By Luke Voogt
Christmas festivities “unlike any other year” kicked off across Geelong this week as the city’s floating tree glided into Corio Bay.
With carols cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, Geelong council is instead hosting a live feed of the floating tree.
“With Christmas just eight weeks away, we are excited to start bringing some festivity to the region,” council chief executive officer Martin Cutter said.
“As with just about everything in 2020 … our Christmas celebrations are going to be unlike any other year.”
Waterfront businesses will not reap the usual economic benefits with visitor numbers likely to be down.
In 2019 Geelong’s Christmas program generated $18.4 million for the local economy and attracted more than 352,000 visitors, council estimated.
This April council postponed plans to revamp the floating tree stating this was “not a funding priority” during the pandemic.
The usual light and sound show will go ahead in coming weeks but council declined to announce a date to avoid attracting crowds.
The Central Geelong Christmas Trail is back with lights and baubles, and the city’s catenary star will glow festive colours.
A Greater Geelong Christmas Roadtrip scavenger hunt will also take place featuring Christmas trees, giant baubles and postcards, and chalk wall art across 24 locations.
Locals who figure out a common festive greeting by visiting the displays can enter a draw to win a Christmas hamper of local goodies.
Festive projections will light up City Hall and Shorts Place, while the Christmas Waterfront Makers and Growers Market could go ahead subject to restrictions.
Details: geelongaustralia.com.au/christmas
