Central Geelong is buzzing with the sights and sounds of Christmas! There is so much on offer right now to help you and your family celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. These fun activities (and so many more) form part of the Central Geelong Christmas Trail which can be downloaded at www.centralgeelong.com.au/christmas
Central Geelong Christmas elves
Have you seen them yet? The wonderfully fun and friendly Central Geelong Christmas Elves are back again this year spreading Christmas cheer and handing out lollies and fresh fruit vouchers to shoppers and visitors. Listen out for their signature jingle as they stroll the streets, Monday to Saturday between 10am-2pm. The elves will be out and about right up until 2pm on Christmas Eve.
The Christmas Elves will be distributing the Central Geelong Christmas Trail and copies of the Augmented Reality Christmas colouring sheet. If you see an elf this season, remember to keep 1.5m physical distance to ensure the safety of all.
Augmented reality colouring sheets
Try out some augmented reality fun with a series of free Christmas in Central Geelong colouring sheets. Collect a colouring sheet from a Central Geelong Christmas Elf, The Carousel, or download your colouring sheets at www.centralgeelong.com.au/christmas.
Download the free ‘Creativitek’ app from the App Store or Google Play using Central Geelong’s free WiFi network, colour in your picture and then watch it come to life. Remember to colour your picture in first.
Santa photos in Central Geelong
A much-loved Christmas tradition for many families is an annual photo with Santa. Thankfully, Santa photos are still happening this year including ‘Sensitive Santa’ and pet photo sessions at both Market Square Shopping Centre and Westfield Geelong.
As physical distancing will be practiced during your visit, families will have their own seat next to Santa’s throne. Your photo will look a little different to years gone by but your snap with Santa is still a wonderful way to mark the season and remember a year like no other.
Santa will be in store at both Westfield and Market Square until Christmas Eve however booking in advance is strongly recommended at both shopping centres to secure your spot. Walk-in time slots will be strictly limited.
You can view the variety of photo packages available and session times at www.marketsquaregeelong.com.au and www.westfield.com.au/geelong. In line with government restrictions, masks will be required for anyone over the age of 12 in Victoria, including Santa.
Christmas selfies in Central Geelong
For a different kind of Christmas pic to share with your family and friends, turn your selfie into a fun Christmas photo with Central Geelong’s unique face filter featuring the Floating Christmas Tree. Find the face filters on the Love Central Geelong Instagram and Facebook pages or click the links below:
Facebook link: www.facebook.com/fbcameraeffects/tryit/1540985489430100/ Instagram link: www.instagram.com/ar/1540985489430100/
Don’t forget to hit the ‘sound on’ button for festive music and to share a photo or video of your face filter selfie using #geelongchristmas and tag @lovecentralgeelong.
Loads of Augmented Reality Christmas cuteness
Discover a whole bunch of fun and cute augmented reality friends hidden around Central Geelong. A Christmas elf decorating Central Geelong, a gingerbread man dodging giant gifts, singing snowmen and even the ‘big man’ himself are hiding around Central Geelong. All you need is your smartphone or device to discover these loveable Christmas characters.
Download the free ‘Creativitek’ app from the App Store or Google Play then use Central Geelong’s free Wi-Fi network as you search for the ‘Christmas in Central Geelong’ footpath stickers located throughout the festive city.
There are Christmas characters to discover at 12 Central Geelong locations. You can download a map of all the locations at www.centralgeelong.com.au/christmasAR.
Once you’ve found each sticker, just point your smartphone or tablet at the image on the sticker to see the magic happen.
Central Geelong Santa Stops
For even more fun, discover our Santa Stops! Kids will love this Christmas adventure as they move around Central Geelong collecting treats from participating Central Geelong businesses. Download the Santa Stop map at www.centralgeelong.com.au/christmas and start exploring.
At each stop, the first 300 children (aged 3-12 years) who find the clue and get their Santa Stop map stamped will receive a free Christmas treat provided by participating businesses.
Find all the Santa Stop clues on the posters in the windows of participating businesses for your chance to win vounchers valued at $250 from Santa Stop businesses. For more information and terms and conditions visit www.centralgeelong.com.au/events/santa-stops
Fresh Christmas Trees in Central Geelong from A Natural Bunch
There’s nothing quite like the smell and feel of a real Christmas tree and this year you can purchase one in Central Geelong. A Natural Bunch in James Street is selling beautiful, fresh trees ranging from 1.5m to 3.6m. If you don’t have the space for a large tree, try a potted variety available from the James Street store. Visit www.anaturalbunch.com.au for details.
Tasty Christmas treats
While you explore the Christmas Trail, don’t forget to try out some of the tasty, Christmas-time treats on offer from Central Geelong businesses to celebrate the season.
A festive flavour has just landed at Central Nutrition in Yarra Street. Biscoff Crunch is the first of Central Nutrition’s Christmas smoothies. Both naughty and nice, Biscoff Crunch is a blend of caramel, cinnamon and spices. Enjoy this scrumptious seasonal sensation at the Yarra Street store. www.centralnutrition.com.au
Twisted Dessert Bar has just launched its mouth-watering Christmas menu including eggnog cocktails, simply not to be missed. Visit the Moorabool Street store or www.twisteddessertbar.com.au
Moo Mouth Coffee, on the corner of Little Malop and Yarra streets, is offering packs of mixed shortbreads and gingerbread Christmas cookies. Make a purchase to automatically go into their Christmas raffle draw with three great prizes to be won.
Stay tuned at www.centralgeelong.com.au/christmas or follow us at #LoveCentralGeelong for more information about Christmas in Central Geelong and the magical range of fun on offer for your whole family. Please adhere to current COVID-19 restrictions when you leave home.
