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Geelong with Kids

Your festive guide is here 🎄

Published 1 day ago • 3 min read

Hey Reader

December is almost upon us, the calendar's almost full, the fridge is starting to overflow with leftovers from end-of-year parties… and the kids are somehow more energetic than ever.

But I wanted to pause for just a moment and ask:

What does this time of year look like for you?

Do you celebrate Christmas? Hanukkah? Something else entirely? Or maybe you're someone who skips the traditions and just savours the slow mornings and extra family time.

In our house, it's Christmas complete with home-baked gingerbread, endless sunscreen applications, and a yearly attempt to get one good photo with all the cousins (never happens).

I'd love to hear about your holiday traditions - big or small, funny or meaningful. Hit reply and tell me. I read every message, and your stories always make this season feel extra special.

And while you're here, I'd love your help with something. We've put together a quick Reader Survey to hear what's working for you (and what's not). Your feedback helps us create content that actually makes life easier for families in Geelong. It takes just a few minutes, and honestly, your thoughts mean the world.

Speaking of making life easier - we've absolutely packed this edition with everything you need to carry you through to the end of the year. Christmas events, holiday activities, festive fun, and all the end-of-year goodness you can handle.

After this bumper edition, we'll be taking a well-earned break. Think of it as our own slow mornings and family time. We're not sure when we'll be back in your inbox, but for now, we're signing off with all the festive cheer and event listings you need to make it through the silly season.

Thanks for being part of the Geelong With Kids community. Wishing you a wonderful end to 2025, however you choose to spend it.

Joyce xx

Top Picks

  • ​Santa's Breakfast (Saturday 15 November) Kick off the festive season with a magical morning at Westfield Geelong featuring breakfast, Christmas activities, and meet-and-greets with Santa, Mrs Claus and their special friends (exclusive to Westfield members).
  • ​Twinklekids ELC Open Day (Saturday 15 November) Check out this early learning centre under new management with a fun-filled day featuring a jumping castle, reptile show, sausage sizzle, Happy Feet Fitness entertainment, face painting and coffee.
  • ​Under The Same Stars Opening Night (Saturday 15 November) Attend this special exhibition opening celebrating young artists aged 12-24 and enter to win a spot in an exclusive artist mentoring session with local artist Clare Holder (exhibition runs until 13 December).
  • ​The Snow Queen (Daily until Sunday 16 November) Medimime brings this frosty pantomime retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale to life with laugh-out-loud moments, amazing vocals and slick choreography as Gerda journeys to save her friend from the evil Snow Queen.
  • ​South Geelong Farmers Market (Sunday 16 November) Grab fresh local produce, enjoy live music, visit the petting zoo and connect with local farmers and families at this seasonal celebration of all things locally grown.
  • ​Pasko Sa Geelong (Sunday 16 November) Experience the joy of a Filipino Christmas with spectacular cultural performances, 40+ food vendors serving Filipino and international cuisine, and relief donation boxes for Cebu at Geelong Racing Club.
  • ​The Wizard of Oz (Sunday 16 November) Follow Dorothy and Toto down the Yellow Brick Road in this beloved Stage Arts Geelong production where she meets the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion on a journey of friendship and self-discovery.
  • ​Pram Walk and Talk (Tuesday 18 November) Join this free toddler-friendly nature walk at Serendip Sanctuary featuring a 60-minute interpretive tour on pram-friendly tracks, followed by time to connect with other local families.
  • ​Museum Explorers: Mini Makers (Wednesday 19 November) Let your preschooler explore process art and sensory play through collage-making, yarn wrapping and other hands-on activities inspired by the Museum's exhibitions (adults welcome to join in too).

New + Noteworthy

​Good Grief! It's a Charlie Brown Christmas​

Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts crew are bringing Christmas to the stage in this joyful musical.

Expect timeless songs, friendship lessons, and all the festive feels—it's the family show that'll have you smiling long after the curtain falls.
​
📍 The Potato Shed, Drysdale​
📅 Saturday 6 December

​Deck the Halls​

Need baubles, tinsel, or that perfect tree topper?

We've rounded up Melbourne's best Christmas shops for 2025—from specialty stores bursting with decorations to hidden gems with unique gifts.

Whether you're after traditional or modern, budget-friendly or splurge-worthy, there's a festive shopping destination waiting.

PARTNER CONTENT

​Little Legends, Big Waves​

Give your kids the thrill of catching their first wave this summer.

Anglesea's safe, user-friendly beach is perfect for beginners, and the 1.5-hour Kids Only lessons (ages 5-14) include everything they need—board, wetsuit, and expert instruction.

Sessions available from 20 December.

​Christmas Around the World​

From drop-in craft sessions creating decorations from different cultures to Museum Explorers following Santa's global journey, plus special Carousel Christmas visits with Santa—there's something magical happening at the Wool Museum throughout December.

Perfect for families with toddlers through primary-aged kids.
​
📍 National Wool Museum, Geelong​
📅 Various dates from Monday 1 December - Wednesday 24 December

​The Heist Before Christmas​

Christmas carols, games with Santa, and a screening of The Grinch—sounds like the perfect pre-holiday family night, right?

Grab your free tickets (bookings essential), bring the kids, and enjoy a relaxed evening before Christmas madness descends. Popcorn guaranteed.
​
📍 The Potato Shed, Drysdale
📅 Friday 19 December

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