About the Winter Festival

A WONDERFUL TIME

Ballarat’s CBD has come alive this Christmas with a new art trail, the city’s beloved decorations plus live music, roving entertainment, arts and crafts, and much more.

The Christmas Art Trail features unique artworks by five local artists – Lucy Frith, Sally Gregory, Caroline Keys, Dillon Naylor and Tegan Crosbie. Follow the trail through the CBD, snap a selfie with Santa, pat the reindeer or stand under the mistletoe.

Returning to Ballarat for another year are the popular floral reindeer and sleigh, giant shooting star plus the giant bauble in the Bridge Mall.

Don’t miss Santa’s workshop on Albert Street.

Get Crafty

In the special Albert Street green space (between Parent Place and Grill’d), you can take a peek inside Santa’s workshop or get crafty at one of the free kids’ workshops throughout December.

So why not come to the Ballarat CBD for the festive spirit, dine in at your favourite foodie spot then wander the city’s retail treasures to find the
perfect gift?

Plenty to see and do

Christmas decorations
Christmas windows
AGiant shooting star
Floral reindeer
Gingerbread house
Giant walk-through bauble

More to discover

Art gallery of Ballarat

The Art Gallery of Ballarat is not just Australia’s oldest regional gallery but one of its most exciting.

Ballarat Tramway museum

Travel back in time alongside Lake Wendouree by riding one of the 100 year old trams which provided Ballarat’s public transport until 1971.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

The historically significant lakeside gardens feature magnificent mature trees, statues and constantly changing plantings and glasshouse displays.

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“The crystal star is just one of the favourites returning this year, and we have a number of surprises in store.”
Councillor Daniel Moloney

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Photo opportunity

the Giant walk-through bauble

Watch as the Giant Bauble’s light sparkle, creating the perfect festive photo opportunity. Walk through the magic of the bauble - but don't forget to look back to admire the beauty of the Sturt Street buildings.

Find out more

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