Geelong’s Botanic Gardens is transforming into a festive wonderland this December

Get ready for festive fun at Christmas in the Gardens!

Embrace the holiday spirit with a joy-filled family event that promises to add a sprinkle of magic to your Christmas season.

Geelong’s Botanic Gardens is transforming into a festive wonderland on 16 December 2023, from 10AM to 4PM, offering an array of festive activities for both kids and adults.

Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.

From snapping a free photo with Santa himself and holiday-themed face painting, to live music and magic performances, featuring Granny Lee and Dazzling Dan the Magic Man, and even the screening of a Christmas comedy classic, this event is all about celebrating the festive season with a like-minded community.

The best part? This event is absolutely free! No need to book in advance – just turn up on the day and enjoy the festivities.

Here’s some of what you can look forward to:

• Photo with Santa
  Create a festive memory and have your photo taken with Santa using your phone or camera!
• Face painting
  Let our talented face painters transform your little ones into their favourite holiday characters as it is the perfect way to add some extra sparkle to the day.
• Christmas Photo Booth
  Strike a pose in our Christmas-themed photo booth and create a special Christmas in Geelong 2023 special memory to take home.
• Christmas craft and activities
  Get your creative juices flowing with a range of holiday-themed crafts and activities. Activities include sand art, stencils, Christmas colouring in and word find, leaf rubbings, Christmas stamps and decorating a Christmas bag.
• Movie – Deck the Halls
  Find a comfy spot on the lawn and watch this Christmas comedy classic within the Geelong Botanic Gardens.
• Pot a plant
  Pot up a plant and decorate your own pot.
• Music and performances
  Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with Christmas sounds of the season including music and storytelling from Granny Lee and performances interactive circus acts with Nic Daicomb.
• Giant games
  Test your skills with Giant Chess, Connect Four, Skittles and Wood Blocks.
• Christmas in the Gardens Scavenger Hunt
  Your challenge to explore and find the answers to receive a prize.
• Sunken Glass House
  Be curious and see the living Christmas display in the heritage Sunken Glasshouse.
  
• Plant sales
  Purchase some wonderful plants from the Friends Nursery.
• Meli activation for the Geelong Giving Tree
  Support those in need and purchase a chocolate Christmas Tree or Star
  
• Barwon Water activation
  Hydration station, games, giveaways and activities
  
• Grab a bite
  Food and drink options available including WYM at the Tea House and food trucks like Twisted Sis (spiral potatoes), Rise and Grind Bakery, Churros Yummy Doughnuts (vegan) and Slush ‘N Go.

Find out more about this event here. 

Words by staff writer