Experience the Magic of Winter Wonderland at the Ballarat Winter Festival and Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill
Winter can be a magical time, especially when you have the chance to experience it in all its glory. The Ballarat Winter Festival is the perfect opportunity to do just that. From skating on a real ice rink to exploring winter activities around Ballarat, this festival has something for everyone. Whether you’re a winter enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out with family and friends, you won’t want to miss out on the excitement. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at all the activities and attractions that make the Ballarat Winter Festival a must-attend event. Get ready to embrace the beauty of winter and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Skate on a Real Ice Rink
The Ballarat Winter Festival is all set to offer an unforgettable experience to visitors. Visitors can indulge in the ultimate winter activity by gliding across an ice rink. The ice rink at the Ballarat Winter Festival is perfect for both beginners and experts, making it an ideal winter activity for all ages. Ballarat Winter Festival Ice Rink’s pop-up ice skating rink will be on from Saturday 5th – Sunday 27th July.
But, that’s not all. The Ballarat Winter Festival offers a wide range of activities that cater to everyone’s winter preferences. After a thrilling time on the ice rink, visitors can head over to explore a variety of snow play options that are perfect for kids and adults alike. From snowball fights to building a snowman, there is no shortage of winter fun at the festival.
Don’t forget to bring your warmest winter gear and get ready to experience the magic of winter like never before!
Stay Warm and Cosy with Delicious Food and Drinks
Warm up with Ballarat’s ultimate Hot Choc Showdown! Indulge your senses and take your pick from over 25 local venues that have stirred up their most decadent, creative, and comforting hot chocolates for you to discover. Don’t forget to enter the People’s Choice competition for your chance to WIN!
In fact, Auatralia’s most loved sweets brand, Darrell Lea, even has their own Chocolate Experience store in Ballarat. Darrell Lea has concocted their own luxurious hot chocolate for the Hot Chocolate Showdown. They start with a generous swirl of rich Hershey’s chocolate syrup smeared lovingly inside the glass, followed by Darrell Lea’s exclusive hot chocolate, crafted with your choice of milk for that velvety, just-right sip. It’s topped with a cloud of whipped cream, another drizzle of that gooey Hershey’s goodness, and a sprinkle of choc bits for extra indulgence. And the best part? A skewer of fluffy marshmallows perched on top, just waiting to melt into the magic.
As if that wasn’t enough, it’s perfectly paired with a Darrell Lea warm, gooey double choc chip muffin — rich, soft, and oh-so-satisfying.
It’s a match made in chocolate heaven, and the perfect treat to cosy up with this Ballarat winter. The Darrall Lea Chocolate Experience Store is located at 66 Bridge Mall, Ballarat.
Explore Sovereign Hill and Winter Wonderlights
One of Victoria’s most loved winter events is set to captivate once again as Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights returns, promising an even more dazzling display of lights and magical delights. For three wonderful weeks (Friday, 4 July until Sunday, 27 July), Sovereign Hill transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland after dark.
This year, Winter Wonderlights returns with captivating new projections that promise to enthral visitors. The spectacle will explode each night with wrapping paper projections transforming Sovereign Hill’s historic streetscape, as buildings are dramatically “unwrapped” following a countdown clock. Sophisticated corsets and cocktails imagery, alongside intricate, updated stained glass and Victorian printmaking projections cast magnificent new scenes across the site, painting a breathtaking new world of light and colour.
Faux snow will fall across the site, which is adorned with more than 20 kilometres of twinkling fairy lights and features nightly live music and entertainment.
Booking online is highly advised, so you don’t miss out. Tickets can be purchased on the Sovereign Hill website.
Knights of Fire at Kryal Castle
Queen Neva has gripped the castle in an eternal frost. She has manifested an evil warrior, known only as The Black Knight to guard her icy throne. Is there a champion who can save the kingdom from her reign? Feats of fire, magic and wonder await you in this fantastical tale for the whole family to enjoy!
The Knights of Fire event at Kryal Castle is a thrilling and exciting addition to the Ballarat Winter Festival. Catch incredible fire performers, knights, queens, princesses and wizards in a battle between good and evil. Not to mention a castle loaded with interactive activities. The Knights of Fire event is on from Saturday 5th to Sunday 20th July.
The Ballarat Winter Festival is a must-visit winter wonderland. From skating on a real ice rink to enjoying a variety of activities, there’s something for everyone. Stay warm and cosy with delicious food and drinks and explore Ballarat, Sovereign Hill and Kryal Castle. Don’t miss out on the chance to create unforgettable memories with family and friends. So mark your calendar and come prepared for a day (or make a weekend of it!) of fun and adventure.
