Ballarat Winter Festival to heat up the school holidays

The weather is getting colder but the atmosphere in Ballarat is about to heat up as the Ballarat Winter Festival comes to town.  

The much-loved festival returns this year, with people encouraged to don their winter woollies and embrace the weather as Ballarat is transformed into a winter wonderland.  

The festival runs from Saturday 24 June to Sunday 16 July with a myriad of winter-themed events, activities and entertainment to warm hearts, souls and bellies.  

It will run over the two weeks of Victoria’s school holidays and the first week of the South Australian school holidays.  

Last year the Ballarat Winter Festival contributed an estimated $1.5 million to the Ballarat economy.

Whether it is strapping on the skates to hit the ice in Armstrong Street, being dazzled by the lights at Sovereign Hill or seeing a spectacular fire jousting competition at Kryal Castle there is certainly something to thrill the whole family.  

Also on the agenda will be the chance to catch a glimpse of the Ballarat Wildlife Park’s newest tiger, The Design Exchange market at the Mining Exchange and a live music festival that takes place in venues and unused spaces across the city, Be_Hear/Now.  

Ballarat Winter Festival will also feature a number of special food and drink experiences, show-stopping performances and insightful workshops and demonstrations.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the event would build on the recent successes of the Ballarat Heritage Festival and the Ballarat Begonia Festival.  

“The events we have helped deliver so far in 2023 have seen a real surge in popularity as people flock to Ballarat in search of something a bit different,” Cr Hudson said.  

“This event is one we try and make as attractive as possible to families during school holidays, so throw on an extra layer and embrace everything that is great about winter in Ballarat.  

“Every year the ice-skating rink is extremely popular and the events at some of our major attractions like Sovereign Hill, Kryal Castle and the Ballarat Wildlife Park all sound enthralling.”