Block out this Friday and Saturday in your calendar for
the free Laneways Christmas Festival,
happening at Centrepoint Arcade and Market Square Shopping Centre, on Little
Malop Street.
Delivered by the City, Piccadilly Market,
Creative Geelong’s May’D Christmas Festival and Market Square Shopping Centre,
enjoy two days of festive fun in central Geelong with friends and family:
Friday 6 December - 4.30pm - 8.30pm
Wander through a Christmas market offering
handmade and unique gifts from local makers and artists, delicious food,
drinks, cookie decorating and bath crystal pop ups, children's activities,
exhibitions, Santa Photos, festive windows, interactive reindeers, music and
entertainment.
Saturday 7 December - 11.00am - 4.00pm
Explore Creative Geelong's MayD Christmas
Festival and Market, Santa Photos, gingerbread decorating, interactive
reindeers, festive windows, community stalls and tasty treats, live
performances and children's craft workshops.
The City is hosting numerous other
opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit, including Carousel Christmas with Santa. Running
until Christmas Eve, children can enjoy the joyful atmosphere and a treat bag,
share their Christmas wishes, take memorable photos with Santa and of course,
have a magical ride on The Carousel. Bookings are essential.
After Saturday’s ‘Christmas Opening Night -
Denis Walter Carols by the Bay’ event at The Arena where nine-year-old Rudra
Wakodikar flicked the switch to turn on the Floating Christmas Tree, we are
running nightly sound and light shows every 15 minutes between 8.30pm and midnight, at six minutes long.
As part of Christmas Nights at The Carousel, we
are holding family-friendly sound and light shows on 14 and 21 December from
5.30pm, catering to community members who find the normal 8.30pm start time too
late.
Secure your spot at Drysdale’s Potato Shed
for a very special Christmas at The Shed event with sing-along carols, fun games, a visit from Santa, popcorn and family
friendly films.
Our National Wool Museum is hosting a special Christmas at the Museum event on Thursday 19
December from 5.00pm-7.00pm. Community members will get free entry to the
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 Exhibition from the Natural History
Museum, family Christmas craft and an exclusive shopping experience.
The traditional individually decorated Christmas trees from
27 local primary schools return to Johnstone Park on Thursday, allowing
students to show their families their festive creativity.
Or surprise your child with a personalised email from Santa that
will make their day, referencing a present they will receive and what treat
they’ll leave out for the big man himself.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Greater Geelong is the place to be this Christmas.
We know community members are doing it
tough in with the cost of living, so we are excited to deliver activities and
experiences that are inclusive and free or low-cost.
Our Christmas in Geelong program will
bring cheer and goodwill, as well as support other organisations, businesses
and events happening in town.
It’s well worth exploring the full
Christmas in Geelong program as
there is something for everyone.
Deputy Mayor Ron Nelson
Geelong is proud
to be known as the Christmas capital of Victoria.
Whether it’s buying unique gifts the Laneways
Christmas Festival, meeting Santa at The Carousel or checking out the Floating
Christmas Tree, there is so much to see and do this month.
While you’re out and about, we suggest
stopping in for a bite at a local cafe or restaurant to support local
businesses in the area.