One of Victoria’s most loved Winter events is set to captivate once again as Sovereign Hill’s spectacular Winter Wonderlights returns.
This dazzling display of lights and magical delights has become a beloved tradition, enchanting friends, families and visitors of all ages for more than a decade.
For three magical weeks, Sovereign Hill transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland after dark, inviting visitors to escape to Ballarat and wander its iconic streets under a canopy of light.
In 2024, the annual event drew more than 90,000 delighted attendees, who rugged up to experience the winter spectacle.
From Friday, July 4 until Sunday, July 27, Winter Wonderlights will once more illuminate Sovereign Hill's historic streetscapes with vibrant projections, warming fires, delicious food, cosy drinks, hands-on activities, live music and engaging theatre shows.
Faux snow will gently fall across the site, which is adorned with more than 20 kilometres of twinkling fairy lights. Deliciously warming food and drinks will be available, alongside nightly live music and entertainment. The sounds of a brass band playing festive carols and the opportunity to capture a photo with St Nick will once again create a unique Christmas in July celebration.
As one of the pioneering sound and light shows in regional Australia, Winter Wonderlights has grown to become one of the largest and most successful events of its kind outside of major cities.
Since the first Winter Wonderlights was held in 2014, more than 860,000 people have been delighted by more than 440 hours of light projections.
Sovereign Hill CEO Sara Quon says Winter Wonderlights has become a cornerstone of Victoria’s Winter events calendar and the team is thrilled to be bringing it back for its 11th year in 2025.
"Each Winter, we look forward to welcoming families and visitors to experience the magic as Sovereign Hill’s familiar streets and settings are transformed into a breathtaking spectacle of light and colour,” she says.
"It’s a unique opportunity to see our iconic site in a completely new light, connecting our rich history with a contemporary and enchanting experience.”
Winter Wonderlights complements more than 20 other immersive experiences at Sovereign Hill, making for a truly unforgettable day - and night - for the whole family.
Winter Wonderlights tickets are available now. Admission tickets (valid from 10 am-7 pm) start from $69.50 for adults, $35.50 for children or $177.50 for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children) with some experiences and events booked separately.
Tickets are valid for a full day at Sovereign Hill as well as the spectacular Winter Wonderlights displays that begin at dusk.
WINTER WONDERLIGHTS 2025: PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Shining Streetscapes: be immersed in a vibrant kaleidoscope of colour and music as dazzling projections illuminate Sovereign Hill’s iconic buildings and streets.
- Snowfall: experience the magic as Main Street receives daily dustings of enchanting white faux snow.
- Winter Wonderlights Dinner: enjoy a cosy evening inside the Charlie Napier Hotel with a hearty two-course Winter meal featuring roast turkey and glazed ham with all the trimmings, followed by dessert.
- Visit from St Nicholas: St Nicholas has moved! He’s traded his Arctic home for a Winter hut at Sovereign Hill. Stop by, say hello, get a photo and leave your gift wish list.
- Diggings After Dark: be transported back to the gold rush with a soundscape recreating a typical night on the diggings with roaring fires, sing-a-longs, police raids and evening sounds. See the recently rebuilt Chinese Village in a whole new light with added light effects.
- Aura Sound and Light show: discover the captivating story of gold in this 90-minute high-tech sound and light show, exploring its creation, discovery and impact through time at Sovereign Hill. Aura performances commence after Winter Wonderlights and require separate tickets.
- Arts and crafts: let little ones unleash their creativity by crafting special keepsake artwork to take home. This year, a delightful pop-up toy-making studio will be set up, inviting kids (and adults) to select, assemble and paint their own traditional wooden toy or decorative piece.
- Live entertainment: the Victoria Theatre stage lights up with Winter magic and a whole lot of laughs. Grab a seat for a comedy show that’ll warm your heart and have you laughing all the way through. Plus enjoy the joyful sounds of the Eureka Brass Band and the harmonious voices of Sovereign Hill’s children’s choir singing beloved Christmas classics as the sun goes down.
Explore the full Winter Wonderlights program and book tickets at winterwonderlights.com.au.
