Ballarat Winter Festival 2021 offering the hottest events in town

City of Ballarat is proud to present the 2021 Ballarat Winter Festival, celebrating Ballarat’s signature season with an array of events and activities for all ages.  

From 26 June to 18 July 2021, the ever-popular ice-skating rink will return for another year against Ballarat’s beautiful heritage streetscape, in the heart of the city, between the Town Hall and Myer. Experience the thrill of gliding across the ice to great tunes and disco lights in the all-weather marquee.  

With all day-skating, the ice rink will open daily from 9am with child-friendly sessions that include a 9am sensory session every Thursday. Skating sessions occur all-day until 8:30pm, with Disco sessions offered on Fridays and Saturdays from 9-10pm.   

Tickets to skate are snapped up quickly so book early to make the most of this Winter Festival icon. Patrons will be required to scan the QR code upon entry and follow the latest COVID-19 restrictions.   

Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights is on again, giving visitors a chance to experience the historical living museum unlike any time of the year. By day Sovereign Hill delights, but when the sun goes down it really shines.   

With a dazzling light show, full theatre program, hands-on kids’ activities and more, Sovereign Hill delivers a Christmas in July like no other. 

Kryal Castle will ignite your imagination with Knights of Fire and Snow Queen Neva these winter school holidays.   

Watch the spectacular ‘fire’ joust, be dazzled by flaming swords and fiery tricks in a festival of flames. Be enchanted by Snow Queen Neva and journey through the chamber of the Dragon Labyrinth.    

The Ballarat Wildlife Park will not be hibernating this winter with guests having the chance to see "Honey Bun”, a rare and special Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat.    

The Ballarat Wildlife Park will launch a unique new and thrilling Sumatran Tiger Encounter this winter with "Satu", a critically endangered tiger. Learn how to make a difference toward saving this amazing species and take home a fun conservation gift bag.   

Brand new self guided tours of the park will also be available with digital keepers talking and teaching some interesting facts about some of the iconic species housed at Ballarat Wildlife Park.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney, said there are many great reasons to visit Ballarat all year round and the Ballarat Winter Festival showcases the wonderful ways our city embraces the winter months.  

“With the Design Exchange Market, a Clothes Swap and upcycling workshop at the Mining Exchange, to art exhibitions and book-signings, winter workshops that include candle-making, painting and a Truffle Hunt/Taste of Truffles experience, there is plenty to enjoy these school holidays,” he said.    

“We are thrilled to welcome back visitors from Melbourne to our city for Ballarat Winter Festival and we hope to see the city buzzing with visitors and locals alike getting out and supporting local businesses.”  

Rug-up and embrace the cold as Ballarat transforms into a winter playground with a myriad of experiences to warm your heart, soul and belly.     

For further information on events and activities throughout Ballarat Winter Festival visit www.ballaratwinterfestival.com.au