Get ready to light up your winter with these amazing Winter Light events in Melbourne and regional Victoria. From the popular Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne to the Train of Lights in Dandenong Ranges, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For art lovers, RISING 2023 brings two stunning light installations to Melbourne this June and July, and the Glow Winter Arts Festival is back for another magical evening of art and illumination.
In regional Victoria, Lakes Lights and Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights are must-see events. And don’t forget Adventure Park Winter Glow, where you can experience a winter wonderland with rides and light installations and the Korumburra Southern Lights Festival at the Coal Creek Community Park & Museum.
Where to find Winter Lights in Melbourne and Regional Victoria in 2024
Lightscape is back by popular demand in 2023 at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Lightscape will feature over 20,000 moving LEDs that form an eight-metre sphere, a mesmerising fire garden, singing trees, and an array of colour-changing installations, soundscapes, and large-scale illuminated sculptures. The new two-kilometre trail around the scenic lake offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the gardens at night. Preview Lightscape here.
Date: 16 June – 06 August 2023 Session times: every 15 mins Wed, Thu & Sun: 5.15 pm – 9 pm Fri & Sat: 5.15 pm – 9.30 pm Location: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue Price: peak: Adult $40, Child (4-12 yrs) $32, Family $144, off-peak: Adult $36, Child (4-12 yrs) $28, Family $128, anytime Pass $55
Experience the magic of the Dandenong Ranges at night with the Train of Lights, a unique opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking light show immersed in the natural surroundings. Admire the bright colours, mesmerising patterns, and native wildlife projections that leap from the open-side carriages towards the forests and open farmlands as you travel through Emerald Lake Park, Cockatoo and Gembrook.
Date: 23 June – 9 July 2023 Location: Emerald Lake Park, Emerald Price: $25 – $76
RISING 2023 brings two stunning light installations to Melbourne this June and July. SPARK, created by Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde, features a cloud of biodegradable lights forming ever-shifting shoals, creating a sublime bioluminescent atmosphere over Fed Square from 7-10 June. ELECTRIC – SPIRITS OF THE LAND, by revered Wurundjeri/Yorta Yorta artist Aunty Zeta Thomson, transforms the facade of Hamer Hall into a canvas featuring First Nations stories, culture and knowledge each evening of RISING from 7 June to 16 July.
Experience a magical evening of art and illumination at the Glow Winter Arts Festival 2023, presented by the City of Stonnington. This free event is perfect for all ages and offers stunning light displays, immersive art installations, and interactive activities. Let your imagination run wild as you explore the park with your loved ones and create lasting memories.
Date: 15 – 18 June 2023 Time: Thu 5 pm – 10 pm, Fri – Sun 5 pm – 11 pm Location: Central Park, Malvern Price: Free
Lakes Lights is returning by popular demand on Saturday 1st July 2023, for one night only! Don’t miss the magical community lantern parade across the Lakes Entrance Footbridge, featuring lanterns made during a series of workshops leading up to the event. The parade leads to a showcase of artist-made lanterns, art installations, and lighting projections on the small stretch of land between the Gippsland Lakes and the 90 Mile Beach.
The Korumburra Southern Lights Festival is back in 2023. Enjoy free activities like lawn games and face painting, while families can groove to live music and DJ performances on two stages. Watch in amazement as the fire twirlers put on a dazzling show, and savour the mouth-watering food and drinks on offer from the market stalls. There will be light displays, featuring laser-cut light drums bouncing off the historic Coal Creek buildings.
At the end of the night, families can marvel at the stunning fireworks finale that will light up the sky.
Date: Sunday 11 June 2023 Time: Gates open at 3 pm, Entertainment kicks off at 4 pm, and Fireworks at 8.30 pm Location: Coal Creek Community Park & Museum, 12 Silkstone Road, Korumburra, South Gippsland Price: Adults $15, and Children under 18 years are free (a ticket must be purchased for everyone attending)
This winter, Sovereign Hill will be transformed into a magical wonderland with the highly-anticipated Winter Wonderlights. Featuring a stunning display of colourful and vibrant light shows, theatre performances, kid’s activities, and an abundance of family-friendly entertainment.
Date: 24 June – 16 July 2023 Time: 10 am – 7 pm Location: Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw Street, Golden Point
Get ready for an unforgettable experience with snow, epic light installations, and mesmerising fire-twirling and ice-sculpting displays at the 2023 Adventure Park Winter Glow.
Let your imagination run wild as you build a snowman with realistic snow in their Snow Play Zone. There will be live ice-sculpting and fire-twirling displays, and witness millions of dazzling lights and hundreds of glittering installations all over the park. And the fun doesn’t stop there – enjoy 8 thrilling action rides, play mini-golf, and engage in lots more activities for the kids.
Date: 16 – 18 June, 23 June – 9 July & 13 – 16 July 2023 Time: 3.30 pm – 8.30 pm Location: Adventure Park, 1249 Bellarine Highway, Wallington Price: FREE Admission (under 90cm), General Admission 90 – 120cm $32.50, General Admission over 120cm $39.50
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.