Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill, Christmas in July in Ballarat 2023!
Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights is back this year and we are so excited for this spectacular family event!
If you have ever wanted to experience a white Christmas, you don’t have to fly off to the northern hemisphere to have one, because Christmas is coming this July to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat with the Winter Wonderlights!

Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill
One of the most popular annual winter events for families in Melbourne is the Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill.
Thousands of visitors of all ages are expected to brave the cold at Sovereign Hill this winter to experience this sensational event after the great success of the past years.
With the Winter lights glowing, the faux snow falling and appearances from Saint Nicholas, it is such a great day and night out for the whole family.
Sovereign Hill is one of Victoria’s most iconic attraction and makes a fantastic day trip from Melbourne for the whole family. It is also one of the most popular things to do in Ballarat.
Just 90 minutes from the city, you can step back in time at Sovereign Hill to Ballarat’s after the discovery of gold in 1851, when thousands of international adventurers rushed to the Australian goldfields in hope of striking it lucky and finding their fortune.

Open from 10am, Sovereign Hill will amaze from the moment you enter.
Costumed staff will meet and greet you at the entrance, and pose for photos. You can discover recreated buildings which are filled with all different antiques and machinery that would exist back in the “olden days”.
You can go bowling, try your skills at candle making, take a coach ride around town, and of course taste some of the popular rasberry drops that Sovereign Hill is famous for.
Don’t forget to take a turn at panning for gold in case you get lucky!

Take a family walk down the main street filled with fairy lights and candles where you can experience the European Christmas markets.
Breathe in the fresh air and sweet smells of the traditional sweets and warm yourself with a glass of mulled wine.

From 5pm Sovereign hill will light up with two additional building facades and over 15km of fairy lights throughout the garden.
The entire township will come alive in what is the largest light projection spectacle ever staged in one site anywhere in Australia.

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

Tips for Visiting the Winter Wonderlights
- Rug up, it is sure to be cold especially at night
- Make sure the kids are wearing gumboots, some parts are muddy and if panning for gold they will mostlikely get their feet wet.
- Parking is free onsite.
- Plan out your day, there are so many activities to do, you won’t want to miss out.
- Winter Wonderlights spectacular starts at 5.30pm, make sure to be in the main street a bit before to get a good spot.
- Book in advance if you would like dinner at a restaurant, it can be difficult getting a spot at night.

Details
When:
June 24th – July 16th 2023
The ‘Winter Wonderlights’ show is from 5-7pm each evening
Address:
Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw Street, Ballarat, 3350
Website
You will want to get in early and book your tickets to avoid disappointment
Christmas in July at Sovereign Hill
Head to Ballarat this Winter to experience a white Christmas with the Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill Christmas in July. This is set to be an unforgettable event! Check out this post for things to do in the area: Things to do in Ballarat
More Winter Events
Check out our full list: Winter in Melbourne
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