Kate DeAraugo will sing, Olympic gold medallist Scott McGrory will be involved, and Santa will appear alongside Kooka and Bennie and Hellie.

Local musician Gail Godber has written a Bendigo Christmas song to be performed by The Bendigo Youth Reserve and Spring Gully Primary School choirs.

Bendigo Health will also hold a fete to raise funds for its Christmas appeal.

Ms DeAraugo said she was looking forward to performing in her home town.

“This is my first Christmas gig of the year and what better place to start than Bendigo.

“I’m planning to sing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Jingle Bells.’’

The Downtown Bendigo Christmas Tree is a joint venture between Bendigo Traders Association, The Advertiser and the City of Greater Bendigo.

Visit www.christmasjlinbendigo.com for a guide of Christmas activities.