The City of Greater Bendigo’s annual Summer in the Parks program kicks off with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rosalind Park this Friday evening, November 29 from 6.30pm to 9pm.
With support from the City, Agnico Eagle Fosterville and local community groups and organisations, the 2024/2025 Summer in the Parks calendar features free or low-cost events and activities during December, January and February in the parks and Hargreaves Mall.
Mayor-elect Cr Andrea Metcalf said the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Piazza in Rosalind Park was an exciting countdown to Christmas and the start of the popular Summer in the Parks program.
“The traditional lighting of the tree marks the start of the festive season so it’s an exciting time for the community,” Cr Metcalf said.
“The Christmas tree will be lit at approximately 8.45pm and there will be entertainment beforehand from 6.30pm onwards, including roving Christmas characters, entertainers and activities from Wild Play Co and Christmas carols with singer Tara Muscatello.
“The tree lights can be viewed every night in December and the Bendigo letters will also be given a new Christmas makeover so the Piazza will look very festive for photo opportunities during the day and at night.
“I am also delighted that closer to Christmas the Summer in the Parks program includes many popular festive events across the region including carols in our beautiful parks.”
Highlights include:
- Epsom Christmas Carols, 5pm to 8pm on Saturday December 7 at Garden for the Future, White Hills
- Eaglehawk Christmas Carols, 6pm to 9pm on Sunday December 8 at Canterbury Park Gardens
- Axedale Christmas Carols, 5.30pm to 8.30pm on Sunday December 8 at Axedale Park
- Marong Christmas Carols, 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Sunday December 15 at Malone Park Recreation Reserve
- Bendigo Community Farmers Market at Bendigo Foodshare, 9am to 1pm on Saturday December 14, January 11, 2025 and February 8, 2025 on the corner of Breen Street and Bellevue Road
- Rotary Club of Bendigo Carols by Candlelight, 6.30pm to 10.30pm on Sunday December 22 in Rosalind Park
- Stem and Sparkles at the Discovery Centre, Railway Place, 10am to 8.30pm on Tuesday December 31 to enjoy a thrilling science show and family fun
- New Year’s Eve at Golden Square Pool, 5pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday December 31
- New Year’s Eve (early fireworks) at 9.15pm and 12pm, Rosalind Park on Tuesday December 31
Hargreaves Mall:
- Santa's Reindeer Training Academy: Bendigo Division will entertain the family with a musical interactive show and festivities from 11am to 1pm on December 7, 14 and 21
- Salvation Army Choir will be in Hargreaves Mall at 2pm to 3pm on Saturday December 7 and from 5pm to 6pm on Saturday December 14
- Moonlight Market is from 3pm to 8pm on Saturday December 14 and January 25 featuring live music, art, performers and a huge range of stalls
New Year’s Eve will be celebrated with the traditional fireworks at 9.15pm and at midnight at ground level from the Poppet Head in Rosalind Park. The best viewing spot is the Queen Elizabeth Oval where you can see the sky light up.
Please be aware the QEO car park will be closed from 6am Tuesday December 31 until 6am Wednesday January 1, 2024.
“It’s important to ensure your animals and pets are secure and kept safe during the New Year celebrations,” Cr Metcalf said.
“There’s plenty more outdoor fun in January and February with Summer in the Parks program presenting a wide range of live music events and classic family movie nights, outdoor kids’ activities, come and try bowls and baseball.
“It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy free entertainment and activities in our beautiful parks and in the city centre, support our local businesses where you can and dine out or picnic with family and friends.”
To keep updated on the Summer in the Parks program of events, activities, times, and dates, visit: