If you’re looking to get out of Melbourne and get into some festive winter spirit, you’re in luck! The Ballarat Winter Festival is returning this year, and there’s a myriad of experiences and activities for you to try. Pop some petrol in your car or hop on a V/Line, rug up and get ready to have fun in this winter playground. The Ballarat Winter Festival starts on Saturday July 5 and ends on Sunday July 27. So, what can you do?
Here’s what’s on at the Ballarat Winter Festival
Winter Wonderlights
Sovereign Hill is bringing back their dazzling Winter Wonderlights experience. See the streets transform with a spectacular light show and falling snow. Then, have fun with theatre shows, activities and more.
📍Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw St, Golden Point VIC 3350
Pop-Up Ice Skating Rink
Head to the heart of the CBD and visit the popular Ballarat Winter Festival pop-up ice rink. During the festival there will be disco-themed nights on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as sensory sessions. Find more details here.
📍15 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Ballarat’s Hot Choc Showdown
Sip your way along the hot chocolate trail this winter. Over 25 venues around Ballarat have created decadent and comforting concoctions for you to try. Think child-friendly hot chocolate bombs, adults-only marshmallow espresso martinis, cosy hot chocolate on the night tram and more. As part of the Hot Choc Showdown, you can vote for your favourite in the People’s Choice, and enter the draw for a prize. Learn more here.
📍Ballarat
Kryal Castle’s Knights of Fire
Feel transported to another world at Kryal Castle. Watch fiery jousts, see wizards, knights and snow queens, create potions, see theatre shows and take part in winter-inspired activities. Learn more here.
📍121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek VIC 3352
Ukiyo’s Spiegeltent
Throughout the winter festival, this tent will host a range of comedy, circus and family shows, including Dr Hubble’s Bubbles, Eloise Green the Hula Queen and more. See the program here.
The Design Exchange Winter Market
Head to the Ballarat Mining Exchange and browse through a curated line-up of independent designers, artists and creators at The Design Exchange winter market. Enjoy artisan food, listen to talented musicians and celebrate small businesses inside the heritage building on July 5 and 6. See more here.
📍12 Lydiard St N, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
That’s just scratching the surface of all the wonderful things you can do at the Ballarat Winter Festival. You’ll also find plenty of workshops, activities and delicious food and drink experiences. To explore the full program and find more details, click here.
