Ballarat's Christmas transformation is under way as the city prepares to celebrate the festive season.
Decorations are being installed this week to help the city get into Christmas spirit early, while also encouraging people to shop locally and support local business.
Sturt Street is set to come alive with colour as many of the familiar and favourite decorations return, as well as a new addition that will make for the perfect selfie-worthy photo opportunity.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
Visit the Christmas in Ballarat website
