Following a spectacular debut together at the waterfront last year, two of Geelong’s biggest Christmas traditions will reunite this November for a free celebration of carols, lights and festive fun.

Denis Walter OAM will host a milestone Carols by the Bay at Steampacket Gardens alongside the lighting of the iconic Floating Christmas Tree on Saturday 21 November.

Marking 30 years since Carols by the Bay’s first event in 1997, there will be live performances, singalongs, Santa, special guests and a few surprises before the big countdown to light the tree.

The Floating Christmas Tree also has some extra bells and whistles for its 13th season, with water jets, barge projections and fresh audiovisual display among the new additions to the 25-metre centrepiece.

The magical evening will kick off the Christmas in Geelong program, which will run until 7 January 2027.

Last year, around 20,000 people gathered for the combined launch event, and more than 80 per cent of survey respondents rated the experience excellent or good.

The full Christmas in Geelong program will be announced soon, and will include City Hall projections and school-decorated Christmas trees at Johnstone Park, visit our Christmas page.

Denis Walter OAM, host and founder of Carols by the Bay

My ambition in the late ‘90s was to create a special celebration of Christmas at our beautiful waterfront. 

This year we again marry two iconic events to welcome the festive season and Carols by the Bay will have a few surprises to celebrate our 30th anniversary.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM

Last year was a fantastic debut for Carols by the Bay and the Floating Christmas Tree coming together with thousands of people at the waterfront. We know how much these two events, and this time of year, mean to our community.

At the same time, we know the festive season can be challenging for many people, particularly with the ongoing pressure of rising costs. Council is proud to support community events that give everyone an opportunity to come together, share in the Christmas spirit and make memories.