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Where to See Winter Light Festivals in Melbourne and Victoria
Are you looking for magical ways to brighten up the cold season? This winter, Victoria comes alive after dark with dazzling light festivals, lantern parades, and immersive art experiences that transform city streets, parks, and regional towns into glowing wonderlands. From Melbourne’s beloved Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Gardens to regional gems like Puffing Billy’s Train of Lights, Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill, and Lakes Entrance Lantern Parade, families, couples, and festival lovers can enjoy a packed calendar of winter events across June, July and August. Here’s your guide to the best winter light festivals in Melbourne and Victoria 2025.
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Melbourne Metro Winter Light Experiences
Lightscape at Royal Botanic Gardens
Friday 20 June – Sunday 10 August 2025
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Step into a world of light, sound, and wonder as Lightscape returns to Melbourne this winter with an all-new experience. Lightscape 2025 unveils a reimagined trail through the stunning landscape of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, featuring more than 20 brand-new installations.
Winter Glow 2025 – Glow Winter Arts Festival
Dates to be announced
Central Park, Malvern East
This July, Glow Winter Arts Festival returns to Malvern East with a dazzling new program designed to spark curiosity and wonder after dark. Set within the beautiful surrounds of Central Park, the festival invites visitors of all ages to take a magical journey through a series of immersive outdoor installations.
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Docklands Firelight Festival
4-6 July 2025
NewQuay Promenade, Victoria Promenade, and Harbour Esplanade
Melbourne’s Firelight Festival returns to Docklands from 4–6 July 2025 with three nights of free winter fun featuring fire performers, flame jets, illuminated sculptures, live music and roving entertainers. Highlights include giant light installations by Amanda Parer—Man, Over, and Poke — plus interactive experiences like Neon Swings and the River of Giants playground. Live performances from Junkyard Beats, Umbra Moon, Gretta Ziller, FireLily Dance, and more will light up the night across multiple precincts.
Puffing Billy’s Train of Lights
Friday 4 July – Sunday 20 July 2025
Departs from Lakeside Station, Emerald Lake Park
Puffing Billy’s Train of Lights returns in 2025 for its fourth year, offering a magical after-dark journey through Emerald Lake Park, Cockatoo and Gembrook. Departing from Lakeside Station, this heritage steam train lights up the forest with vibrant projections, colourful installations and immersive soundscapes cast onto native bushland, creating a unique and memorable winter experience for all ages.
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Belgrave Lantern Parade 2025
Saturday 21 June 2025, 5–8pm
Belgrave Township
Free
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with the Belgrave Lantern Parade, the Dandenong Ranges’ largest community lantern event. Enjoy a magical evening of handmade lanterns, live music, circus acts, fire pits, and art stalls lining the streets.
Pre-event lantern workshops are available in the lead-up, with all ages welcome to join the parade. Part of the Belgrave Live winter program.
LOST at Bunjil Place
Fri 11 Jul 2025 – Sun 27 Jul 2025, 10 am – 10 pm
Bunjil Place
Free
This winter, LOST invites you to explore a breathtaking illuminated garden of giant endangered plants. Created by internationally acclaimed Australian artist Amanda Parer, this free, family-friendly art installation transforms the Bunjil Place Plaza into a magical space where towering sculptures of glowing flowers and foliage come to life — like stepping into Alice’s Wonderland.
Regional Victoria Light Festivals
Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
Friday 4 July – Sunday 27 July 2025
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
Step into a festive winter wonderland as Winter Wonderlights returns to Sovereign Hill this July, transforming the iconic goldfields township into a dazzling night-time spectacle. Experience over 18 kilometres of twinkling fairy lights, breathtaking light projections on Main Street, Drover’s Hut, and Brightview Gardens, accompanied by wintry soundscapes and magical falling snow that create the feel of a true Christmas in July.
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Lakes Lights – Lantern Parade
Saturday 12 July 2025, 5 – 9pm
Lakes Entrance Foreshore
Free
Celebrate the magic of winter by the water at Lakes Lights – Lantern Parade, a highlight of the East Gippsland Winter Festival. Held along the scenic Lakes Entrance Foreshore, this free family-friendly event invites you to follow a glowing procession of lanterns and light.
The parade departs from the Slipway Sheds, winding its way along the foreshore and across the iconic footbridge, accompanied by artist-made sculptures, projection art, and roving performers bringing the night to life.
Winter Glow at Adventure Park Geelong
Saturday 28 June – Saturday 9 August 2025
Adventure Park, Geelong
Victoria’s largest water theme park transforms into a magical snow-and-lights wonderland this winter with Winter Glow at Adventure Park Geelong. Explore a spectacular 2 km illuminated trail winding through dazzling light displays, enjoy an epic snow zone perfect for winter fun, and be entertained by fire-twirling performances and ice sculpting demonstrations.
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Medieval Winter Fire Festival, Bruthen
Saturday 21 June 2025, 3pm – 9pm
Bruthen, East Gippsland
Step back in time this Winter Solstice at the Medieval Winter Fire Festival in Bruthen, a family-friendly celebration filled with fiery spectacle and historic fun.
Dress in your finest medieval costume and enjoy sword-fighting reenactments and thrilling flaming sword battles that light up the early evening. Be entertained by traditional Morris dancers, glowing fire pots, and a mesmerising lantern parade winding through the town.
With live music, artisan markets, and a towering grand bonfire to gather around, this unique festival combines ancient traditions with community spirit for an unforgettable winter night.
Tips for Enjoying Winter Light Events in Victoria
Book early: Lightscape and other ticketed events often sell out—reserve timed‑entry passes as soon as they go on sale.
Dress warmly: Night temperatures can dip below 5 °C; layers, scarves, gloves and warm footwear are essential.
Bring a tripod: For sharp long‑exposure shots of light tunnels and projections.
Family focus: Many festivals offer free children’s workshops—check event sites for lantern‑making, ice‑sculpting or medieval craft sessions.
Enjoy Melbourne’s and regional Victoria’s spectacular winter light displays 2025.
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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.
