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Winter in Melbourne doesn’t have to mean staying indoors!
Rug up in your Merry People boots, grab some hot chocolate, and head out with the kids to explore these magical winter festivals full of magic and fun.
Our friends at Tot Hot or Not are sharing their top cosy winter events worth braving the chill for this year!
1. Lightscape, Royal Botanic Gardens
Lightscape is like stepping into a glowing, fairy-tale world. Walk through tunnels of light, see giant illuminated flowers, and hear twinkly music as you explore the gardens after dark. Your Merry People boots will help you stroll through the 2.2km trail, keeping you comfortable and warm!
Where? Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
When? June 20–August 10, 2025
2. Winter Wonderlights Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
Daytime at Sovereign Hill is all mine tours, horse rides, candle making and raspberry drops from the lolly shop! But come nightfall during Winter Wonderlights, the whole 1850s village lights up with snowy projections, fairy lights, and falling snow.
Your Merry People boots will keep your feet dry while you’re panning for gold or simply strolling the dirt paths of gold-rush era Ballarat and enjoying the Christmas in July spectacle.
Where? Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
When? July 4–27, 2025
3. Electric Wonderland, Bendigo
Rosalind Park in Bendigo is hosting a new Electric Wonderland program during the winter school holidays. Be amazed by flowers that fall and bloom from the sky, a dazzling mirrorball laser alley to explore, dance walls and more!
Where? Rosalind Park, Bendigo
When? July 4-20, 2025
4. Winter Wonderland at The Night Market, Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Vic Market’s Winter Night Market is getting a frosty glow-up this July! Step inside a life-size snow globe, watch live ice sculptors work their magic, and snap pics under shimmering snowflake lights. There’ll be roving snow queens, hula hoopers, and stilt walkers adding sparkle to every corner.
The E shed is turning into a winter wonderland, complete with cosy fire pits, faux falling snow, and a pop-up bar with warming drinks (spiced hot Milo, anyone?). Families can even book a table in the Winter Wonderland zone for the ultimate midweek treat during the school holidays, available on 2, 9 and 16 July only.
Where? Queen Victoria Market
When? Every Wednesday in July | 5–10pm
5. Firelight Festival, Docklands
Get ready for a fiery spectacle! The Firelight Festival in Docklands is back and bigger than ever. Think fire performers, flame-throwing jets, glowing sculptures, music, and tasty street food. The best part? It’s free!
Where? Docklands, Melbourne
When? July 4–6, 2025
6. Winter Wonderland at Grazeland, Spotswood
Grazeland’s Winter Wonderland is bringing all the frosty fun to the west this July. This glowing winter playground is lighting up the school holidays with falling snow, fire shows, neon lights, and live music – plus hearty seasonal food that'll warm you from the inside out.
Opening weekend kicks off with a big Block Party on Friday 4 July, complete with street party energy. Don’t miss the free face painting and a special visit from Frosty the Snowman!
Where? Grazeland, Spotswood
When? July 4–20, 2025 (weekends only)
7. Playbound, Melbourne
Looking for something fun, hands-on, and weather-proof? Playbound is taking over Melbourne’s most iconic indoor venues these school holidays with 16 days of creativity, curiosity and connection. Kids aged 0–12 can dive into a jam-packed program of performances, crafts, workshops, exhibitions and more, all themed around play, nature, science and imagination.
Where? Various locations, City of Melbourne
When? July 5–20, 2025
If you’re looking for more ways to make the most of winter in Melbourne with kids, Tot Hot or Not has created a FREE Winter 2025 Guide with 50+ things to do with kids in Melbourne and beyond.
From snow adventures to free fun, it’s packed with family-friendly inspo that you and your Merry People boots will love! Sign up to download the Winter 2025 guide.
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