Christmas in November: City to kick off celebrations with community event

Mayor Peter Murrihy and Santa with Tom Mackey (aged five), elves and a Nutcracker – who will form part of the Opening Night festivities on 12 November. Photos: REG RYAN

GEELONG’S famous Floating Christmas Tree will be switched on at a free community celebration event next month.

A lucky local child will have the opportunity to turn the lights on alongside Santa on Saturday, November 12, kickstarting the City of Greater Geelong’s Christmas program.

The opening night’s celebrations include a stage show, roving performers and live entertainment, providing a fantastic opportunity for the whole family to come into Central Geelong.

Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said the City was thrilled to host the community event for the first time since 2018, after celebrations were rained out in 2019, and cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to pandemic restrictions.

Christmas is set to kick off in November in Geelong with a free community celebration event.

“We have moved our Opening Night event to a Saturday night for the first time as a trial, which we hope will allow more families and visitors from outside the region to enjoy the festivities and boost Geelong’s economy,” Cr Murrihy said.

“This year, we will also see a return of more in-person activities, with the 2022 program being more accessible and held in more venues than ever before.

“Projections on City Hall will also be turned on the same night.”

Major events portfolio chair Cr Ron Nelson said the city would once again host a competition to secure the opportunity to turn on the floating tree come November 12.

“One lucky child will be given the opportunity to help Santa light the tree at our Opening Night event,” Cr Nelson said.

The city will select a child out of 12 finalists on the night to flick the switch with Santa.

“It’s going to be a big night for Geelong, so we encourage everyone to get in early to make a booking at their favourite café or restaurant on the Waterfront to continue helping to support local businesses,” Cr Nelson said.

“Make it a memorable night to enjoy with your family and friends while taking in our Christmas show.”

The tree’s light shows will change three times, running from November 12-December 2, December 3-25 and December 26-January 8.

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

Competition entries for a child to win the opportunity to flick the switch to light the floating Christmas Tree is now open.

To enter: https://bit.ly/3Ri07Vh