Winter is a magical time of year, and it seems as if all of Victoria is celebrating this joyful season. Instead of turning off at sunset, regional Victoria is lighting up at night with some fabulous winter festivals. Sip on wine, enjoy feasts by the fire, listen to live music and feel dazzled by stunning light projections, from Apollo Bay to East Gippsland. Hop in the car and take a drive around Victoria for some of these heart-warming winter festivals. Which one will you try?
1. East Gippsland Winter Festival in East Gippsland
Escape to East Gippsland this winter for magical winter events, including feasts, workshops, nature walks and pop-up events. Taste local food, warm up with wine and more this winter, from Gippsland Lakes to the High Country. East Gippsland Winter Festival is on now, and will run until Sunday July 9. Browse through the program here.
2. Ballarat Winter Festival in Ballarat
Discover some magical winter experiences at the Ballarat Winter Festival. Head to Sovereign Hill and see it light up under the glow of Winter Wonderlights, go ice-skating, see fiery knights at Kryal Castle and more. Ballarat Winter Festival is on now and will run until July 16. See more here.
3. Winter Glow at Adventure Park in Geelong
Head to Adventure Park this winter and frolic in the snow, marvel at fire twirling displays, see hundreds of glittering installations and more fun activities. After that, sip on loaded hot chocolates and mulled wine. Winter Glow is on now and will run on select days until July 16. More info here.
4. BOREALIS on the Lake in Daylesford
Escape to Lake Daylesford this winter and marvel at BOREALIS on the Lake. Technology and art will combine to replicate the colourful wonders of the northern lights. This glimmering experience will be accompanied by a tranquil soundtrack. This experience starts on Thursday July 20, and run until Sunday October 1.
5. Winter Sounds in Daylesford and surrounds
Stay cosy this winter with a series of intimate performances inside some truly unique and beautiful locations around Daylesford and the surrounding hills. Listen to live performances in gold-rush era buildings, village halls and historic churches. Winter Sounds will run from Thursday August 17 to Sunday August 20.
6. Fireside Yarra Valley in the Yarra Valley
Fireside is returning to the Yarra Valley for its fifth year. At this 16-day winter festival, you’ll celebrate the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the region, with culinary experiences, a twilight market and more. Warm up by the fire from Saturday July 8 to Sunday July 23. See what’s on here.
7. Ignite Bendigo in Bendigo
Bendigo is great for a getaway, thanks to their winter program Ignite Bendigo. Visit Rosalind Park for the enchanting, after-dark experience, Electric Wonderland from now until July 9. Then, feast on hearty winter warmers, check out exhibitions, see performances and more. Learn more about Ignite Bendigo here.
8. WinterWild in Apollo Bay
Swap summer beach days for the darkness of the Otways, and enjoy a festival of fiery feasts, masterclasses, performances and more. Surrounded by rainforest and ocean, WinterWild is all about embracing and celebrating the winter elements. It will run from Friday August 25 to Sunday August 27. Learn more here.
9. Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival in Echuca
Chill out this winter and head to the border for the Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival. Now in its 23rd year, you’ll listen to a cool line-up of blues musicians in venues around Echuca. While you’re there, explore the area and sample some delicious local cuisine. The festival will run from Thursday July 27 to Sunday July 30.
10. Moama Lights in Echuca-Moama
Art, technology and nature will combine into an immersive light and sound trail at Moama Lights. Journey along the boardwalk, past towering trees and towards the Murray River, and see a showcase of local stories through installations and projections. This event is on from Friday June 30 to Sunday July 23, and runs on Thursday to Sunday nights. More details here.