What are the Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights?
Once a year from the 29th June until the 21st July Sovereign Hill transforms into a winter wonderland experience that makes you feel like it's Christmas in July! You can experience Soveriegn Hills year-round attractions during the day with a few extra bonuses thrown in like meeting the famous sir ginger. But when the sun goes down is when the extra special magic starts as main street is transformed into a winter wonderland with it's building lit up with shining images that dance in the night. (Faux) Snow falls around as you walk through the town marveliing at the spectacles on offer. There are other features too such as a brass band playing christmas classics, a new light tunnel and maybe a visit from the famous Saint Nick!
How do I Get to Sovereign Hill?
Car
Sovereign Hill is an Hour and a half drive from Melbourne on the Western Highway. Situated in the Historic city of Ballarat on Bradshaw street, it is easy to find by following the brown and white tourist signs upon entering the city.
Train
V-line trains run from Melbourne to Ballarat Station and for the winter wonderlights bus shuttles will transport you to and from the train station.
Take the hassle out of getting to the Winter Wonderlights and join us on a day tour. We pick up at convenient locations accross Melbourne in the afternoon and will arrive in no time allowing you plenty of time to explore! We'll also take care of the driving for you on the way home so you can relax and reflect on the amazing day you've had!
What can I do at the Winter Wonderlights?
Classic Attractions
You'll have plenty of time to explore and visit the year round attractions such as panning for gold, touring the underground mines, watching the gold pour and hard candy being made and even going for a horse-drawn carriage ride if it tickles your fancy!
Plays at Victoria Theatre
There's a couple of theatrical productions on offer for your visual and audible pleasure. The classic fairy-tale Beauty and the Beast is on show rejinked in a fun slapstick style with plenty of fun and shenanigans to keep you entertained. There's also an old style Christmas Mummers production of St Nicholas and Old horse which is sure to be plenty of fun and silly. If you want something a bit different then the story of the Gingerbread man is told through the use of incredible Victorian shadow puppets.
Beauty and the Beast
11:30am, 2:15pm, 5:00pm
St Nicholas & Old Horse
12:30pm
The Gingerbread Man
1pm & 3:30pm
Snow falling in the street
Witness the magic as snow falls in the main street creating a true Christmas in July feel. St Nicholas might even make an appearance, it's snow much fun!
11:15am, 1:40pm, 3:40pm, 5:45pm
Classic Christmas Tunes
An old fashioned brass band will be on hand to belt out some of your christmas favourites and have you singing along.
4:45pm
The mischevious Sir Ginger
Enjoy the chance to meet the mischief maker that is sir ginger as he gets up to all sorts of silliness in the marquee.
12pm & 3pm
Light Tunnel
A new addition this year, the light tunnel provides plenty of sparkle and glamour to allow you to get that perfect photo.
5:50pm to 7pm
The Winter Wonderlights
Once the sun goes down and the sky becomes dark the city will light up with a magnificent display of decorative lighting that shines on the facades of the buildings.
