Geelong and the Surf Coast’s 30 best Christmas celebrations revealed
From festive drag queens to Carols by the Sea and spectacular Christmas lights, Geelong’s festive season has something for everyone. SEE THE FULL LIST
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Geelong’s quest to become the nation’s Christmas capital is gaining momentum again as the region welcomes in the holiday cheer.
From the iconic floating to the Christmas tree, to gourmet lunches and live shows, this holiday season has something for everyone. We’ve listed 30 events you should not miss this Chirstmas.
1. Geelong Carols by Candlelight
Grab a rug and a picnic hamper and come celebrate Christmas Eve with the whole family at Johnstone Park.
The 58th Geelong Carols by Candlelight promises a free event for the whole family with a host of talented local performers and a concert band.
Christmas markets and a food truck will run from 3pm-7pm before the main event kicks off at 8pm.
When: December 24, 3pm – 10pm
Where: Johnstone Park Geelong
2. Carols by the Sea
Spend Christmas beachside at Torquay’s famous Carols by the Sea.
Organised by the town’s local churches, the community meets each year for an afternoon of family fun before the main show.
This year promises savoury and sweet food trucks, fairy floss and performances by the 2022 Carols by the Sea Band.
Local community choirs and children’s Sunday schools will also have a chance to show off their talents as they tell the first Christmas story.
When December 17, 4pm-7pm
Where: Torquay Common, Bell St
3. Geelong Gala celebration
Join in a longstanding Geelong tradition at the annual Gala Christmas celebration in support of the Barwon Health foundation.
Market stalls will run from 4pm-9pm on December 10 in Johnstone Park, accompanied by a concert from 6.30pm-8.30pm.
The evening will be hosted by Mik Maks with special appearances from Santa and Mrs Clause, Stellar Perry, Kim Cooper and much more.
When: December 10, 4pm-9pm
Where: Johnstone Park, Geelong
4. Floating Christmas tree and light show
It wouldn’t be Christmas in Geelong without the city’s spectacular Christmas tree and light show.
The iconic sound and light show is staged every 15 minutes between 8.30pm- midnight in the lead up to the holidays.
Every Saturday, the same show will run in the family friendly timeslot from 5.30pm-8.30pm.
When: Every evening leading up to Christmas
Where: Geelong Waterfront
5. Write Santa a letter
Post a letter to the North Pole at special mailboxes across Geelong.
Anyone can fill out a Santa request form on site or download a form to take with to six special sites across Geelong.
People can also elect to receive a letter or email reply from Father Christmas himself.
Mailbox locations:
Santa’s mailbox locations
The Carousel, Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong
Wurriki Nyal, Mercer St, Geelong
Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, Little Malop St, Geelong
Waurn Ponds Library, Pioneer Rd, Grovedale
Leopold Library, Kensington Rd, Leopold
Corio Library, Cox Rd, Norlane
6. Carols by Candelabra
Get lost in a winter wonderland of Christmas classics at Piano Bar.
Carols by Candelabra returns for another year with special guests Max Drag Queen, Shandelle Cooke, Dani Fry, Luke Tonkin, Lynnduh and Nat Atkinson and Kara Ciezki.
Doors open at 6pm with entertainment from 7pm.
When: December 18 from 6pm.
Where: Piano Bar, Little Malop St
Tickets: www.pianobar.com.au
7. Northern Carols
Northern Carols by Candlelight is back for another year.
Join the community in ringing in the festive season at Corio Community Park with fun for the whole family on December 18.
The free event promises a jumping castle, face painting, Christmas Carols petting zoo, popcorn and fairy floss.
When: December 18, 5pm onward
Where: Corio Community Park, Bacchus Marsh Rd
8. Christmas Pet portraits
Get a paw-some Christmas photo with man’s best friend at Westfield.
Bring your four-legged pal to the Moorabool St entry of the Geelong shopping centre to get in on the festive fun.
Dress ups are encouraged, so dress your pet up in its best holiday outfit for the ultimate Christmas memory. Bookings are essential.
Find out more: westfield.com.au/geelong
9. Geelong’s giant Christmas selfie trail
Capture the perfect Christmas photo at one of 26 locations across the Geelong region.
Kiss someone under the giant mistletoe, transform yourself into an angel with giant wings, turn yourself into a hanging ornament and much more.
Eight locations are within walking distance of central Geelong, with others close by in Geelong West and Eastern Beach.
Use the hashtag #GeelongChristmas to catch up with everyone’s photos.
Find out more: geelongaustralia.com.au
10. Christmas at 360Q
Eat, drink and be merry at 360Q’s huge Christmas Carols by the Water event.
At $70 per person and $30 for kids under 12, enjoy a three-course Christmas dinner including prawn salad, roast turkey and pudding with a class of bubbles or beer and enjoy carols by the ocean.
When: December 18, 6pm onward
Where: 360Q, Wharf St East, Queenscliff
Booking: https://360q.com.au/carols-by-the-water/
11. Christmas Golf
Soak up the summer sun with a special afternoon of golf at Balyang Par 3 Golf Course.
Between December 19-23, families can enjoy a 50 per cent discount and carols while you play, as well as a complimentary Christmas gift for all participants.
The offer will run daily between 1pm-5.30pm until December 23.
Where: Marnock Rd, Newtown
12. See the Kings of Christmas
Join Rob Mills, Bobby Fox for the world premier for their new Christmas show The Kings of Christmas.
The musical duo will bring their holiday cheer to Geelong for one night only, promising a night of magic and Christmas classics at Costa Hall.
They’ll be joined on stage by a band, the Rockin’ Rob and Bobbettes and special guest Denis Walter.
Find out more: geelongartscentre.org.au
When: December 18, 3pm,
Where: Costa Hall, Deakin University Geelong Waterfront
13. Swingin’ Christmas Spectacular
Swing into the Christmas season with Rhonda Burchmore and the Jack Earle Big Band as the Palais Geelong celebrates its first Christmas.
The pair will reimagine timeless classics for a holiday experience like no other, with special appearances from some surprise guests.
Tickets: https://www.palaisgeelong.com/
When: December 9, 6pm onward
Where: The Palais Geelong, Moorabool St
14. Christmas Surfing lessons
Ride the waves and celebrate Christmas the Aussie way in Ocean Grove.
All abilities are catered for, and every participant gets a Christmas treat at the end.
Classes are hosted by Go Ride a Wave at the Ocean Grove Beach.
Find out dates and times: https://www.facebook.com/gorideawave
15. Christmas by the Pool
Soak up the sun and enjoy Christmas Carols poolside.
All entrants will receive a complimentary Christmas gift at the Lara Pool and Kardinia Aquatic Centre between December 19-23.
Find out more: https://geelongaustraia.com.au
16. Christmas Festival of Lights – Adventure Park Geelong
No Geelong Christmas would be complete without Adventure Park’s iconic Festival of Lights.
Come and see Victoria’s largest lights display, on show until January 1.
More than three million lights will light up more than 1000 installations, with new rides and live performances each night. Children can write Santa a letter and post it at the North Pole Post office, meet the big man himself, get their faces painted and create a souvenir craft bauble.
Air balloon rides will run alongside the Tea Cups, Crazy Coaster, carousel, minigolf and ferris wheel.
17. Aireys Inlet Christmas Market
Find the perfect gift at the Aireys Inlet Christmas Market this weekend.
The boutique shopping experience features more than 60 storeholders showcasing the region’s best art, handcrafted goods, local produce and homemade treats.
When: Sunday, December 11
Where: 6 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet
18. Ocean Grove Christmas Carols
See Ocean Grove’s young stars on show at the annual Carols in the Park on Sunday.
Students from Ocean Grove, Surfside and Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary Schools will be performing classic carols for the whole town.
Gates are expected to open up at 5pm to allow families to allow families t to buy food.
Entry is by donation on arrival and will to Feed Me Bellarine.
Locals are also invited to bring an unwrapped gift to put under a giant Christmas tree to support Cottage by the Sea.
When: December 11, gates open from 5pm.
19. Morning Teas with Santa
Children can enjoy a festive morning tea with Father Christmas himself.
Take a photo with Santa and ride on the iconic Geelong waterfront carousel in the lead up to Christmas.
Bookings are essential, and events will run on a raft of days between December 7-23.
Find out more and reserve your spot: https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/
20. Christmas Masterclasses
Flex your creative muscles with one of the city’s raft of Christmas masterclasses.
Learn how to make your own Christmas ornaments, improve holiday cooking, and discover the secrets behind creating a beautiful wreath.
Ticketed events are running throughout the month of December.
Christmas Projections
Take a tour of Geelong’s best Christmas lights as decided by the community.
Each year the community rallies to create a free, comprehensive list and interactive map spanning suburbs across the whole city.
Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/christmaslightsofgeelong/
21. Anglesea’s Carols at the Riverbank
Join the Anglesea Baptist Church by the river as they retell the Christmas nativity and sing festive songs.
All are welcome, and a sausage sizzle is included.
When: December 23, 5.30pm onward
Where: Anglesea Visitor Information Centre
22. Christmas Day dinner at the Geelong waterfront
Enjoy a Christmas feast by the waterfront at Novotel Geelong.
The famous lunch and dinner Christmas buffet is back for another year and spots are filling up fast. The hotel will also host Christmas catch-ups in the lead up to the holiday season.
Find out more or book: novotelgeelong.com.au/dining/Christmas2022
23. Visit Santa’s Craft Workshop
Get creative with the elves at Santa’s Little Malop St workshop
Love Central Geelong will host a craft of Christmas Children’s crafts in the lead up to the holiday season.
Make a button wreath, a magic Christmas bell wand, special ornaments or some special Santa binoculars.
The crafts use a range of recycled materials to encourage the imaginations of children of all ages. Letters to Santa can also be made at each session.
Find out more: geelongaustralia.com.au/christmas
24. Pivot City Christmas Artisan Market
Kick back with free music and celebrate the creativity of Geelong’s artisans at a unique Christmas market.
The afternoon will celebrate more than 15 local designers and makers, free beer tasting from Valhalla Brewing and drinks available to purchase from Anther Distillery.
Shoppers are also encouraged to bring along a donation for charity toy drive supporting the Elf Squad Geelong, helping to make a difference in the lives of local families this holiday season.
When: December 9, 4pm-7pm
Where: RunwayHQ, Federal Mills, North Geelong
25. Colac City Band’s Carols by Candlelight
Get in the festive spirit with the Colac City Band.
The band will host its 76th Carols by Candlelight on December 16, showcasing a raft of local talent. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or a camping chair.
When: December 16, 7.30pm onward
Where: Memorial Square, Murray St, Colac
26 Christmas Yoga
De-stress from a busy holiday season in a holistic way.
Hosted by Wonder Yoga, the Christmas Day classes are designed to support wellbeing and help manage stress induced by the holiday season.
Classes are ticketed, and bookings can be made online.
Find out more: hwww.wonderyoga.com.au/
When: December 25, 8:30am
Where: 128 Ryrie Street, Geelong
27. Community Christmas lunch
The Geelong Community Christmas Day Lunch will return after a two year hiatus.
Residents can sit down to share a meal, or choose a “takeaway” option available during the last two years
Anyone interested in volunteering can email: geelongxmaslunch@gmail.com
Find out more: www.facebook.com/GeelongCommunityChristmasDayLunch/
When: December 25, doors open at 11am.
Where: Cnr Moorabool & McKillop Streets, Geelong
28. Pop-Up Creatives Christmas Market
Get your Christmas shopping sorted at Newtown this year
The Pop-Up Creatives Christmas market promises more stalls than ever before, as well as live music by Ash Wray and refreshments from Bells Beach Brewing.
Entry is free for all.
When: December 17, 4pm-8pm
Where: 17d Rutland Street, Newtown
29. Carols on Pako
Celebrate Christmas with your favourite carols in the heart of Pakington St.
The Geelong West Presbyterian Church will host Christmas carols and a free sausage sizzle on December 18.
The family-friendly event will feature a sausage sizzle and a local choir and band.
No booking or reservation is required.
When: December 18, 5pm onward
Where: Waratah St and Pakington St, Geelong West
30. Santa photo
Get a photo with Father Christmas himself at Geelong’s major shopping centres.
Westfield, Market Square and Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre will all be hosting Santa Claus in the lead up to December 25.
He’ll also be appearing at the Geelong Carousel by the waterfront.
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Originally published as Geelong and the Surf Coast’s 30 best Christmas celebrations revealed
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