Floating Christmas Tree sails away until next time

GEELONG’S Floating Christmas Tree has sailed away after another successful festive season, with last weekend the last time people could see the tree in action before it was dismantled and put back into storage.

Australia’s largest floating Christmas tree was again moored in the waters off Steampacket Quay, with six-minute sound and light shows running every 15 minutes from 8.30pm to midnight.

Illuminated and launched for 2023-24 on November 11, the tree’s last day for this season was January 7.

The third and final sound and light display began on Boxing Day.

Between shows, community members could control the light colours of the tree and star through a website set up by the City of Greater Geelong.

The tree, which gently rotates according to the wind direction, weighs 16,000kg, has 10,000 stainless steel reflective discs and needed about 23 people to assemble it.

Geelong deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said the Floating Christmas Tree was a source of joy for local residents as well as visitors from outside our municipality.

“The Floating Christmas Tree is a true symbol of the holiday season for our city as it spreads cheer and brings the community together.

“We thank our sponsors GeelongPort who provide vital storage and assembly space every year for Australia’s biggest floating Christmas tree.”

Cr Jim Mason, deputy chair of the council’s strong local economy portfolio, said the city’s 2023 Christmas in Geelong program had been a huge success and a major tourist attraction.

“Alongside our Floating Christmas Tree, activities and events such as our Santa Pet Photos, Christmas workshops, Giant Selfie Trail and School Christmas Trees have appealed to people of all ages and interests.

“More than 297,000 attended the 2022 Christmas in Geelong program with an economic output of $15,745,874 for our region.

“The 2023 program has created jobs for tradies, performers and lighting experts, and supported central Geelong businesses, contributing to a strong and thriving local economy.”

Christmas-themed projections also lit up City Hall until 11.30pm on January 7.

The city has also just closed feedback on its 2023 Christmas in Geelong program, with submissions allowed until 5pm yesterday (Friday, January 12).

The city asked people to share their views and ideas, including their favourite part of the Christmas in Geelong program, to help evaluate the value of the Christmas program to the local community and plan the city’s future programs.