Christmas Tree floats back to the waterfront

EXCITEMENT is reaching fever pitch in the Geelong region with the famous floating Christmas Tree sailing into Steampacket Quay for Christmas in Geelong program opening this Saturday, November 12.

The 25-metre-tall, ten-tonne tree was towed into place at the iconic waterfront on Thursday morning, welcomed by then-mayor Peter Murrihy and then-deputy mayor Trent Sullivan.

Cr Murrihy said it was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in Greater Geelong.

“The Floating Christmas Tree is looking spectacular and is set to bring a lot of excitement and joy to locals and visitors of all ages over the next few months.

“Local company Total Events has been busy decorating and testing the floating tree’s 400 LED lights over the last week and has developed three captivating sound and light shows for the community to enjoy.”

One lucky child from the Greater Geelong region will be selected to switch on the tree and trigger a pyrotechnic display at the celebration on Saturday.

The free six-minute light and sounds shows will run every 15 minutes from 8:30pm to midnight each day until Sunday, January 8 (to align with Orthodox Christmas).

Cr Sullivan said Geelong aimed to be the Christmas capital of Victoria.

“The arrival of our beloved Floating Christmas Tree signifies the start of a very special time for Greater Geelong, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together and celebrate.

“With so many activities to choose from this year, we’re expecting thousands of people to enjoy the eight-week Christmas in Geelong program.”

On top of the lighting and sound shows, Christmas in Geelong will also include projections on City Hall, the Giant Selfie Trail, Santa’s Craft Workshop, a School Christmas Tree program, Santa Pet Photos, Christmas by the Pool, masterclasses and sporting programs.

The Christmas in Geelong program is tipped to provide the region’s economy with a $20-million boost by creating jobs for tradies, performers and lighting experts and generating income for small businesses.

Find out more about the City’s Christmas in Geelong program at geelongaustralia.com.au/christmas.