City to launch new-look Christmas celebrations

CHRISTMAS is just eight weeks away and festive cheer is already beginning to spread across Greater Geelong.

A mix of old and new traditions will come to life across the region throughout November and December.

The popular floating Christmas Tree will once again light up the waterfront, decorations are going up and new activities have been planned to ensure the community celebrate the season safely.

A region-wide Christmas “roadtrip” with prizes on offer and a special community moment of celebration are new additions to the local activities on offer, with further details yet to be announced.

Annual favourites such as the central Geelong projections on City Hall and Shorts Place will return and the floating Christmas Tree will have a live feed available online.

There will also be an online recording of the light and sound show available to watch from the comfort of home.

City of Greater Geelong CEO Martin Cutter said while major events such as Carols by the Bay could not go ahead, there would still be plenty of Christmas cheer to go around in a year that has been like no other.

“Our focus has been on making this Christmas season special and inclusive of everybody in our community,” he said.

“In addition to Christmas favourites to be delivered in a COVID-safe way, this year we are introducing the Greater Geelong Christmas Roadtrip, inviting community members from all over the municipality to explore the region and get involved in local festivities.”

The roadtrip will feature decorations such as a giant bauble and chalk wall art, as well as experiences across 24 locations throughout the municipality.

Each location on the roadtrip will feature a letter that, put together, will spell out a common festive greeting.

Residents who visit each location and figure out the phrase, will be able to enter a draw to win a Christmas hamper of local goodies.

The Central Geelong Christmas Trail is also back for 2020, adorning city streets with lighting, baubles and stars, as well as a Christmas-themed Catenary Star, and the ever-popular school Christmas Trees.

It is hoped the annual Christmas Waterfront Makers & Growers Market can be held in Steampacket Gardens, subject to restrictions.

Mr Cutter said details of a new community celebration moment planned for late November would be announced soon.

“With Christmas just eight weeks away, we are excited to start bringing some festivity to the region,” he said.

“I’m sure many people are looking forward to celebrating with family, friends and their local community, in a year when we’ve perhaps all learnt to appreciate each other more than ever before.”