Ultimate guide: How to celebrate Christmas in Geelong and the Surf Coast in 2023

Wondering how to get into the festive spirit this holiday season? The Addy has you covered, with our full guide to celebrate Christmas in Geelong and the Surf Coast in 2023.

Roving entertainment including reindeer, elves and Santa will be out and about in central Geelong over December.

‘Tis the season for all that’s merry and bright, and the Addy has you covered with all the festive events happening across the region.

The Geelong Advertiser Christmas elves have searched far and wide for the best events for residents across Geelong and the Surf Coast to get into the spirit of the holidays this December.

Check out our ultimate guide below!

Santa photos

Looking for the best deals on your 2023 Santa photos?

The Addy has you covered with a list of all the major offers.

Christmas tree sales

1st Barwon Heads Scouts Pippa and Jess Edwards with Tessa Dalton and the Christmas trees they’re selling as their major fundraiser. Picture: Misha Fleet

Scouts across the region are taking orders for fresh pine trees as the festive season gets into full swing.

Norlane West

Bunnings Geelong North on December 2, 7 and 11 from 9am – 5pm

1st Highton

43 Barrabool Rd, Highton

Dates: November 24 – 26, December 1 – 3, 8 – 10, 15 – 17

Friday 4pm – 7pm

Saturday 9am – 4pm

Sunday 9am – 3pm

Delivery service will be available

1st Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads Scout Hall, Geelong Rd East – Barwon Heads

December 1, 8 and 15 – for collection of a pre-ordered tree

Collection of pre-ordered trees from 5 – 7pm

1st / 2nd Ocean Grove Scout Group

Ocean Grove Park, Corner Presidents Ave, The Ave, Ocean Grove

December 2 and 9 from 9am – 3pm

1st Drysdale

Drysdale Scout Hall, 18-20 High St Drysdale

December 2, 3, 9 and 10 from 9am – 3pm

For more information visit https://scoutsvictoria.com.au/activities-events/events/christmas-tree-sales

Christmas projections

Running until January 7 at City Hall, Gheringhap Street, Geelong from 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

On December 9, 16, and 23 at Steampacket Quay, Waterfront Geelong from 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.

Giant Selfie Trail

Running until January 7, at the following locations:

• 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

Nativity Scene at Wurriki Nyal

Until December 26 at 137-149 Mercer St, Geelong

See the Christmas nativity scene at the Civic Precinct.

City of Greater Geelong events

Roving entertainment

Roving elves will be out and about over December, bring joy and sweet treats to people visiting our city centre.

Christmas Window Trail

Council has partnered with property owners and local groups to activate vacant shop fronts with Christmas window displays.

The Christmas Window Trail consists of five windows over four properties and launched on December 1.

108 Little Malop St, Geelong – Celebrating together

Through a series of workshops, young people from across the region collaborated with council’s Youth Development Team to create a fun fusion of festive decorations featured in this display.

Inspired by folk-art designs from around the world, the Scandi-Australian theme reflects and celebrates the joy of the season and the rich diversity, unique cultural art and creative ideas of young people who live in and around Geelong.

111-113 Little Malop St, Geelong (two displays at this address)

More than 100 children have created craft gingerbread inspired pieces that come together to form this Christmas village window display.

Using recycled wood, scrap fabric and craft supplies children created gingerbread people and houses that bring this village to life.

This is a collaboration between COGG and Wishart Creative.

Christmas Express

Corio Model Railway Club have generously donated a miniature railway scene to bring joy to children and adults alike throughout the Christmas season.

76 Yarra St, Geelong – Merry Kitchmas!

Step back in time with a retro Aussie backyard Christmas scene featuring an iconic invention from Geelong’s clever and creative past – the Toyne’s Rotary Clothesline.

The Gordon Technical school has manufactured a working component of this Toyne’s Rotary clotheslines using 3D print technology as part of Geelong Design Week 2023.

194-200 Ryrie St, Geelong (at Village Cinemas) – JOY

Designed, created & installed by students from The Gordon TAFE, ‘Joy’ celebrates wellness, success, and prosperity during the festive season.

Kick On – Digital Christmas Advent Calendar

Throughout December council will be running an online Advent Calendar that highlights special weekly deals, offers, discounts, events & competitions etc offered by Central Geelong businesses.

The advent deals aim to encourage visitation to, and support of local businesses.

New deals will be released each week leading up to Christmas.

To redeem customers simply need to visit the participating business and scan the onsite QR code. For more information visit kickongeelong.com.au

Example deals

MoPA: Free coffee at MoPA when you attend your session time

18th Amendment Bar: Unlock a secret off menu specialty drink when you mention Kick On

Nautica Bar & Restaurant: Order an entree and main and receive a limited time Christmas dessert cocktail on the house!

Cakesmith: Try the brand new doughnut range, ‘buy 3 get 1 free’ until Dec 15

Frankie. Bar & Eatery: Dine with us on a Monday and mention ‘Kick On’ to receive 10% off your bill

Surf Coast events

There are a number of carolling events across the Surf Coast in December:

Bring along your best singing voice – this is a great way to kick off the festive season.

Carols by the Barwon

The annual Carols by Candlelight will be held at Winchelsea Lions Park on December 9 from 5.30pm.

Aireys Inlet Community Carols

The annual Aireys Inlet Community Carols will be held at the Aireys Inlet Community Hall on December 10 from 7pm.

Torquay Carols by the Sea

The annual Carols by the Sea is held in stunning Torquay with world classes beaches as the backdrop at the Elephant Walk on December 16 from 4pm.

Carols on the Lorne

Carols on the Lorne will be held on the lawn in front of the St Cuthbert’s Uniting Church, 86 Mountjoy Pde on December 16 from 7.30pm.

Deans Marsh Twilight Carols

The Deans Marsh Christmas Carols will take place in conjunction with the Deans Marsh Market at 10 Pennyroyal Valley Rd on December 17 from 2-6pm.

Anglesea Carols by Candlelight

The annual Anglesea Carols by Candlelight will be held at Lions Park, Anglesea on December 22 from 7pm.

Borough of Queenscliffe events

Joint Christmas Party at 360Q

Got a boutique business with a small team or a community club or Probus Group? Looking for a great way to celebrate the end of the year?

The crew at 360Q is inviting you to join in their joint Christmas party on December 9.

Doors open from 6:45pm – 11:30pm, with bookings required

Tickets are $100pp with two-course dinner and our beverage package of bubbles, wine, beer and soft drinks plus DJ entertainment provided.

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/CIKKF

Carols by the Water at 360Q

Get into the Christmas spirit on December 17 at harbourfront restaurant 360Q with the Carols By the Water dinner and music event.

Ticket price includes entertainment and a three course Christmas dinner with drinks at bar prices.

Doors open from 6-10pm.

Tickets are $75pp with three-course Christmas dinner and entertainment.

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/CIKKW

Originally published as Ultimate guide: How to celebrate Christmas in Geelong and the Surf Coast in 2023