Ballarat Winter Festival

30/07/2026

What a winter! ❄️✨

From icy adventures to dazzling lights, thank-you to everyone who joined us at this year's Ballarat Winter Festival.

29/07/2026

Drum roll, please! 🥁

As voted by you, the winners of Ballarat's Hot Choc Showdown 2026 are:

☕ Non-alcoholic: The Caramel Indulgence Bomb from the Ballarat Chocolate Experience Store
☕ Alcoholic: Butter Me Up! from Kilderkin Distillery

The trail featured more than 30 sweet sensations from the city's best cafes, restaurants and bars.

22/07/2026

17/07/2026

FINAL WEEKEND ❄️✨

Whether it's date night at the ice rink or a family day out, the calendar is packed with winter magic.

Discover what’s on and make the most of the final weekend of the Ballarat Winter Festival > https://bit.ly/4dBOCXd

16/07/2026

Join the Boatshed for one of the most loved winter traditions - a festive four-course Christmas dinner, beautifully paired with a series of cocktails designed to warm your soul and spark your tastebuds.

For every ticket sold, $20 will be donated to Ballarat Soup Bus, supporting those in need in the local community this winter.

Tickets are on sale now > https://bit.ly/4gA9eB6

14/07/2026

LAST WEEK TO SIP AND WIN ☕

Warm up this winter by sipping your way through Ballarat's most delicious hot chocolates. Tried them all? Cast your vote for your favourite and you could WIN a winter prize pack valued at $1500.

Ballarat’s Hot Choc Showdown 2026 competition prize is brought to you by Grounded Pleasures.

More details > https://bit.ly/3Q8CvYU

13/07/2026

Step inside one of Ballarat's most iconic heritage landmarks and experience Craig's Royal Hotel after dark as part of the Ballarat Winter Festival.

This intimate evening begins with a guided exploration of the historic hotel, where you will wander through rarely accessed spaces and uncover fascinating stories woven through more than 160 years of history. Hear tales of gold rush fortunes, grand celebrations, remarkable characters, and notable guests who have passed through the hotel's doors, helping shape Ballarat's rich and colourful past.

You will then gather in the elegant Prince's Room, where candlelight, glowing fireplaces, and live cello music create the atmosphere of a Victorian winter evening. Surrounded by the beauty and history of one of Australia's grand hotels, enjoy a specially prepared two-course dinner.

Brought to you by Hidden Lanes. Tickets on sale now > https://bit.ly/4faJSan

11/07/2026

4 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗰 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻

☕ The Goldfields at Websters Market and Café > https://bit.ly/4oUVoes
☕ Toasty Praline at Hop Temple & Aunty Jacks > https://bit.ly/4xSLM8g
☕ Vanilla Bean Banjo Hot Chocolate at Ballarat Wildlife Park > https://bit.ly/3SEKE88
☕ Velvet Ember Salted Caramel Chocolate at Lola Ballarat > https://bit.ly/4p5k4RJ

Ballarat's Hot Choc Showdown is on now 27 June as part of the Ballarat Winter Festival.

Check out the full line-up at https://bit.ly/3Q0l8tc

11/07/2026

LAST CHANCE!

There are only a few days left.

Go find our tiger signs around Ballarat, snap a photo 📸 tag us and you’ll be in the running to win a fantastic prize package ✨
❤️

09/07/2026

WINTER IGLOOS AT THE MARKET HOTEL ❄️

Rug up and experience Ballarat’s cosiest winter dining destination with the Market Hotel's private igloo experience.

Perfect for groups, each igloo includes throws, cushions and a wireless speaker on request. You can even pre-book an indulgent grazing feast filled with delicious winter favourites.

Bookings essential > https://bit.ly/4wARx9p