Step into the Glow in Ballarat this winter | 4-27 July

One of Victoria’s most loved winter events is set to captivate once again as Sovereign Hill’s spectacular 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.

Adding to the glow, the Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct will shine with the return of the Fire Towers — towering sculptural works crafted from old mine railway tracks and machinery.

First unveiled at Sovereign Hill’s inaugural Food, Fire & Light festival in 2024, these industrial totems are the work of Melbourne artist Richard Thomas, who brings a distinctive “free jazz steam funk twist” sensibility to discarded 19th-century tools, wheels and levers. Reassembled and reimagined, they stand as a striking blend of grit, history and imagination.

Providing a dramatic backdrop to multiple roaring fire pits, this dedicated warmth zone will be the perfect place for visitors to gather, cosy up, and indulge in an array of hot food and drinks from nearby food outlets.

Each year, Winter Wonderlights illuminates Sovereign Hill’s historic streetscapes with vibrant projections, warming fires, delicious food, cosy drinks, hands-on activities, live music, and theatre shows.

In 2024, the annual event drew more than 90,000 delighted attendees, who rugged up to experience the winter spectacle.

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. The sounds of a brass band playing festive carols and the opportunity to capture a photo with St Nicholas will once again create a unique Christmas in July celebration.

As one of the pioneering sound and light shows in regional Australia, Winter Wonderlights has grown to become one of the largest and most successful events of its kind outside of major cities. Since the first Winter Wonderlights was held in 2014, more than 860,000 people have been delighted by more than 440 hours of light projections.

Sovereign Hill CEO Sara Quon says Winter Wonderlights has become a cornerstone of Victoria’s winter events calendar and the team is thrilled to be bringing it back for its 11th year in 2025.

“Each winter, we look forward to welcoming families and visitors to experience the magic as Sovereign Hill’s familiar streets and settings are transformed into a breathtaking spectacle of light and colour,” she says.

“With exciting new projections and captivating sculptures, we’re committed to continually enhancing the wonder for our returning guests and first-time visitors alike.

“It’s a unique opportunity to see our iconic site in a completely new light, connecting our rich history with a contemporary and enchanting experience.”

Winter Wonderlights complements more than 20 other immersive experiences at Sovereign Hill, making for a truly unforgettable day – and night – for the whole family.

WINTER WONDERLIGHTS 2025: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Shining Streetscapes: Be immersed in a vibrant kaleidoscope of colour and music as dazzling projections illuminate Sovereign Hill’s iconic buildings and streets.
Snowfall: Experience the magic as Main Street receives daily dustings of enchanting white faux snow.
Visit from St Nicholas:St. Nicholas has moved! He’s traded his Arctic home for a winter hut at Sovereign Hill. Stop by, say hello, get a photo, and leave your gift wishlist.
Winter Wonderlights Dinner: Enjoy a cosy evening inside the Charlie Napier Hotel with a hearty two-course winter meal featuring roast turkey and glazed ham with all the trimmings, followed by dessert.
Diggings After Dark: Be transported back to the gold rush with a soundscape recreating a typical night on the diggings with roaring fires, sing-a-longs, police raids, and evening sounds. See the recently rebuilt Chinese Village in a whole new light with added light effects.
Aura Sound and Light show: Discover the captivating story of gold in this 90-minute high-tech sound and light show, exploring its creation, discovery, and impact through time at Sovereign Hill. Aura performances commence after Winter Wonderlights and require separate tickets.
Arts and crafts: Let little ones unleash their creativity by crafting special keepsake artwork to take home. This year, a delightful pop-up toy-making studio will be set up, inviting kids (and adults) to select, assemble, and paint their own traditional wooden toy or decorative piece.
Live entertainment: The Victoria Theatre stage lights up with winter magic – and a whole lot of laughs. Grab a seat for a comedy show that’ll warm your heart and have you laughing all the way through. Plus enjoy the joyful sounds of the Eureka Brass Band, and the harmonious voices of Sovereign Hill’s children’s choir singing beloved Christmas classics as the sun goes down.

Winter Wonderlights tickets are available now. Admission tickets (valid from 10am – 7pm) start from $69.50 for adults, $35.50 for children or $177.50 for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children) with some experiences and events booked separately. Tickets are valid for a full day at Sovereign Hill as well as the spectacular Winter Wonderlights displays that begin at dusk. Special night tickets are also available from 5pm-7pm and 7pm-9pm, starting from $38.50 for an adult and $95.50 for a family of 4.

Explore the full Winter Wonderlights program and book tickets at winterwonderlights.com.au

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