Ballarat might only dip into sub-zero temperatures a couple of times each winter, but that shouldn't stop you from embracing that white Christmas vibe. Whether you live locally or need an excuse to escape town, Sovereign Hill's Winter Wonderlights has become a beloved tradition over the past decade, with its dazzling display of lights and bites making for a snow globe scene brought to life. Running from Friday, July 4–Sunday, July 27, the town's historic streetscapes radiate warmth through luminous projections, while hand-warming open fires, live music and joy-filled theatre shows evoke an even merrier atmosphere. Enveloped in a canopy of light and faux snow, the headline display sees 20 kilometres of twinkling fairy lights illuminate Main Street. That impressive scale makes this light show one of the largest in the country beyond the big cities. Supported by the Eureka Brass Band, live festive carols make living out your dream Christmas in July celebration a reality. Plus, visitors will encounter a host of charming food and drink vendors, while the Charlie Napier Hotel presents a two-course winter dinner featuring roast turkey and glazed ham with all the trimmings, followed by dessert. You might even catch a glimpse of Saint Nick in full Santa Claus getup. Also on the agenda is plenty of stage-focused fun, as the Victoria Theatre presents a series of comedy shows set to warm your heart. There's also arts and crafts experiences perfect for little ones, with a pop-up toy-making studio encouraging kids big and small to choose, assemble and paint a traditional wooden toy. Attracting 90,000 visitors in 2024, Sovereign Hill's Winter Wonderlights is an experience worth getting rugged up for.
