Geelong Joins Brisbane and Federation Council in Launching Spectacular Christmas Celebrations for Australia: The Festive Magic, You Need to Experience Live

Published on
November 1, 2025

Geelong joins Brisbane and Federation Council in launching spectacular Christmas celebrations for 2025. This year, Geelong is ready to dazzle locals and visitors with an array of festive activities that will light up the city. With Brisbane also rolling out exciting holiday events and Federation Council embracing community-driven celebrations, the festive season is sure to be filled with joy. Geelong will kick off its celebrations with the highly anticipated lighting of the Floating Christmas Tree and Carols by the Bay on 22 November 2025. From there, a variety of performances, light shows, and cultural displays will take place, ensuring a magical experience for all. Don’t miss out on the festive magic that awaits you in Geelong, where family-friendly events will make this Christmas one to remember, alongside the festivities in Brisbane and Federation Council. Make your holiday season unforgettable!

When is Christmas?

Christmas is celebrated annually on December 25th. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ, observed by Christians around the world. The holiday season often starts in late November, with many countries kicking off the festivities after Thanksgiving (in the U.S.). The lead-up to Christmas involves various customs, from decorating homes with Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments to attending holiday events like Carols by Candlelight. The Christmas period usually extends through the New Year, concluding after Epiphany on January 6th, a date that commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus.

1. Geelong (Victoria) – A Christmas Wonderland by the Bay

Overview & Dates

The City of Greater Geelong is set to light up the holiday season with its Christmas in Geelong 2025 program, running from 22 November 2025 to 7 January 2026. This festive season promises to be a magical experience for families, tourists, and locals alike, with a variety of activities designed to bring the community together and spread Christmas cheer. Key events include the Carols by the Bay and the lighting of the Floating Christmas Tree, both kicking off on 22 November 2025 at Steampacket Gardens.

Key Highlights & Travel Tips

Floating Christmas Tree Sound & Light Show
One of the main attractions in Geelong is the Floating Christmas Tree Sound & Light Show, a six-minute light and sound spectacular that runs every 15 minutes from 8:30 PM to midnight, each night from 22 November to 7 January. This event is a must-see for families, photographers, and those who enjoy a magical holiday atmosphere. The show highlights the beauty of the Christmas season, with a vibrant mix of lights, sound, and festive cheer.

Christmas Performance Trail
From 28 November to 14 December, Geelong will host the Christmas Performance Trail in the central business district. Roaming performances featuring choirs, dancers, street entertainers, and musicians will pop up at rotating locations every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This dynamic event offers visitors the opportunity to experience live performances in various parts of the city, adding to the festive atmosphere and encouraging exploration of central Geelong.

Geelong Christmas Windows
Businesses across Geelong’s CBD will showcase their creativity through the Geelong Christmas Windows competition. From 22 November to 7 January, shopfronts will sparkle with festive decorations, contributing to a festive atmosphere that makes the city even more delightful to explore during the holiday season.

Carousel Christmas with Santa
Families will enjoy the Carousel Christmas with Santa event from 2 December to 23 December. This is a perfect opportunity for children to meet Santa while enjoying a festive ride on the carousel. Tickets for the event will be available from 17 November, so be sure to grab them early to ensure a spot.

Windows of the World
Another highlight of Geelong’s Christmas season is the Windows of the World display at Yarra Street Window Gallery, running from 3 December to 7 January. This illuminated display celebrates the cultural diversity of Geelong’s community, showcasing different cultures and traditions through beautiful, illuminated installations.

Night Projections
Geelong’s City Hall will feature a series of animated projections, themed “We are One, We are Many – Peace and Happiness to All”, from dusk to midnight throughout the holiday season. This visually stunning projection will be a standout experience for visitors and locals alike.

Travel Guide Advice

• Arrive early in the evening (around 8:30 PM) to experience the Floating Christmas Tree Sound & Light Show.
• If you’re planning to visit the Christmas Performance Trail, make sure to go on Fridays or Saturdays between 28 November and 14 December to catch the most performances.
• Accommodation in Geelong fills up quickly during the festive season. It is advisable to book well in advance, especially for those staying overnight.
• For convenient access to the main event locations, consider staying near the waterfront or central Geelong.
• Take the opportunity to combine your trip with a day trip to the Bellarine Peninsula, known for its stunning coastal beauty and nature experiences.

2. Brisbane (Queensland) – A Big-City Christmas Celebration

Overview & Dates

Brisbane is another top destination for those seeking a festive escape in 2025. The Christmas in Brisbane program will run from 1 December to 24 December and offers a fantastic mix of free and low-cost festive activities. Known for its dazzling light displays, vibrant markets, and family-friendly events, Brisbane promises a big-city Christmas celebration full of charm and excitement. The celebrations kick off with the official Christmas tree lighting at King George Square and will continue with a range of light installations, performances, and Christmas markets throughout December.

Key Highlights & Travel Tips

Lighting of the Christmas Tree
One of the most iconic events in Brisbane is the Lighting of the Christmas Tree at King George Square. This spectacular event marks the beginning of Brisbane’s Christmas festivities. The event usually takes place in late November or early December, with the tree staying illuminated throughout the festive season.

City Hall Lights
The City Hall Lights in Brisbane will be another highlight of the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy a stunning display of lights that will illuminate King George Square and the surrounding areas, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for families and tourists alike.

