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 hot chocolate, enjoy feasts by the fire, listen to live music and feel dazzled by stunning light projections, from East Gippsland to Swan Hill. Hop in the car and take a drive around Victoria for some of these heart-warming winter festivals. Which one will you try?
1. Gumbuya Dreaming in Tynong North
Gumbuya World is lighting up with night with an exciting new event that combines technology with traditional First Nations storytelling. At Gumbuya Dreaming, you’ll celebrate Indigenous culture with installations and soundscapes. After that, go on the rides and check out some food trucks. The experience will run from now until Sunday July 21.
2. East Gippsland Winter Festival in East Gippsland
Escape to East Gippsland this winter for magical winter events, including family-friendly activities, winter feasts, live music and more. Explore the region, from Gippsland Lakes to the High Country, and celebrate art, culture, nature and more. East Gippsland Winter Festival is on from Friday June 21 to Sunday July 21. Browse through the program 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 to stay warm. Winter Glow will kick off on Saturday June 22 and will run on select days until Sunday July 21. More info here.
4. Mansfield Lantern Festival in Mansfield
Celebrate the longest night of the year at Mansfield Lantern Festival. Head to the High Country and stay warm against the winter chill with a lantern parade, market stalls, performers, open fires and more. Check it out on Saturday June 22 from 4pm to 9pm. Learn more here.
5. Electric Wonderland in Bendigo
Bendigo is great for a getaway, thanks to their wonderful program of winter events. Visit Rosalind Park for the enchanting, after-dark experience, Electric Wonderland from Friday June 28 to Sunday July 14. For more winter fun, head to the outdoor ice skating rink at Hargreaves Mall. If you’d prefer to warm up indoors, pop over to Bendigo Art Gallery for their exhibition, Paris: Impressions of Life 1880 – 1925. See what’s happening here.
6. River Lights in Swan Hill
Swan Hill will light up with the immersive light and sound show, River Lights. This spectacular evening show will dazzle visitors with light sculptures, laser effects, interactive projections and holograms. It will take over the tourism attraction, Pioneer Settlement, and showcase history, art, community icons and First Nations culture. River Lights will run from Friday June 28 to Sunday July 7. Learn more here.
7. 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 from Saturday June 29 to Sunday July 21. See more here.
8. Island Whale Festival on Phillip Island
Going whale watching this winter? Head over to Phillip Island and admire these majestic creatures at the Island Whale Festival. Look out for whales, take part in workshops and activities, learn from scientists and more. The festival will run from Friday July 5 to Sunday July 7. See more here.
9. 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 at Horseshow Lagoon, and see a showcase of local stories through installations and projections. Then, go ice-skating nearby. This event is on from Friday July 5 to Sunday July 28.
10. Fireside Yarra Valley in the Yarra Valley
Fireside is returning to the Yarra Valley for its sixth 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 Friday July 12 to Sunday July 28. See what’s on here.