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Winter Wonderlights 2024

Winter Wonderlights 2024

10 YEARS SHINING!

By day Sovereign Hill delights with ‘faux snow’ falling in the streets, much-loved theatre, food and activities.

Then, as the sun goes down it really shines, with changing light projections bringing the famous streetscape to life in a spectacular display of colour and movement.  

There’s lots of light shows on during winter, but absolutely nothing compares to Winter Wonderlights. We’ve been doing it since 2014.  

Embrace the cold, bring your loved ones and soak up the Sovereign Hill atmosphere under lights. 

A short drive a lifetime away.

Quick tip for speedy bookings: To book tickets please click on the black 'Buy tickets' button and select your chosen dates between the evening of Friday 28 June and Sunday 21 July 2024 through the calendar. Once completed select your ticket type below the calendar.

Special Ballarat locals' deal!

This week, Mon 15 to Friday 19 July only.

Thanks for 10 years of support for Winter Wonderlights.

To show our appreciation, we’re offering Ballarat* locals' a special Winter Wonderlights evening pass this week only (15-19 July).  

Snap up evening tickets (4pm-7pm) starting from $19 for children, $39 for adults, and $99 for a family of four.

Tickets available only upon arrival - not available for booking online.  Proof of address required.  
* includes Creswick and Clunes

Winter Wonderlights in action

Winter Wonderlights ticket prices

Ticket prices for Winter Wonderlights operate a little differently to standard Sovereign Hill tickets.

  • 10am - 7pm tickets are available everyday from the evening of Friday 28 June through to Sunday 21 July.  These tickets give you the full day at Sovereign Hill with all your favourites plus the spectacular Winter Wonderlights display which starts once the sun goes down at 5.45pm.
  • 5pm - 7pm tickets are only available on Saturday 6 July, Saturday 13 July and Saturday 20 July. These tickets give you access to the spectacular Winter Wonderlights night time display which starts once the sun goes down at 5.45pm.
  • Night only admission 7pm - 9pm tickets are only available on Saturday 6 July, Saturday 13 July and Saturday 20 July. These tickets give you access to a special later session of the spectacular Winter Wonderlights night time display. 
Winter Wonderlights ticketsStandard admission (10am - 7pm)Evening only admission (5pm - 7pm)Night only admission Sat 13 & 20 (7pm - 9pm)
Adult$68.00$39.00$39.00
Concession*$55.50$31.00$31.00
Child (5-15 years) - only available when purchased  with an Adult, Family or Single-Family Ticket/Pass.  Children under 5 years are free. $36.00$19.00$19.00
Family of 4 (2 Adults and 2 Children)$177.00$99.00$99.00
*Australian cards only. Cards must be presented. Valid concession cards: Australian Pension, Disability/Carer, Health Care, Sole Parent, Unemployed, Veterans’ Affairs, Australian Student, Companion Card (FOC), ISIC International Student, Australian Seniors Card.    

Snowfalls

Look towards the sky and marvel as Sovereign Hill turns into a snowy winter wonderland. Please note that we use make-believe snow.

Brass Band

Hear classic Christmas carols played by a good old-fashioned brass ensemble. 
Time:
4.40pm-5.30pm
Where:
Main Street

Arts & Craft

Get inspired by the sights and sounds of Sovereign Hill with a hands-on art and craft session. Get creative and make your own keepsake to take home.
Time:
11.00am-6.00pm
Where:
Carver & Dalton Auction Rooms (map no.10)

Theatre Performances

Experience the magic of live entertainment at the stunning Victoria Theatre! From captivating magic shows to interactive tours with special effects, there's something for everyone. Even pantomimes promise laughter for the whole family.
Time:
Check the blackboard in the Victoria Theatre foyer for times.
Where:
Victoria Theatre (map no.26)

St Nicholas' Grotto

St Nick has changed address, swapping his Arctic abode for a cosy winter hut at Sovereign Hill during Winter Wonderlights. Drop into St Nicholas’ Grotto for a photo and, while you’re here, put in your Christmas wish list!
Times:
2.00pm-4.00pm | 5.00pm-7.00pm
Where:
Parade Showground (map no.34)

Explore the Diggings after dark

By day, our diggings are bustling with gold-seekers panning in the creeks. Come night-time, it’s a whole new experience. Grab some food and warm yourself around the fire as our soundscape transports you back to a typical night on the diggings, complete with sing-a-longs, police raids and evening sounds.
Time: 
5.30pm-7.00pm
Where:
The Diggings (map no.8)

Diggings after dark

Fairylight Fun

With over 18 kilometres of fairy lights weave your way around Sovereign Hill taking in scenic views along the way. Start from the top end of Main Street and meander through our picturesque Speedwell Street and Brightview Gardens.
Time:
4.30pm-7.00pm
Where:
Brightview garden & Speedwell Street

Shining Streetscapes

Main Street is illuminated with dazzling, vibrant projections accompanied by a rousing musical score, telling a story of celebration and togetherness.
Time:
5.45pm-7.00pm
Where:
Main Street

Winter Wonderlights

Winter Wonderlights Dinner

A hearty winter meal of roast turkey and glazed ham served with roasted rosemary potatoes, winter vegetables, steamed greens, gravy and cranberry sauce. Dessert will be sticky date pudding and apple pie served alternately along with tea and coffee. Pre-booking is essential. Add on your meal when purchasing a ticket online.

Aerial view looking south on Main St
There's wonder in those eyes!
United State Hotel on Main St
In awe at the light display
Looking down Main St
Just taking it all in
The ever changing light projections

Plan your visit

Find out all you need to know from where to eat, to what's on during the day and evenings.

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