The floating Christmas tree has arrived to kick off the holiday season in Geelong.
The tree floated into Steampacket Quay next to The Carousel on Eastern Beach Road at 8.15am on Tuesday, November 26, ahead of the Christmas Opening Night on Saturday, November 30.
Denis Walter OAM will present his annual Carols by the Bay event alongside the 10-year opening night celebration and tree illumination from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
Mr Walter said it was exciting to have “two iconic events” coming together in Geelong to help the community get into the festive spirit.
“If anyone wants to come along this year, be early. Grab your spot on the lawn or on the street, as it’ll be busy,” he said.
“It’s going to be a fantastic night, and we’ve got some fabulous performers on stage, so there’ll be plenty of fun.
“It was my dream to have a Christmas event at the waterfront here in Geelong. It’s such a gorgeous spot and it’s since become an envied event right around Australia.”
The Christmas Opening Night and Denis Walter Carols by the Bay program will feature a preshow from 6.30pm and a Team Dream Kids entertainment from 7.15pm before the main event begins at 8pm.
Mr Walter will join the carols lineup, including Oz Boyz, Lucy Riddett, musical director Michael Cristiano, Julie Walter, and Santa.
The floating Christmas tree’s 800 lights will then be lit up at 9.15pm through a sound and light show program with 30 new digital windows and more than 15,000 pixels to create animations.
The tree’s shows will play every 15 minutes between 8.30pm and midnight each night until Boxing Day, when a new tree show will take over until the tree’s last day on January 7.
City of Greater Geelong Council chief executive Ali Wastie said the “popular tree” and carols would bring “so much joy” to community members of all ages.
“Our magical floating Christmas tree is the centrepiece of the City’s Christmas in Geelong festivities and its return to the bay marks the arrival of a special time in our region,” she said.
