With a week until Christmas Day, our city is sparkling with colour and that unmistakable festive buzz.
People are out and about making the most of the longer evenings and enjoying the many festive experiences happening across our region right now.
If you are still hunting for a thoughtful present or two, the Geelong City Market runs every Saturday from 9am to 2pm.
The final market before Christmas will sell world-class local produce and artisanal goods including festive giftpacks, as well as quality local wine and a special release limoncello.
There’ll also be fresh local prawns and oysters – perfect for Christmas day. It’s the kind of market where you go for ‘just one thing’ and somehow leave with your arms full, a coffee in hand and a promise to return.
Laura from Bellarine Farmgate will be onsite with a free gingerbread people decorating station, and there’ll be a shortbread option and gingerbread houses available for sale.
Of course, no festive season in our region is complete without a visit to our famous Floating Christmas Tree at Steampacket Quay.
Standing 25 metres tall and illuminated with 800 lights, it’s Australia’s largest floating Christmas tree and remains a true Geelong icon.
The nightly sound and light shows run every 15 minutes from 8.30pm through to midnight, with two different productions running until 7 January.
While you’re on the waterfront, The Carousel is hosting special Christmas evenings complete with rides, craft activities and a front-row seat to the tree’s performances.
City Hall is glowing each night with projections inspired by generosity, cultural diversity and the spirit of giving.
Created by multimedia artist Georgie Pinn with contributions from Ian De Gruchy and Olaf Meyer, the visuals transform the building into a vibrant celebration, running nightly from dusk to midnight.
Johnstone Park is also looking festive thanks to 30 Christmas trees decorated by local primary school students from Lara to Anakie, Ceres, Portarlington and everywhere in between – their creativity is outstanding.
And on Tuesday 23 December, Carols by Candlelight Geelong makes its triumphant return to Johnstone Park for the 62nd year.
City of Greater Geelong is proud to partner with the Y Geelong (formerly YMCA Geelong) for this free, family event beginning at 6.30pm.
Across Greater Geelong there is no shortage of carols, crafts and visits from Santa, whether you prefer him in a sleigh or standing barefoot on the sand at Ocean Grove.
For information on the remaining Christmas events, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/christmas
On a practical note, Thursday and Friday bin collections will occur one day later across the Christmas and New Year period, and natural Christmas trees can be dropped off for free at Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre from Boxing Day until 31 January.
Finally, while this season is joyful for many, it can be difficult for others. If you are able, I encourage you to support the Give Where You Live Christmas Appeal. Your contribution stays in our region and helps people doing it tough.
I wish you all a happy festive period and a relaxing break. If you are heading to the final Geelong City Market on 20 December, you will spot me there picking up a few local delights to enjoy with the family on Christmas Day.
