Santa on the move as Geelong runs roll out

SANTA is swapping the sleigh for a fire truck as CFA brigades across Geelong roll out their annual Santa runs, bringing festive cheer to neighbourhood streets in the lead-up to Christmas.

From Geelong’s inner suburbs to its northern growth areas, families are encouraged to step outside, wave to Santa and enjoy a much-loved local tradition that supports local volunteer brigades and emergency services.

The first run will get underway tonight (Friday, December 19), when the Geelong City Fire Brigade joins Geelong SES for a tour encompassing St Albans Park, Thompson Reserve and Costa Reserve.

The journey will begin at 5.45pm, with the first stop offering a sensory-friendly environment without sirens.

The Corio Fire Brigade and Corio SES will follow on Sunday (December 21), visiting Rippleside Park playground at 1.30pm, Evans Reserve playground at 3.15pm, Corio Sports Club at 3.40pm, and Pettit Park playground at 4.20pm.

In Little River, local volunteers have confirmed a Santa run will take place on December 23, with route details to be shared via its Facebook page closer to the date.

Several suburbs will also welcome Santa on Christmas Eve, including Grovedale, Geelong West and Lara.

Grovedale’s run begins mid-afternoon with a stop at Grovedale Recreation Reserve at 2.30pm, the Geelong West crew will set out from Kenwith Reserve at 3.10pm, and in Lara, Santa will take to the streets from 5pm with a stop at West Lakes Boulevard.

Santa is expected to spend between 10–15 minutes at each stop. Brigades may be required to respond to emergencies on the night, and schedules may change at short notice.

Families are encouraged to keep an eye on their local brigade’s social media pages for updates and a list of all stops.