Winter Wonderlights 2026
Experience a glittering wonderland!
By day, wander historic streets, stroll under faux snow, and enjoy the classic Sovereign Hill experiences – see live shows, try your hand at gold panning and more.
Then, as night falls, the real magic happens. Sovereign Hill comes alive with stunning light projections, music, wintry treats, and a magical winter glow.
Winter Wonderlights ticket prices
Ticket prices for Winter Wonderlights operate a little differently to standard Sovereign Hill tickets.
- Day ticket (10am-7pm) are available everyday from Friday 26 June through to Sunday 19 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 from 5.45pm.
- Evening ticket (5pm-7pm) are available Saturday nights only: 27 June, 4 July ,11 July, and 18 July. These tickets give you access to the spectacular Winter Wonderlights night time display which starts once the sun goes down from 5.45pm.
- Night ticket (8pm-10pm) are only available select Friday and Saturday nights: Friday 3 July, Friday 10 July, Friday 17 July, Saturday 27 June, Saturday 4 July, Saturday 11 July, and Saturday 18 July. For the late-night owls and adventure seekers, these tickets give you access from 8pm to a special later session of the spectacular Winter Wonderlights night time display which starts at 8.45pm.
- Locals Pass: Exclusively for Ballarat locals. Buy a full price (10am - 7pm) ticket to Winter Wonderlights and unlock unlimited visits all year long. Find out more here.
| Winter Wonderlights tickets | Day ticket (10am - 7pm) | Evening & Night ticket (5pm - 7pm & 8pm - 10pm)^ | Locals Pass (10am - 7pm) |
Adult | $77.50 | $45.00 | $77.50 |
|---|---|---|---|
Concession* | $62.00 | $35.00 | $62.00 |
Child (5-15 years) only available when purchased with an Adult Ticket. Under 5 years are free. | $40.00 | $25.00 | $40.00 |
Family of 4 (2 Adults and 2 Children) | $199.00 | $110.00 | $199.00 |
Family of 3 (1 Adult and 2 Children) | $135.00 | $67.00 | $135.00 |
Additional Child | $40.00 | $25.00 | $40.00 |
*Australian concession cards only. Cards must be presented. View our FAQs for more information. |
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^Only available for specific dates. |
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Winter Wonderlights in action
Shining Streetscapes
Experience the brilliance of Main Street, filled with dazzling light projections and local storytelling. This year we bring the Industrial Revolution to life. Watch for the sparks, flames and steam of this unique show.
Time: 5.45pm-7pm | 8.45pm-10pm
Where: Main Street
Snowfalls
Look towards the sky and marvel as Sovereign Hill turns into a snowy winter wonderland. Please note that we use foam snow.
Fairylight Fun
Take a wander through the magical fairy lights that weave between the Speedwell Street cottages and Brightview Gardens. Step into the cottages and you may discover a local family living there, inviting you into their world of Ballarat in the 1850s.
Time: 4.30pm-7pm
Where: Brightview garden & Speedwell Street
Brass Band
Christmas carols will be heard across the goldfields as the Sovereign Hill Fire Department swap fire fighting for brass instruments to celebrate the winter months.
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: 11am-6pm
Where: Carver & Dalton Auction Rooms (map no.21)
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.36)
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: 2pm-4pm | 5pm-7pm
Where: Post Office Dam
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. Be transported back to a typical night on the diggings, complete with sing-a-longs, police raids and evening sounds.
Time: 5.30pm-7pm
Where: The Diggings (map no.12)
Winter Wonderlights Dinner
A classic Christmas spread of roast turkey and glazed ham, served to the centre of the table for sharing alongside rosemary potatoes, winter vegetables and steamed greens, and complemented by rich gravy and cranberry sauce, with freshly baked bread rolls served warm with butter. Dessert will be served alternately along with tea and coffee. Pre-booking is essential. Add on your meal when purchasing a ticket online.
FAQs
Got a question? Make sure you check here as Winter Wonderlights operates a little differently.
When do the lights turn on?
Projections will start at different times, depending on the session:
Day (10am-7pm) and evening (5pm-7pm) sessions: Lights will start as soon as it gets dark, around 5.45pm. Gates will open at 5pm for evening sessions.
Night session (8pm-10pm): Lights will start at around 8.45pm. Gates will open at 8pm.
Does Winter Wonderlights sell out?
Yes, Winter Wonderlights can sell out on popular days especially on weekends. We recommend booking online in advance to avoid disappointment.
Will it be cold? What happens if it rains?
Winter Wonderlights glows, rain, hail or shine! The average temperature in Ballarat during July is 10 degrees Celsius. We recommend dressing for cooler temperatures. Wear warm, practical footwear and clothing, and enjoy the festive atmosphere!
Are pass-outs available?
Pass-outs are available if you need to exit Sovereign Hill and return.
You will be issued a pass out wristband upon entry.
Are there any measures in place for lost children?
Sovereign Hill offers wristbands at the ticket box. Parents and guardians of children write contact details on the band. In the event of separation, Sovereign Hill costumed staff will assist.
Is parking available onsite?
Yes! And it’s free! Head to our main visitor carpark on Bradshaw Street. Limited disabled parking is available.
Can I go from Winter Wonderlights to AURA?
Yes you can, but they are two separate events with separate tickets. Please make sure to book your ticket for each event. Find out more about AURA here.
Can I re-schedule my booking?
Winter Wonderlight’s ticket sales are final. No refunds or date changes are available.
Failure to attend on the day without prior contact will result in forfeiture of the booking. Tickets cannot be exchanged for credit or cash, transferred into another name or sold to another party.
Cancellation requests should be made in writing to [email protected]
I have a locals pass, can I come to Winter Wonderlights?
Yes, a valid Locals Pass ticket gives you access to our Winter Wonderlights Events. See our locals pass page for more details.
Will there be Winter Wonderlights Relaxed Sessions this year?
Yes, we are putting the finishing touches on plans for Winter Wonderlights Relaxed Sessions. We'll be announcing this through our channels short
Can I stay onsite at the hotel?
Yes, the Sovereign Hill Hotel is open. We offer a range of room styles at the Hotel, from spacious family rooms to private couples’ rooms there is something for everyone at the Sovereign Hill Hotel. The Hotel boasts a private entry to the Sovereign Hill Museum for Hotel guests making your visit that little bit more effortless.
For further information please visit our Hotel page.
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