The City of Ballarat is under construction this week as they prepare for the festive season.
From baubles to trees, tinsel to trails, the City of Ballarat is putting up its decorations early this year in anticipation of the festive season. Ballarat’s Christmas transformation is under-way with decorations being installed this week across the city.
In a continued tradition, the favourite decorations including the giant bauble in Queen Victoria Square (outside of Town Hall) has already popped up and old favourites and some new colourful pieces are being hung. They city has promised some ‘self-worthy’ installations will be included in the mix!
A newly created, nine metre-long and four metre-high, Archway of Stars is set to be a major focal point this year, with the dazzling decoration to be installed at the intersection of Doveton and Sturt Street in late November.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
The remainder of the decorations are expected to be fully installed by the end of this week, with highlights including:
- The giant bauble in Queen Victoria Square, in the centre median of Sturt Street out the front of Town Hall.
- Ballarat’s Magical Christmas Emporium, Albert Street (next to Parent Place).
- The Christmas Art Trail, to feature in five locations including the Bridge Mall and Hop Lane.
- Santa’s Red Telephone Box in the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre.
- The Christmas Tree in the 300-block of Sturt Street, featuring baubles designed by local artist Kathy Holowko.
- Decorations in the Bridge Mall area.
In addition to the visual Christmas cues, there will be activities and festive cheer taking place at the Bridge Mall, as the redevelopment project draws closer to completion. It includes daily roving entertainment, a Christmas market on Saturday 7 December with a special visit from Santa, a massive Secret Santa giveaway on 14 December and free entertainment for kids on Saturday 21 December. Ballarat Carols by Candlelight will also be taking place on Sunday 22 December at Mars Stadium.
The city is also instilling a shop local motto for Christmas present purchasing, supporting local businesses.
“It’s only early but now is the time for people to start getting in the Christmas spirit and start thinking about where they can shop locally,” City of Ballarat Director of Economy and Experience Martin Darcy of the installations and activities.
“The decorations are just the start of our brilliant Christmas in Ballarat program and we look forward to unveiling more details very soon.”
The Christmas in Ballarat program will also come with further entertainment, workshops and community engagement to be delivered throughout December. Further information around this programming will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Christmas in Ballarat also marks the beginning of a busy summer events season in Ballarat, with the New Year’s Eve fireworks, Summer Sundays and Australia Day Picnic in the Park all being delivered by the City of Ballarat events team. In addition, the city will be celebrating 170 years of the Eureka Stockade with music events from Shane Howard and Emma Donovan.
To find out more about the Christmas constructions, events and activities, head to Christmas in Ballarat. A map of decorations in Ballarat has also been launched and can be found here.
