The City is planning the next chapter of Christmas in central Geelong, with a new festive centrepiece set to take pride of place from 2028.
Following more than a decade of lighting up the waterfront, the much-loved Floating Christmas Tree is approaching the end of its operational life, providing an opportunity to shape the next focal point.
In the lead-up to Christmas, the City will open an Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting creative minds to help shape an iconic new centrepiece that is distinctly Geelong and reflects our status as a UNESCO City of Design.
The aim is to create a memorable and much-loved part of Christmas in Geelong that our community and visitors can enjoy for years to come. Ideas could incorporate contemporary lighting, digital technology, interactive features and immersive experiences.
The proposed initial project budget is up to $1.9 million, covering design, engineering, fabrication, delivery, commissioning and the first installation for Christmas 2028. Ongoing costs for installation, storage, maintenance and future enhancements will be considered separately.
Christmas in Geelong is one of the city’s major seasonal attractions, bringing people into central Geelong and supporting local businesses. In 2024, the program attracted approximately 230,000 visitors, with 71% coming to central Geelong specifically for Christmas activities. The program generated an estimated $18.09 million in economic output. Last year, foot traffic data showed the Floating Christmas Tree had 30,000 interactions per day.
