Get ready for a Christmas celebration like no other when the City of Greater Geelong presents for the first time ever, ‘Christmas in the Gardens,’ in our famed Geelong Botanic Gardens on Saturday 16 December 10am to 4pm.
This free family event aims to make the holiday season extra special with an action-packed festive program.
Get creative with an assortment of craft activities, meet Santa and get a free family photo or jump in our Christmas cubby for some photo fun.
Enjoy roving entertainers, activations and then grab something to eat, a spot on the lawn and watch the funny Christmas classic movie, Deck the Halls on a big screen.
Prepare for an enchanting day filled with festive activities including a scavenger hunt and seasonal surprises like the living display in the Sunken Glasshouse that will delight both kids and adults alike.
Mayor Trent Sullivan said he was looking forward to Christmas in the Gardens, to see Santa again and enjoy the beauty of our Botanic Gardens at Christmas time.
“Christmas in the Gardens promises to be a magical day of festive joy, creating memories that will last a lifetime,” Mayor Sullivan said.
“We’ve got so many great Christmas activities planned, including sand art, craft, stenciling, leaf rubbing, planting and decorating your own pot plant, roving circus performances, music and storytelling with Granny Lee and more.
“We also have free Santa photo sessions throughout the day. We know Christmas can be expensive, so we’ve created this day as a free opportunity for all our community to enjoy.”
Councillor Elise Wilkinson, Deputy Chair of the Active Space portfolio, said this event which is being hosted in Geelong’s beautiful Botanic Gardens is sure to be a drawcard for young and old.
“In the heart of Geelong, Christmas in the Gardens is an experience designed to bring families together in the warmth of Christmas cheer,” Councillor Wilkinson said.
“From the sparkle of face painting to the screening of the Christmas comedy classic movie ‘Deck the Halls’. Find a comfy spot on the lawn and soak in the experience.
Event Highlights
Programmed Activities:
FREE Santa Photos: Create a festive memory and have your photo taken with Santa using your camera 10am – 10.40am, 11am – 11.40am, 12pm – 12.40pm, 1pm – 1.40pm, 2pm – 2.40pm, 3pm – 3.40pm
Babyzone: Our Family Services team are creating a fun space for the littlest of people 10am – 12pm
Roving performance and interactive circus from Nic Daicomb: Stilts, tiny bike and bicycle beats n bubbles. Be entertained with circus fun 10am – 11am & 11.30am – 12.30pm, 1pm – 2pm, 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Movie – Deck the Halls: Find a comfy spot on the lawn and watch this Christmas comedy classic 10.15am – 11.45am & 12noon – 1.45pm
Music and Storytelling with Granny Lee: Excellent for younger kids, hear a story and sing along with Granny Lee 11am – 12pm, 1pm – 2pm
All Day:
Grab a bite: Food and drink options available including food trucks as well as WYM operating out of the Teahouse.
Christmas in the Gardens Scavenger Hunt: Your challenge to explore and find the answers to receive a prize!
Festive Face Painting: Show your Christmas spirit and let our talented face painters transform your look.
Christmas Cubby Photo Booth: Create a special Christmas in Geelong 2023 special memory to take home.
Santa’s Mailbox: Write a letter to Santa and get an email reply.
My wish for Christmas: Decorate our living tree with your wishes.
Pot a plant: Pot up a plant to take home and add a Christmas sticker.
Christmas in the Conservatory: Make sure you visit the Conservatory to see the vintage bells.
Christmas Sand Art: Make a no-mess festive picture using sand to take home.
Christmas Craft: Get creative and test your colouring in skills, try a leaf rubbing and decorate a Christmas bag.
Christmas stencils: Spray a Christmas stencil on a bag or wooden tile to take home.
Giant Games: Test your skills with Giant Chess, Connect Four, Skittles and Wood Blocks.
Meli – Giving Tree Appeal: Support those in need and purchase a chocolate Christmas Tree or Star.
Barwon Water activation: Hydration station, games, giveaways and activities.
Sunken Glasshouse Display: Be curious and see the living Christmas display in the heritage Sunken Glasshouse.
Plant Sales: Purchase some wonderful plants from the Friends Nursery.
Ticketing Information:
This event is free and bookings are not required. Simply turn up on the day and enjoy the festivities.
Attendance Details:
Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Opens at 10am and closes at 4pm.
Entry available from Gate 3 (opposite the cricket ovals) as well as the main gates.
For more information, please visit geelong.link/ChristmasInGardens
