Christmas in Geelong festival to return

THE BELLS will be sounding this festive season for the City of Greater Geelong’s Christmas in Geelong program, which has been renewed for another year.

The popular Christmas program will kick off on November 11 with the illumination of the beloved Floating Christmas Tree at Steampacket Quay at 7pm.

Fireworks will follow the colourful illumination show at 9pm, as will music performances by local entertainers.

Following opening night, the six-minute Floating Christmas Tree Sound and Light Show will be staged every 15 minutes each evening from 8.30pm until midnight.

Family friendly shows will also additionally be staged each Saturday in December at 5:30pm to give families and those not wanting to be out after dark, the chance to enjoy the light extravaganza at an earlier timeslot.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said Christmas in Geelong would no doubt lift the Geelong community into the highest of spirits.

“No Christmas in Geelong is complete without our Floating Christmas Tree Sound and Light Show down at the Geelong Waterfront.

“It attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.

“Once again this year we’ll give one lucky child the opportunity to help Santa light the tree at our Opening Night celebration.”

Deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said he looked forward to seeing families come out in full force for the Christmas festival.

“Since moving our Christmas in Geelong Opening Night event to Saturday night more families and visitors from outside the region are coming to enjoy the festivities.

“Our Christmas in Geelong program definitely boosts Geelong’s economy.

“Beyond the tree, our Christmas in Geelong program is always well-received. It brings families together and gets everyone into the festive season spirit.

“ I’m really looking forward to opening night and for all the other magical Christmas activities and events we’ve planned this year.”

More than 297,000 attended last year’s Christmas in Geelong program, bringing an estimated $15 million to the Geelong region.

The full Christmas in Geelong program will be released next month.