November 16th, 2024Looking a fair bit like Christmas in Ballarat CBD
Ballarat’s Christmas transformation is under way as the city prepares to celebrate the festive season.
Decorations have been being installed in recent days to help the city get into Christmas spirit early, while also encouraging people to shop locally and support local business.
The city’s Sturt Street has received a festive colour-boost as many of the familiar and favourite decorations have returned, with a new addition – that will make for the perfect selfie-worthy photo opportunity – planned.
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.
Decorations already fully installed include:
- 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.
There will also be extra activities and festive cheer at the Bridge Mall, as the redevelopment project draws closer to completion.
Along with free daily roving entertainment, key highlights in the Bridge Mall will include a Christmas market on Saturday December 7 with a special visit from Santa, a massive Secret Santa giveaway on December 14 and free entertainment for kids on Saturday December 21.
City of Ballarat Director of Economy and Experience Martin Darcy said Christmas in Ballarat would instill a sense of community pride, engage Ballarat artists and encourage people to shop local.
“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,” Mr Darcy said.
“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 feature further entertainment, workshops and community engagement to be delivered throughout December.
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.
This story based on a media release from City of Ballarat. Image: Supplied
