So you’ve scored yourself tickets to Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights – lucky you!

While you’re in town, why not stay a little longer and experience the warmth and charm of the Ballarat Winter Festival (25 June-17 July).

From drinking locally-made hot cocoa by crackling fireplaces, to pulling on skates at the pop-up ice skating rink, Ballarat will come alive this winter with activities that will fire up the enthusiasm of families, foodies, wine lovers and culture vultures alike. 

Here’s our top picks of things to do while you’re here for Winter Wonderlights (24 June-17 July): 

• Start your day with a nourishing breakfast at Johnny Alloo, Hydrant Food Hall or Webster’s Market and Cafe
• Get your skates on at the pop-up ice skating rink next to the Ballarat Town Hall
• Be enthralled by the Knights of Fire and Queen Neva at Kryal Castle
• Cuddle up with koalas, kangaroos and wombats at the Ballarat Wildlife Park 
• Watch the Skywhales soar over Ballarat on Saturday 9 July at sunrise
• Wander The Design Exchange Market or one of our local farmers’ markets
• Linger over a long lunch at Clothesline Cafe, Lola or Carboni’s
• Let your kids get creative at Pinot & Picasso‘s Penguin Pat and Sloshy the Snowman paint parties
• Sign up for a foodie experience. Did someone say truffles?
• Get hands-on at a jewellery-making workshop with Sylvia Nevistic or a perfume masterclass at Sweet Fern
• Warm your body and soul with a locally-produced Grounded Pleasures hot chocolate
• Fill your world with colour at the Art Gallery of Ballarat 
• Stock up on natural fibre textiles – including coats, jumpers, cardigans and blankets – at Creswick Woollen Mills
• Sit down for a hearty meal at one of Ballarat’s historic pubs
• Toast your toes by the fire (with a wine in hand) at Mitchell Harris, RJM’s Wine Bar or Michael Unwin Wines
• Chase waterfalls – our favourite is Lal Lal Falls 
• Get lost in the traditional hedge maze and play the old-time carnival games at Newlyn’s Maze House
• Explore Ballarat’s nightlife with a whisky at Renard, The 18^th Amendment or Roy Hammond

Embrace the magic of the Ballarat Winter Festival

The Ballarat Winter Festival (25 June-17 July) is a celebration of the city’s signature season through unique events, activities and offerings.

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