Winter in Melbourne 2023 : Best Winter Activities & Events for Families
Winter in Melbourne has never looked better! The weather might be cooling down, but there are plenty of winter activities in and around the city for family fun. So, what are you waiting for? Get rugged up and ready to check out our list of things to do in Melbourne this winter 2023!
Winter in Melbourne
Winter in Melbourne can get cold… brrrr… and we normally encounter some rainy days. But don’t worry! There are plenty of indoor activities for kids if you want to stay inside.
And for those who love the outdoors there are plenty of outdoor winter events in Melbourne that you are going to love.
Here you can find a list of winter events in Melbourne as well as some activities to do in Winter in Melbourne and around.
1. Lightscape Melbourne Light Show
This winter in Melbourne, Lightscape is coming to the Royal Botanic Gardens. This one of a kind immersive, after-dark experience features a range of amazing installations you can wander through including a 1.8km long trail with more than 100,000 tiny lights.
Iconic tree canopies will be drenched in colour, there will be sparkling trees and luminous walkways, and vibrant bursts of light will tumble from the undergrowth and run up trees like fizzing fireworks.
Read More: Lightscape>>>
2. Winter Market, Melbourne
The Winter Night Market is back at Queen Victoria Market every Wednesday evening from 1st June to 3st August. You can rug up in your winter woollies and head to the winter Market to enjoy live music while enjoying delicious street food, mulled wine.
Watch out for mid season with Christmas in July when you will be hearing Christmas carols and seeing Christmas trees, snow and of course Santa.
Read More: Winter Night Market>>>
3. Glow Winter Arts Festival Melbourne
Lighten up after dark at the Glow Winter Arts Festival. This free winter Festival returns as a four-night spectacle of immersive light, colour and art, a special live performance and food trucks with tasty snacks. It is a great family winter event in Melbourne with lighting installations and artworks.
Read More: Glow Winter Arts Festival>>>
4. Winter Igloos, Melbourne
The winter igloos are popping up around Melbourne and what a wonderful winter experience this is! Warm yourself up inside one of the winter igloos while you sip on some wine or a cocktail and graze on a delicious lunch or dinner. More details to come on locations!!!
Details: To be advised
5. Disney on Ice
Get ready Disney fans, Disney On Ice will be returning to Melbourne for 2023 for an unforgettable show, Disney On Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder!!!
From Mickey and Minnie Mouse to the intergalactic adventures of Buzz Lightyear and Woody. The magical worlds of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. You can also experience the epic tale of Elsa and Anna in Frozen, to the bravery of Moana and of course Coco!
Read More: Disney on Ice>>>
6. Collingwood Children’s Farm Winter Solstice Bonfire
The Collingwood Children’s Farm Winter Solstice Bonfire is one of the most famous winter events in Melbourne and is on again for 2022.
Watch the live flames leaping into the night sky from a massive bonfire while surrounded by the sound of live music and fire lanterns. Street food and drinks will be available, this is a great winter activity for all ages.
Read More: Collingwood Farm Bonfire>>>
7. Winter Wonderlights, Sovereign Hill
One of our favourite annual winter events in Melbourne is the Christmas in July, winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill. It is actually about an hour and half out of the city, but well worth the visit.
If you have ever wanted to experience a white Christmas, you don’t have to fly off to the northern hemisphere to have one. Sovereign hill will light up with building facades and over 15km of fairy lights throughout the garden. There will be faux snow and appearances from Santa and Mrs Clause.
Read More: Winter Wonderlights>>>
8. Winter Glow, Adventure Park
Discover a glowing winter wonderland of snow, lights, fire and ice these Winter school holidays at Adventure Park!
The massive snow play zone will allow kids to touch and play with real snow, make snow angels and build snowman. Every day there will be live ice-carving displays by local artists and spectacular live fire-twirling displays.
Read More: Winter Glow>>>
9. Island Whale Festival
The annual Phillip Island Whale Festival is back again this year. There is a range of activities on offer that will not only entertain but also allow you to appreciate the wildlife and natural habitats of Phillip Island and the Bass Coast region.
Whale watching is generally from May – October and the Island festival happens in between.
Read more>>> Phillip Island Whale Festival>>>
10. Ice Skating, Melbourne
One of the best things to do in Melbourne this winter is go Ice skating, and there are a few different places to try it out.
O’brien Ice House is at the District Docklands, and Ice HQ is in Melbourne’s North. Then there is the pop up skating rink at the winter Village where you can skate outside.
Read More: Obrien Ice House, Ice HQ
11. Eynesbury Winter Festival
Get rugged up and embrace the magical winter atmosphere of the Eynesbury Winter Festival this year, just 40minutes from Melbourne.
White Christmas Trees with intermittent falling soap suds impersonating snow, Igloos, fire pits and a giant snow person. You will also find an outdoor pop up ice skating rink for lots of family fun!
Read More: Eynesbury Winter Festival>>>
12. Train of Lights Puffing Billy
Get ready for the winter experience of a lifetime this winter in Melbourne. Rug up in your warmest winter woollies and experience the magic of Puffing Billy Railway at night with the Train of Lights.
This mesmerising train travelling light show is the first of its kind in Australia. It will take you on a journey immersing guests in bright colours, hypnotic patterns, and native wild animal projections that leap from open-side carriages.
Read More: Puffing Billy Train of Lights>>>
13. Ice Bar, Melbourne
Inside The Atrium at Fed Square you can find Melbourne’s Ice Bar. They will get you wrapped up in a snow cape, glove and boots before sending you into the bar to check out their display of hand carved ice sculptures and have a drink. Anyone is welcome including kids, and they actually have a kids corner too. You can get yourself some really cool Winter photos!
Read More: Ice Bar
14. Hot Springs
The Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs are your luxury escape where you can relax and unwind. Just 90mins from Melbourne there are over 30 experiences, a day spa and various wellness retreats that the whole family can enjoy.
Read More: Peninsula Hot Springs>>>
15. Snow Day, Lake Mountain
If you aren’t keen on heading away for a holiday to the snow, why not take a day trip. Lake Mountain is only a couple of hours away from Melbourne and makes a great day out for the whole family. There are toboggan runs, and even ski or snow lessons for the kids too. Otherwise just play in the snow and make a snow man!
Read More: Lake Mountain>>>
16. AFL Games
One of the best winter activities in Melbourne for footy lovers is to head to an AFL match. Melbourne is the home of football and everyone here goes crazy for AFL during the winter season. Catch a game at the MCG or Marvel Stadium, the atmosphere is fantastic.
17. Indoor Activities
If you aren’t keen on any outdoor Winter activities, and you prefer to keep indoors, there are plenty of indoor activities for kids in Melbourne where you can keep the kids warm. From playcentres, to museums, the cinema, and much more.
Read More: Indoor Activities in Melbourne>>>>
What’s On Melbourne for Winter
Winter in Melbourne can be awesome fun if you know how to do it right. There are so many fantastic Winter activities and events in and around the city that you have plenty to choose from. So rug up with your hats, scarves, and boots, and head out for some Winter fun in Melbourne!
Check out our post on School Holiday Activities Melbourne for more kids activity ideas. Follow Mum’s Little Explorers on Facebook for more inspiration and join the Melbourne for Kids Facebook Group.
