Ballarat Winter Festival 2026

Ballarat Winter Festival

Running throughout the school holidays, the festival offers three weeks of winter-themed experiences, from ice skating and dazzling light displays to medieval adventures and an impressive trail of gourmet hot chocolates.

One of the festival's most popular attractions is the Hot Choc Showdown, where local cafes, restaurants and bars compete to create Ballarat's most irresistible hot chocolate. Visitors can sample a wide range of inventive drinks, including classic European-style hot chocolate, white chocolate creations, honeycomb-inspired treats and even adults-only versions infused with cocktails, before casting a vote for their favourite.

For those looking to burn off a few calories, the city's outdoor ice rink offers fun skating sessions for all ages in the heart of Ballarat.

A visit to nearby Sovereign Hill is another festival highlight. Winter Wonderlights returns with colourful light projections, live entertainment and a magical evening atmosphere that brings the historic Gold Rush township to life. During the day, visitors can explore the township, pan for gold and discover Ballarat's rich history before the nightly light spectacular begins.

Adventure seekers can head to Kryal Castle for Knights of Fire, featuring medieval jousting, thrilling stunt performances, magical characters and family-friendly fantasy entertainment.

From 9 to 11 July, Ballarat Civic Hall hosts Hidden, an immersive exhibition of enormous inflatable artworks designed to delight children and adults alike through colour, light and interactive experiences.

Animal lovers can also include Ballarat Wildlife Park on their itinerary, where kangaroos, koalas, wombats, emus and many other native Australian animals can be seen up close.

The Ballarat Winter Festival runs from 27 June until 19 July 2026, offering one of Victoria's most enjoyable winter escapes with attractions and activities for visitors of every age.