Ballarat to come to life for Christmas festival

You better watch out; you better not cry - because Ballarat’s CBD is about to come to life. 

It’s Christmas time in Ballarat and the city is now officially in full festive season mode. 

The City of Ballarat has launched its ‘Christmas in Ballarat’ program, detailing a bumper month of festivities and attractions for everybody to enjoy. 

Dazzling decorations (including the beloved floral reindeer and giant Christmas bauble), live music, interactive family activities and Christmas workshops will be returning this year, making every trip to the CBD an experience to remember.  

The Ballarat Christmas Tree features four new decorations by local Ballarat artists and this year the Christmas Art Trail, which has been created in partnership with Christmas in Ballarat local children’s book author and illustrator, Liv Lorkin. 

The Art Trail will take you on a walking tour of the CBD where you can follow the story, enjoy the giant artworks, and answer a question at each location.  

Maps are available at the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre. If patrons complete the trail, questions and return the map to the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre they will go into the draw to win a $500 Ballarat Christmas hamper. 

A family favourite will be Saint Nick’s Musical Workshop at the pop-up Christmas garden next to Parent Place in Albert Street. See a choir of ukuleles singing carols, light dancing drums, horns sections and many other instruments. 

And while you’re in the CBD, you might just be lucky enough to stumble across  live music, with a range of community bands, a choir and roving performers on the agenda. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said he always loved December in the city and this year would be no different. 

“The decorations have been up for a couple of weeks, but now it’s December you can really feel the festive season buzz in the air,” Cr Hudson said. 

“I encourage everybody to visit the CBD to see what’s on offer and to take advantage of the free activities. 

“And if you undertake a bit of retail therapy while you’re here, you’ll be supporting local business.” 

More information can be found at christmasinballarat.com.au