Geelong Christmas guide: Things to do in 2023

Already preparing for the upcoming Christmas season? Not sure what to do? Check out the complete guide for Chritmas in Geelong for 2023.

Geelong Schools Big Band with Thomas Currie, Sophie Walker and Kim Cooper with Concert band conductor Gary Tigani. Picture: Supplied

Locals are expected to pack out the Geelong waterfront with the lighting of the Christmas tree on Saturday as part of the opening week of Christmas celebrations in the region.

A number of local acts will also be performing centre stage as part of the free community event, which will include singing sensation, Stellar Perry.

The line up includes Kim Cooper, Denis Walter, Zoe Walter and Thomas Currie who will perform timeless Christmas classics.

Geelong Schools Big Band, featuring students from across the region, will kick off the night.

Steller Perry - Headline Act for Christmas in Geelong Opening Night. Picture: Supplied

The festivities commence at 5.30pm with entertainment at Steampacket Quay with the live stage show starting at 7pm.

At 9pm, one lucky young Geelong child will have the opportunity to join Santa in ‘flicking the switch’, igniting the iconic Floating Christmas tree.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said he is looking forward to enjoying the vast array of Christmas activities on offer this year.

“It’s a wonderful time of the year, and our Opening Night celebration is when the magic begins,” Mayor Sullivan said.

“The lighting of our iconic tree is highly anticipated and attracts a huge crowd.

“I really love seeing the community gather to celebrate the season of joy.”

Following opening night, the six-minute Floating Christmas tree Sound and Light Show will be staged each night from 8.30pm until midnight, running every 15 minutes.

Family-friendly shows will be staged on Saturdays in December and will begin at 5.30pm.

The light show on the tree will be changed three times, running from November 11 to December 1, December 2 to December 25, and December 26 to January 7.

Just under 300,000 people attended last year’s Christmas in Geelong programs which contributed $15.7 million to the region.

Things to do in Geelong during the Christmas season

Christmas Projections (November 11 – January 7)

City Hall, Gheringhap Street, Geelong. 8.30pm – Midnight

Beautiful Christmas-themed projections will again light up City Hall.

Watch them from a marked viewing area at ground level or try watching from the Civic Car Park to get a bird’s eye view.

Family Friendly Sound and Light Shows (December 2, 9, 16, 23)

Steampacket Quay, Waterfront Geelong. 5.30pm – 8.30pm

In December enjoy weekly early evening sound and light shows on the floating Christmas tree designed for young families and those not wanting to be out after dark. Shows are about six minutes long and play every 15 minutes.

Santa Pet Photos (November 18, 25 and December 9)

Portarlington (2pm – 4pm) at the Portarlington Foreshore next to Parks Hall. (November 18)

Lara (2pm – 4pm) at the Lara swimming pool. (November 25)

Grovedale (2pm – 4pm) at the Cobbin Farm. (December 2)

Geelong (2pm-4pm) at the Geelong Botanic Gardens (December 9)

Giant Selfie Trail (November 11 – January 7)

• Armstrong Creek Community Hub, 46 Central Boulevard

• Barwon Heads, Corner Hitchcock Ave and Clifford Parade (in Clifford)

• Belmont, Belmont Library, 163 High Street

• Central Geelong – Christmas Lantern, The Carousel Eastern Beach Road, Geelong

• Central Geelong – Christmas Under the Sea, Westfield, Moorabool Street

• Central Geelong – Season’s Greetings Snow Globe, Wurriki Nyal, 137-149 Mercer Street (Gherinhap Street side)

• Central Geelong – Bauble Bliss, Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (the Dome), Little Malop Street

• Central Geelong – Christmas Balloons, Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (the Dome), Little Malop Street

• Central Geelong – Portal to the North Pole, Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (the Dome), Little Malop Street

• Central Geelong – Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, Gartland Building, 71 Little Malop Street

• Central Geelong – Santa’s En Route, City Hall, Little Malop Street

• Corio – Choo Choo Train, Corio Library, Cox Road (corner Moa Street)

• Corio – Floating Balloons, Korayn Birralee Family Centre, 146 Purnell Road

• Drysdale – Feed Rudolph, Potato Shed, 41 Peninsula Drive

• Geelong – Summer Santa Snow Globe, The Pavilion, Eastern Beach (next to fountain)

• Geelong West – Pat Rudolph, Geelong West Library, 152a Pakington Street

• Hamlyn Heights – Christmas Candy Land, Vines Road Community Hub, 37-61 Vines Road

• Highton – Christmas Stamp, Belle Vue Ave, (shopping strip)

• Lara – Snowy Snow Globe, Lara Library, 5 Walkers Road

• Leopold – Gingerbread House, Leopold Community Hub, 31-39 Kensington Road

• Norlane – Hang on the Tree, Labuan Square, 31 Forster Street

• Norlane – Candy Canes, The ForT, Corner Melbourne and St Georges Roads

• Ocean Grove – White Angel Wings, Library, 66-70 The Ave

• Portarlington – Giant Christmas Cracker, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street

• Waurn Ponds – Bauble House, Leisurelink Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 240 Pioneer Road

• Waurn Ponds – Wings of an Angel, Leisurelink Aquatic & Recreation Centre, 240 Pioneer Road

Granny Lee Music and Storytelling Events (December 2 – December 3)

137-149 Mercer Street

Join much loved local children’s entertainer, Granny Lee for delightful Christmas storytelling and singalongs where kids will be engaged with fun interactive activities.

Nativity Scene at Wurriki Nyal (November 11 – December 26)

137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong

See the Christmas nativity scene at the Civic Precinct.

Christmas nights at the Carousel (December 9, 16, 23)

Waterfront Geelong, 5.30pm – 8.30pm

Enjoy a special after hours experience at the Carousel.

Twilight Laneways Festival – Christmas (December 1)

Little Malop Street and Centrepoint Arcade 5pm – 9pm

Enjoy a special night in central Geelong. Wander through a twilight market with 50+ stalls offering handmade and unique gifts, complemented by delicious food, drinks, music, and festive fun.

Denis Walter Carols by the Bay (December 2)

Eastern Beach Reserve, Geelong 7pm – 9.30pm

Get into the Christmas spirit and sing along with family and friends at Geelong’s largest annual Christmas carols events hosted by Geelong’s own Denis Walter.

Christmas in the Gardens (December 16)

Geelong Botanic Gardens. Opens at 10am

Enjoy a free family event. Get a photo with Santa, have your face painted, create a fun photo in the Christmas booth, Christmas craft and activities, music, magic and more.

Carols by Candlelight (December 24)

Johnstone Park, Geelong

Celebrate Christmas with the whole family on Christmas Eve singing along to a wonderful traditional carols program with some of Geelong’s popular performers.

Originally published as Geelong Christmas guide: Things to do in 2023