The most wonderful time of the year is back – and Geelong is ready to jingle all the way!
The City of Greater Geelong has unwrapped the Christmas in Geelong 2025 program, spreading family cheer from 22 November to 7 January.
Celebrations begin with two beloved traditions – Denis Walter's Carols by the Bay and the lighting of the Floating Christmas Tree – at Steampacket Gardens on Saturday 22 November.
Then comes a bumper program of events and activities for all ages to get into the festive spirit.
A new addition to this year's schedule is the Christmas Performance Trail in central Geelong.
The City will come alive with music and laughter when three performances pop up at rotating locations every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 28 November to 14 December.
There will be choirs, musicians, dancers and street performances for families, shoppers and visitors to enjoy.
Program features include:
- Floating Christmas Tree sound and light show (22 November to 7 January) – six-minute show every 15 minutes nightly between 8.30pm-midnight.
- School Christmas Trees (22 November to 7 January) – 30 uniquely decorated trees by local primary schools at Johnstone Park.
- Christmas Performance Trail (28 November to 14 December) – music and performers pop up at rotating locations in central Geelong every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Geelong Christmas Windows (ongoing) – shopfronts across Geelong will shine as bright as the season as part of our window display competition. Businesses can register on our website to receive a big red bow to kick-start their creativity.
- Carousel Christmas with Santa (2 December to 23 December) – various times, tickets on sale from Monday 17 November.
- Christmas nights at Carousel (13 and 20 December) – ride the horses, participate in craft and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. Bookings not required. Entry into the pavilion is free, ride tickets can be purchased on site.
- Windows of the World (3 December to 7 January) – illuminated displays celebrating the diversity of our community at the Yarra Street Window Gallery, Market Square.
- Christmas at the Shed (19 December, 6-8:30pm) – free family fun featuring singalongs, films, games and a Santa visit.
- Christmas market (20 December, 9am-2pm) – our new weekly Saturday fixture Geelong City Market will take on a festive feel at Little Malop St Central between Yarra St and Moorabool St.
- National Wool Museum (various dates and times) – multiple activities for all ages, including drop-in family craft, sustainable sip and wrap workshop, handmade decorations and Around the World at Christmas museum adventure for children.
Meanwhile, the City is set to sparkle with a new animation themed "We are One, We are Many – Peace and Happiness to All" projected on City Hall from dusk to midnight for the duration of the program. New solar-powered reindeer lamppost decorations will also line the waterfront.
Performer Lucy Riddett
Geelong is such a vibrant place to be at Christmas time and I am so excited to take my music from the stage to the streets. There will be plenty of song, dance and frivolity to add another dimension to the central Geelong experience.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
From carols and lights to performances and projections, Christmas is a special occasion in Geelong. It's a time to come together, share joy and celebrate community.
Deputy Mayor Ron Nelson
This season is about connection and reflection, and our program has something for all ages and interests to enjoy. Whether it's catching a pop-up street show, perusing market stalls or riding the Carousel at night, there are many ways to get involved.
For the full Christmas in Geelong 2025 program, including event times, locations and other community activities, visit our Christmas page .
