Christmas floats in

GEELONG’s popular Floating Christmas Tree has returned to Steampacket Quay as a shining centrepiece of the festive season.

Boasting new light features and music programs, the tree will make its official 2025 launch alongside Carols by the Bay on Saturday evening (November 22).

After being stored in pieces for most of the year, the tree was carefully reassembled piece by piece at Mackey Street Marina throughout October.

When the weather and tides were right this morning (Wednesday, November 19), it was transported atop its helipad home to the waterfront.

 

Final testing and finishing touches will take place over the next three days ahead of Carols by the Bay, hosted by Denis Walter beginning at 7.30pm.

The event will then pause at 9pm for the lucky “Flick the Switch” winner to light up the Floating Christmas Tree.

 

The full spectacle will then be on display with 17,000 coloured pixels, 200 lights, 30 digital windows, 300 metres of LED neon rings, and two new music programs, supported by 3.5 kilometres of cabling.

The interactive tree will play six-minute shows every 15 minutes from 8.30pm-midnight each night until Wednesday 7 January.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the Floating Christmas Tree had become a symbol of celebration.

“The tree lights up more than just the bay, it lights up our city,” Cr Kontelj said.

“It’s an open invitation to explore Geelong. People come to see the lights, then stay to enjoy our restaurants, shops and waterfront. It’s a wonderful entry point to everything the region has to offer.”

For more details about opening night, and the full Christmas in Geelong program, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/christmas