Tree lights getting closer

City of Greater Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy and deputy mayor Trent Sullivan in front of the floating Christmas tree. (Pam Hutchinson)

Geelong’s famous floating Christmas tree is set to be turned on next week and has already set up camp at Steampacket Quay ahead of the big switch.

The 25-metre-tall and 10-tonne tree was towed into the waterfront on Thursday morning.

One lucky child will be selected to switch on the tree and trigger a pyrotechnic display at the City of Greater Geelong’s Christmas in Geelong Opening Night celebration on Saturday 12 November at Steampacket Quay.

The tree’s free sound and light show will run every 15 minutes from 8.30pm to midnight each day until January 8 and lasts for six minutes.

The Christmas in Geelong program is tipped to provide our region’s economy with a $20 million boost by creating jobs for tradies, performers and lighting experts and generating income for small businesses.

Christmas in Geelong includes projections on City Hall, Giant Selfie Trail, Santa’s Craft Workshop, School Christmas Tree program, Santa Pet Photos, Christmas by the Pool, masterclasses and sporting programs.

Community members who use the hashtag #GeelongChristmas in their social media photos go in the draw to win a $50 Westfield Gift Card.

Mayor Peter Murrihy said it was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in Greater Geelong.

“The floating christmas tree is looking spectacular and is set to bring a lot of excitement and joy to locals and visitors of all ages over the next few months,” he said.

“Local company Total Events has been busy decorating and testing the floating tree’s 400 LED lights over the last week and has developed three captivating sound and light shows for the community to enjoy.”