For eleven 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 July 4 to Sunday July 27.
Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill
Start your day by exploring this historic venue and taking part in classic Sovereign Hill activities, such as gold panning. Then, 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 18 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.
Celebrate Christmas in July with a trip to St Nicholas’s Grotto. Head to his traditional winter hut and grab a photo with old St Nick. A brass band will also perform Christmas carols on Main Street daily from 4:30pm to 5:30pm.
For more entertainment, pop into Victoria Theatre and enjoy magic shows, pantomimes and interactive tours with special effects.
There will also be arts and crafts sessions for the kids.
If you’re hungry, have a jolly feast with roast turkey and glazed ham, served with roasted rosemary potatoes, winter vegetables, steamed greens, gravy and cranberry sauce. There will also be dessert, along with tea and coffee. You will need to pre-book this Winter Wonderlights Dinner, which comes at an extra cost.
More info
Tickets for a full day at Sovereign Hill, from 10am to 7pm, start at $69.50 for adults and $35.50 for children. If you’re only interested in seeing Winter Wonderlights, there are evening-only tickets available on Friday July 4, and Saturday July 12, 19 and 26. This will give you access to the venue from 5pm to 7pm. Evening-only tickets are $38.50 for adults and $21.50 for children.
Other experiences, like the dinner or the AURA light show, are ticketed separately and are an additional cost.