Enchanted Garden at Roma Street Parkland
The Enchanted Garden at Roma Street Parkland is a must-see for families visiting Brisbane. This family-friendly event features interactive light installations and displays, creating a whimsical atmosphere that’s perfect for young children and adults.

Christmas Markets & Light Tours
Explore the city’s twilight Christmas markets and join a Christmas lights bus tour to experience the dazzling light displays from a comfortable vantage point. These tours provide a great way to see Brisbane’s decorated streets and landmarks while avoiding the hustle and bustle of crowds.

Christmas Day Dining
For those planning to spend Christmas Day in Brisbane, special festive dining experiences will be available at various restaurants. Reservations are essential as dining spots tend to fill up quickly.

Travel Guide Advice

• Arrive early in the evening (around 6 PM) to enjoy the lights at King George Square and South Bank.
• If you’re travelling with young children, look for sensory Santa sessions, which offer a quieter, less stimulating Santa experience.
• Be sure to book Christmas Day dining early, as festive menus tend to fill up quickly.
• For easy access to all events, stay near CBD or South Bank. Brisbane’s public transport system is well-connected, making it easy to travel around the city.
• Consider extending your trip with a visit to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, which are just a short drive away and offer beautiful beaches and holiday activities.

3. Federation Council (New South Wales) – A Community-Focused Christmas Celebration

Overview & Dates

The Federation Council region in southern New South Wales offers a more intimate and community-focused Christmas celebration. The Light Up Federation Christmas Lights Competition runs throughout December, inviting local residents, businesses, and streets to participate by decorating their homes and public spaces. While the event is smaller in scale compared to larger city festivals, it offers a unique, regional festive experience that’s full of charm and local hospitality.

Key Highlights & Travel Tips

Light Up Federation Christmas Lights Competition
This annual competition encourages local families, businesses, and streets to light up their homes with festive decorations. The competition opens on 31 October 2025, and judging takes place throughout December. The decorated streets and homes create a festive, walk-through neighbourhood experience that visitors will enjoy.

Light Displays
Stroll through the residential streets of Corowa and Howlong to admire the beautiful light displays. The relaxed, personal atmosphere makes this event perfect for those looking for a more intimate and community-driven Christmas celebration.

Regional Festivities
Explore the natural beauty of the Murray River and Murray-Darling wine regions, both of which are located just a short drive from the event area. These regions offer scenic views, wine tastings, and relaxing day trips to complement your festive visit.

Travel Guide Advice

• Book accommodation early, especially during peak holiday weekends in late November and December.
• Arrive after sunset (around 8 PM) to see the light displays at their best.
• The competition spans Corowa and Howlong, so take the time to visit both towns to enjoy the full experience.
• Use local car parks and walk through the decorated streets instead of driving slowly through neighbourhoods.
• Combine your visit with a trip to local wineries, historic sites, or enjoy riverside activities along the Murray River.

How to Plan for Christmas?

Planning for Christmas involves both practical and festive steps. First, create a budget for gifts, travel, and meals to avoid last-minute expenses. Next, plan your holiday decorations and start shopping early for gifts to avoid the rush. If you’re hosting, organize your Christmas dinner menu and send out invitations in advance. Consider family traditions, like watching holiday movies or baking cookies together, to make the season special. If you plan to travel, book flights or accommodations well ahead of time to ensure availability during this busy season.

Christmas 2025 in Australia: Trends, Insights & Growth

As the holiday season approaches, Australian consumers are gearing up to spend despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures. The latest reports, including the Deloitte 2025 Retail Holiday Report, reveal an optimistic outlook, with 14% expected growth in holiday spending compared to the previous year. This surge is reflected in pre-Christmas retail sales projections, with the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) forecasting AU$73.1 billion, a 4.2% increase from 2024. Key shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Weekend are now central to the Christmas shopping calendar, with 57% of Australians planning to complete their gift purchases in November.

Omnichannel shopping is the dominant trend in 2025, with 89% of Australians opting for both online and in-store purchases. While online shopping continues to grow, physical stores still play a significant role, with 41% of shoppers preferring to see and touch products before buying.

In terms of gift preferences, there has been a notable shift. Gift cards, once a top choice, have now dropped out of the top three, replaced by clothing, books, and experiences. Young Australians (18-34) are particularly keen on gifting experiences, with 55% preferring them over physical gifts. This trend highlights a move towards more meaningful, memorable gifts.

Retailers must focus on early campaigns, particularly in November, to capture the early surge in spending. Offering a seamless omn-channel experience—combining both physical and online shopping—will be essential. Additionally, given the rising focus on value and flexibility, retailers should provide promotions and experiential gifts to meet consumer demand for convenience and affordability.

Despite economic challenges, Christmas 2025 presents a strong opportunity for retailers to tap into increased consumer spending, provided they align their strategies with the latest market trends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Geelong, Brisbane and Federation Council in launching spectacular Christmas celebrations for 2025. With exciting events and festive activities, Geelong offers a magical holiday experience, just like Brisbane and Federation Council. The season is filled with festive magic, making this year’s celebrations one to remember. Whether you are in Geelong, Brisbane, or Federation Council, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy these incredible Christmas celebrations. Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the festive spirit in Geelong, as it joins the ranks of the best holiday destinations for 2025!