For ten years, the stunning Winter Wonderlights has lit up Sovereign Hill during the colder nights. Stroll through this gold rush attraction in Ballarat, and gaze in wonder as the streetscapes and goldfields transform into a winter wonderland. Look forward to dazzling light projections, roaring fires, fun activities, live music and more. Winter Wonderlights will return from Friday June 28 to Sunday July 21.
Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill
This iconic event has grown into one of the biggest shows of its kind staged in regional Australia. Since it first began in 2014, it has enchanted over 770, 000 people with its incredible projections. Last year, over 90, 000 people made the trip to see this winter attraction.
Embrace the wonder of winter after dark with spectacular light projections. The whole streetscape will light up with a kaleidoscope of colour and movement. Feel swept away by the festive music, and watch the projections dance underneath falling snow. There will also be over 20 kilometres of twinkling fairy lights to add a bit more sparkle to the night.
If you’re keen for even more light shows, don’t forget to check out AURA, a 90-minute light and sound experience that will take you through the creation, discovery and impact of gold throughout time.
Feel like you’re in the gold rush with Diggings After Dark. A soundscape will recreate a night on the diggings with roaring fires, singalongs, police raids and evening sounds.
The kids will have plenty of fun with arts and crafts. A pop-up toy-making studio will be there, so kids can choose the parts, assemble pieces, and paint their own traditional wooden toy to take home.
Feel like it’s Christmas in July with St Nicholas’s Grotto. Head to his traditional winter hut and grab a photo with old St Nick. There will also be free nightly performances, including a brass band and choirs singing Christmas carols, the Christmas Mummers’ Play, and Wizard Jacobs Magic Show.
If you’re hungry, head to the Charlie Napier Hotel for a jolly feast. Try roast turkey and glazed ham, served with all the trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding or chocolate fondant. Otherwise, you’ll find other toasty food and drink, like toffee apples and raspberry drops.
More info
Tickets for a full day at Sovereign Hill, from 10am to 7pm, start at $68 for adults and $36 for children. If you’re only interested in seeing Winter Wonderlights, there are evening-only tickets available on Friday June 28, and Saturday July 6, 13 and 20. This will give you access to the venue from 5pm to 7pm. Evening-only tickets are $39 for adults and $19 for children.
Other experiences, like the two-course dinner or the AURA light show, are ticketed separately and are an additional cost.