Ballarat’s popular Winter Wonderlights will return to Sovereign Hill this June and July.
Bust out your Christmas sweaters, Sovereign Hill in Ballarat is transforming into a magical winter wonderland once again to celebrate Christmas in July with their annual ‘Winter Wonderlights’ event, and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever before.
An annual sell-out event, the Winter Wonderlights spectacular will be lighting up Sovereign Hill once the sun sets from 24 June to 16 July, 2023, so save the date.
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Attracting more than 100,000 visitors of all ages in the past, the event will likely see the Victorian-style buildings along the main street come alive through the magic of large-scale light projections, Christmas animations and a trail of fairy lights throughout Sovereign Hill’s garden in the dazzling ‘Winter Wonderlights’ show. This show, set to Christmas-themed music, is sure to be bigger and brighter than ever before with more buildings lit up in impressive style, evoking the spirit and enchantment of Christmas. Plus, as always, there will be faux snow falling and that’s pretty magical in itself.
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While the nighttime is a true spectacle worth seeing, during the day the entire Sovereign Hill township will evoke a sense of old-world Christmas wonder if previous events are anything to go by. Visitors can usually stroll down Main Street as decorations fill the window displays, the smell of Christmas treats and spices fill the air, and traditional Christmas-themed pantomimes are performed. As in past years, we’re expecting visitors will also delight in the Christmas market where they can purchase enchanting decorations, or try some traditional treats including a steaming cup of mulled wine, or a gingerbread biscuit.
We imagine the cottages and gardens overlooking Main Street will also be filled with fairy lights, and candles will dance in shop windows, so no matter where you look, the old-world charm of the 1850s will bask Sovereign Hill in a golden, Yuletide glow. Entertainers, including illusionists and acrobats, will also perform, delighting visitors with their magical skills.
This magical event truly transforms Ballarat into a living, traditional Christmas postcard scene. If you have no intention of heading overseas for a snowy Christmas, this is your ticket.
The magical Christmas event takes over Sovereign Hill from 24 June – 16 July 2023. Save the date and keep your eyes on socials and the website for ticket sales, this event will sell out.
