It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Ballarat.
While Christmas decorations have adorned the CBD for a month now, the city is now in full festive season mode.
The City of Ballarat officially launched its ‘Christmas in Ballarat’ program on Friday 1 December, detailing a bumper month of festivities and attractions for everybody to enjoy.
The 2023 decorations arrangement is somewhat different from previous years due to the Bridge Mall redevelopment project, with the beloved giant bauble this year located in Queen Victoria Square, in the centre median of Sturt Street out the front of Town Hall.
The festive spirit remains as strong as ever this year, with the Christmas Art Trail, dazzling decorations, live music, interactive family activities and Christmas workshops all returning, making every trip to the CBD an experience to remember.
The Christmas Art Trail takes people on a walking tour of the festive area of Ballarat central, featuring works of street artist Ulla Taylor. Locals and visitors can follow the story, enjoy the giant artworks, and answer a question at each location.
Maps are available at the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre at Town Hall. If participants complete the walking trail, answer a series of questions and return the map to the Visitor Information Centre they will go into the draw to win one of three Christmas hampers, featuring local produce and wares from Ballarat businesses to the value of $500, $300 and $200.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the entire Christmas in Ballarat program was something to behold.
“We’re famous in Ballarat for the stunning decorations in Sturt Street, which are sensational for all ages,” he said.
“I encourage everybody to make their way into the CBD this Christmas and support local businesses when doing your Christmas shopping.
“Importantly, the Bridge Mall is still very much open for business, so a quick stroll down Sturt Street should cover all of your Christmas needs.
“There is so much to see and do as part of the entire Christmas in Ballarat program that people might not even know about, so I encourage them to go online and check out what’s on offer.”
The full Christmas program and everything to do with the festive season in Ballarat can be downloaded at the Christmas in Ballarat website.
Christmas in Ballarat highlights not to be missed
- The Christmas Art Trail, starting at the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre at Town Hall. Maps available 8.30am-5pm weekdays and 10am-4pm weekends.
- Santa’s Magical Post Office, Albert Street, next to Parent Place. Where children (or adults) can post a letter to Santa and if done so correctly, they might even get a response.
- The giant walk-through bauble in Queen Victoria Square, opposite Town Hall, 200s block of Sturt Street. Open 24 hours but even more spectacular at night.
- The giant Christmas tree and floral reindeer, 300s block of Sturt Street.
- Refurbished Waterloo Stars decorations near Grenville Street, at the entrance Bridge Mall.
