It's that wonderful time of the year, and Geelong is getting ready to usher in the festive season in grand style as our beloved Floating Christmas Tree made its grand return to Corio Bay this morning.

The Floating Christmas Tree is a beacon of hope and a symbol of unity that signifies the start of the holiday season for our vibrant and diverse community. Year after year, this spectacular tradition captures the hearts of residents and visitors alike, filling the Geelong region with the magic and wonder of Christmas.

The giant Floating Christmas Tree was towed across Corio Bay to Steampacket Quay, near the carousel, at around 8.00am this morning.

The tree which measures 20 metres and weighs 16,000 kgs, is Australia’s largest floating Christmas tree. It has 10,000 stainless steel reflective discs and took approximately 23 people to assemble.

 

Mayor Trent Sullivan

The Geelong Floating Christmas Tree is a true symbol of the holiday season for our city.

It brings together our community, fostering a sense of togetherness and spreading joy throughout the region.

This year, as we tow the tree into Corio Bay, let us come together to celebrate the spirit of giving and goodwill.

Many thanks to our Floating Christmas Tree sponsors, GeelongPort who provide safe storage and an assembly space every year. As you can imagine the space required is rather large and the assistance of GeelongPort is essential.

One lucky child aged 12 years or under will help Santa light the tree at our free community Christmas in Geelong Opening Night celebration on Saturday 11 November. To enter, visit geelong.link/FlickTheSwitch

Opening Night will see roving entertainment from 5.30pm followed by a 2-hour stage show from 7pm that culminates in the lighting of our Floating Christmas Tree.

Spectacular sound and light shows will be held every night from our Opening Night festivities and free event on 11 November through to 7 January. The shows commence nightly at 8.30pm and run until midnight with each sound and light show lasting 6 minutes.

 

Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken  

The Floating Christmas tree is the centrepiece of our celebrations, but Council is very conscious of spreading the cheer into different parts of the city and supporting events for people from non-Christian backgrounds.

There is a range of old favourites and exciting new additions to the program that will appeal to all ages.
 

Throughout December, family-friendly Floating Christmas Tree light and sound shows will be staged on Saturdays commencing at 5.30pm, to give families and those not wanting to be out after dark the opportunity to enjoy the show at an earlier timeslot.

The tree will be in operation until the 7 January, with the lightshow on the tree changed three times, running from 11 November to 1 December, 2 December to 25 December and 26 December to 7 January.

The tree will also feature alongside a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display on 31 December.

Read the complete 2023 Christmas in Geelong Program.

Keep an eye out for the printed program arriving in your mailboxes soon.

Don't forget to tag your stunning photos of the Floating Christmas Tree in Corio Bay on social media with the hashtag: #GeelongChristmas