Skate into the school holidays at the Ballarat Winter Festival

Whether you’re lacing up skates for the first time, chasing the ultimate hot chocolate or looking for school holiday fun, the Ballarat Winter Festival is ready to bring winter to life.

The festival’s signature ice rink returns to Armstrong Street South for its twelfth year, offering a must-do winter experience in the heart of the city.

The first session at 9am on Monday 29 June, Tuesday 30 June, and Wednesday 1 July are ‘Learn to Skate’ lessons, giving beginners of all ages the opportunity to build confidence with guidance from a qualified Australian Professional Skaters’ Association (APSA) coach.

These skill sessions include skate hire, the 9am lesson, plus free admission to a public skating session at 10am on the same day, giving participants extra time to put their new skills into practice.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said these sessions are a fantastic way for people of all ages to give ice skating a go in a supportive and fun environment.

“If you’ve thought about giving skating a try, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity right in the heart of Ballarat,” she said.  

“Plus, it really captures what Ballarat Winter Festival is all about – bringing people together and enjoying winter in a different way.”

The pop-up rink will operate throughout the festival, with a wide range of sessions available to suit all experience levels.  

These include dedicated family-friendly sessions designed to provide a more relaxed environment for younger skaters and beginners, as well as sensory sessions for people with additional needs or those who prefer a quieter setting.

After time on the ice, visitors can warm up with a well-earned treat as part of Ballarat’s Hot Choc Showdown.

More than 30 local cafes, bars and bakeries will showcase their creative takes on the ultimate winter warmer, all competing for the title of Ballarat’s best.  

Participants can follow the trail and vote in the People’s Choice Award for a chance to win a Ballarat prize pack worth $1,500, generously provided by local business Grounded Pleasures.

For those chasing a great deal, collect a discount code from participating Ballarat hospitality or tourism businesses when you spend $25 or more to receive 15 per cent off your ice rink tickets. View the list of participating businesses on the Ice Rink Discount webpage.  

Across the city, a diverse program of events and activations will deliver something for everyone throughout the festival period.

Highlights include the Design Exchange Winter Market at the Mining Exchange, featuring handmade goods, artisan food and live music and HIDDEN at Civic Hall, an immersive exhibition of large-scale inflatable art installations brought to life by six local artists.

View the full program and plan your winter activities at ballaratwinterfestival.com.au.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Pop-up ice skating rink

The pop-up ice skating rink is back, bringing icy thrills and frosty fun to Central Ballarat. Whether you are a seasoned skater or first timer, the ice-skating rink is the ultimate family adventure these school holidays and a must-do winter experience for all ages.

• When: 27 June – 19 July
• Times: Sunday-Thursday 9am-8.45pm; Friday & Saturday 9am-9.45pm
• Where: Armstrong Street South (next to Ballarat Town Hall)
• Tickets: $10-$49 | Book at ballaratwinterfestival.com.au

Ballarat’s Hot Choc Showdown

Drink your way through the city and experience the delicious range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot chocolates before voting for the ultimate winner in the People’s Choice. Not only will you help crown Ballarat Winter Festival’s best hot chocolate, but you'll also go into the draw to win a Ballarat prize pack valued at $1,500 thanks to Grounded Pleasures.

• When: 27 June – 19 July
• Times: Times vary by venue
• Where: Over 30 venues participating across Ballarat | View the interactive map on the Ballarat’s Hot Choc Showdown webpage or collect a hard copy from the ice-skating rink or Visitor Information Centre
• Voting: Cast your vote via the online form

Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill

Prepare to be dazzled as Sovereign Hill transforms into a glittering wonderland with a spectacular blend of sound, light, falling snow, St Nick and wintry delights.

• When: 26 June – 19 July
• Times: 10am-7pm
• Where: Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw Street, Golden Point
• Tickets: $25-$199 | Don’t forget to upgrade your ticket to a Locals Pass! | Book at winterwonderlights.com.au  

Knights of Fire at Kryal Castle

Get ready for Knights clashing with flaming swords, snow queens and winter magic. Cosy up with a mulled wine or a hot chocolate and watch knights battle with fiery swords, or join them in training with an axe, sword or bow. There will also be plenty of other activities like face painting, potion making, s’mores toasting and more.

• When: 27 June – 12 July
• Times: 10am-4pm
• Where: Kryal Castle, Forbes Road, Leigh Creek
• Tickets: $33.50-$175 | Book at kryalcastle.com.au

The Design Exchange Winter Market

Immerse yourself in the winter festivities with innovative designers, artisan foods, live music, and the charm of one of Ballarat's historic gems, the Mining Exchange. It's the perfect opportunity to find something special for yourself and unique gifts for others while supporting local talent this winter season.

• When: 27 & 28 June
• Times: 9am-3pm
• Where: The Mining Exchange, 12 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central
• Tickets: $5 per person with children under 18 free

HIDDEN 
HIDDEN transforms Ballarat's Civic Hall into a vibrant world of inflatable art. Presented by Creative Ballarat, this immersive micro festival invites audiences to explore six large-scale installations by local artists Jay Kulbardi, Annelìse Belladonna, Ben Pennell, Tom Bell, Kathy Holowko and Meaghan Shelton. Wander, touch, listen and play as the historic Civic Hall becomes a dreamlike landscape of curiosity and imagination!

• When: 10 – 12 July
• Times: Friday 10 July 5-9pm | Saturday 11 July 10am-9pm | Sunday 12 July 10am-4pm
• Where: Civic Hall, 300-304 Mair St, Ballarat Central
• Tickets: $15-$25 | Book at hermaj.com