Geelong reveals Christmas program with new street performances
Musicians, dancers and performers will bring Geelong's streets alive in a new Christmas entertainment trail joining the city's traditional festive celebrations.
Five coastal towns will receive solar-lit Christmas trees as part of two-month-long festivities spanning Geelong and the Surf Coast.
The first of five new solar-lit Christmas trees has been installed in Winchelsea, with the remaining trees in Aireys Inlet, Angelsea, Lorne and Torquay set to be shining by late November.
A surfy Santa, timber trees by the Men’s Shed, hand-decorated stars from Deans Marsh Primary School students and a Winchelsea elf trail in local shops will also form part of the Surf Coast’s Christmas program.
Surf Coast Shire mayor Mike Bodsworth said it was the first time the Surf Coast had installed Christmas trees across town.
“We’re excited to see them (the trees) bring some festive fun to our communities,” Mr Bodsworth said.
“We’ve heard from locals that they love seeing our towns come alive during the holiday season, so these trees are a fun way to add some colour and cheer across the shire.”
Festivities are underwaywith a new roving Christmas performance trail hitting Geelong’s streets as part of an expanded festive program unveiled by the City of Greater Geelong.
Kicking off the celebrations are two much-loved traditions – Denis Walter’s Carols by the Bay and the lighting of the floating Christmas tree – at Steampacket Gardens on November 22.
From there, the city is expected to transform into a hub of festive fun with a packed calendar of events for families, shoppers and visitors.
The new addition to the 2025 schedule will feature live entertainment from roving musicians, choirs, dancers and street performers at rotating locations through the CBD every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 28 to December 14.
Local piano-accordionist and ambassador for the trail Lucy Riddett said she was thrilled to bring her music to the streets.
“Geelong is such a vibrant place to be at Christmas time and I am so excited to take my music from the stage to the streets,” Ms Riddett said.
“There will be plenty of song, dance and frivolity to add another dimension to the central Geelong experience.”
Adding to the festive atmosphere, City Hall will dazzle nightly with a new animated projection, We are One, We are Many – Peace and Happiness to All, running from dusk until midnight.
The waterfront will also shine brighter with solar-powered reindeer lamppost decorations.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the program reflected the community spirit of the season.
“From carols and lights to performances and projections, Christmas is a special occasion in Geelong,” Mr Kontelj said.
“It’s a time to come together, share joy and celebrate community.”
Christmas in Geelong runs from November 22 to January 7.
Originally published as Geelong reveals Christmas program with new street performances
