the evening is bringing people together, especially families, for a night of stress-free entertainment.

“There are quite a few families that do it tough, so it’s really good that we can bring Christmas joy in a free event,” Ms Nurnaitis said.

“It’s right near the train station, so it’s accessible for everyone, it’s just a really lovely thing to put on at Christmas to bring joy to lots of families and the community in a time of giving.”

For more information on Carols by Candlelight Geelong, head to carolsbycandlelightgeelong.org.au