Geelong's famous 10-tonne floating Christmas Tree has sailed into Steampacket Quay, ahead of being officially switched on at next week's free Christmas in GeelongOpening Night community celebration.
The 25-metre-tall tree was towed into place at our iconic Waterfront this morning and welcomed by Mayor Peter Murrihy and Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan.
The Christmas in Geelong program is tipped to provide our region's economy with a $20 million boost by creating jobs for tradies, performers and lighting experts and generating income for small businesses.
One lucky child will be selected to switch on the tree and trigger a pyrotechnic display at the City of Greater Geelong's Christmas in Geelong Opening Night celebration on Saturday 12 November at Steampacket Quay.
The tree's free sound and light show will run every 15 minutes from 8:30pm to midnight each day until Sunday 8 January 2023 (to align with Orthodox Christmas). The display lasts for six minutes.
About the tree
- The 10-tonne steel Christmas tree was constructed by Geelong manufacturer Hanlon Industries in 2014
- The tree is 25 metres tall and made up of 400 LED lights and 25,000 reflective discs
- The star is four-metres wide and gently rotates with the wind direction
- Prior to COVID-19, the floating tree attracted 193,000 visitors
- The tree will be in place until Sunday 8 January 2023.
About the program
There is something for everyone in the Christmas in Geelong program, including the projections on City Hall, Giant Selfie Trail, Santa's Craft Workshop, School Christmas Tree program, Santa Pet Photos, Christmas by the Pool, masterclasses and sporting programs.
Community members who use the hashtag #GeelongChristmas in their social media photos go in the draw to win a $50 Westfield Gift Card.
Mayor Peter Murrihy
It is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in Greater Geelong.
The Floating Christmas Tree is looking spectacular and is set to bring a lot of excitement and joy to locals and visitors of all ages over the next few months.
Local company Total Events has been busy decorating and testing the floating tree's 400 LED lights over the last week and has developed three captivating sound and light shows for the community to enjoy.
Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan
Geelong is once again the Christmas capital of Victoria.
The arrival of our beloved Floating Christmas Tree signifies the start of a very special time for Greater Geelong, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together and celebrate.
With so many activities to choose from this year, we're expecting thousands of people to enjoy the eight-week Christmas in Geelong program.
