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Where to celebrate Winter Solstice in Melbourne
Mark your calendars for 22 June 2023, as communities across Melbourne come together to celebrate the Winter Solstice. This special day marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, a time traditionally celebrated with bonfires, rituals, music, wine, and food.
This year, some beautiful Winter Solstice events are taking place throughout Melbourne that you won’t want to miss. These events offer the perfect opportunity to come together with friends, family, and members of your community to embrace the spirit of the season.
From bonfire gatherings to lantern walks, here are some of the Winter Solstice events happening in Melbourne this year:
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Collingwood Children’s Farm Bonfire
The Winter Solstice Bonfire at Collingwood Children’s Farm has been a beloved tradition since 2003, and this year’s event marks its 29th anniversary. On Saturday, June 17, 2023, thousands of families will gather to witness the mesmerising spectacle of flames dancing into the night sky from a massive bonfire. There will be live music, fire lanterns, face-painting and storytelling. Tickets are selling fast!
Date: Saturday 17 June 2023
Time: 4 pm – 8 pm
Location: Collingwood Children’s Farm, 18 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
Price: Adults $25 / concession $15, Kids $15 / concession $10, Children under the age of 2 are admitted for free.
CERES Winter Solstice
Experience the enchantment of Winter Solstice at CERES, a celebration that embraces the beautiful darkness and pays homage to the longest night of the year.
Immerse yourself in the warmth of crackling fires and indulge in locally crafted winter-warming delicacies. The night will feature live music, and a host of activities for all ages.
Date: 24 June 2023
Time: 4.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Location: CERES Brunswick, corner of Roberts & Stewart Streets, Brunswick East
Price: Adult: $25, Child: $8, Child under 3: Free, Family (2 x adults & 2 x kids): $60
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Seaworks Winter Solstice
The Seaworks Winter Solstice Festival is a FREE event that celebrates the arrival of the winter season by embracing the longest night and the shortest day of the year. Get ready for a day filled with joy and entertainment for the whole family. The festival offers a diverse range of activities including giant puppets, circus performances, live music, dance, art exhibitions and market stalls.
Date: 23 June 2023
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Location: 82 Nelson Place, Williamstown
Price: Free
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Belgrave Lantern Parade
The Hills community is gearing up for the 17th annual Belgrave Lantern Parade, a beloved tradition that celebrates the Winter Solstice. On the shortest day of winter, the community will come together to bask in the warmth of friendship, light, and creativity. This year’s event promises to be as magical as ever, with hundreds of lanterns lining the main street, accompanied by street art, music, workshops, food trucks, artisan markets, fire-pits and more.
Date: 24 June 2023
Time: 5 pm – 8 pm
Location: Belgrave, Victoria
Price: Free
Winter Solstice Lantern Walk
To celebrate the winter solstice, Preston Library invites kids to craft beautiful lanterns. These lanterns will serve as the guiding light as families embark on a short walk outside the library. Afterwards, families will return indoors to cozy up and enjoy steaming cups of hot chocolate. Remember to dress warmly for this delightful adventure!
This lantern crafting activity is designed for children aged 5 – 12.
Date: 20 June 2023
Time: 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Location: Preston Library, 266 Gower Street, Preston
Price: FREE
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Winter Solstice celebrations in regional Victoria
Embrace the Spirit of Solstice
Nightide celebrates the winter solstice with bonfires, ice baths, local drinks, fireworks, a lantern parade, and a diverse lineup of performers. Don’t miss this free community event with a unique blend of entertainment and relaxation.
Date: 24 June 2023
Time: 4 pm – 1 pm
Location: Queenscliff Pier
Price: Free
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
