It's holiday time in Ballarat! Dive into our guide to discover all the seasonal events and activities. From Ballarat regulars to holiday explorers, our guide brings the festive season to life.
One highlight of the festive calendar is the enchanting Ballarat Carols by Candlelight, where community spirit shines bright with local performers filling the air with music and joy. The Christmas decorations and live music in the CBD create a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll. And don’t forget the New Year's Eve celebrations, which promise to welcome the new year with vibrant festivities and fireworks. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Ballarat
- New Year's Eve celebrations (Melbourne)
- Ballarat Carols by Candlelight
- Christmas decorations and live music in CBD
- Candlelight: A Night of Christmas Classics
- Makers Market at The District Docklands (Docklands)
- Christmas lunch and dinner at local restaurants
- Town Hall Christmas events
- Camperdown Carols by Candlelight (Camperdown)
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay and Imagine Dragons
- Support local creatives and producers
See these and even more events listed below!
Ballarat Holiday Light Displays
Scenic drive to explore Christmas lights
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas light displays with giant stars.
Description:
Explore Ballarat's best Christmas lights on a scenic drive, featuring interactive displays and giant stars.
Where: Ballarat | More Info: Scenic drive to explore Christmas lights
Ballarat Holiday Markets and Shopping
Makers Market at The District Docklands
What to Expect:
Pet-friendly market with doggie treats and accessories.
Description:
The District Monthly Makers Market at Docklands features live music, entertainment, and a variety of creative market stalls showcasing art, craft, jewelry, fashion, homewares, and gifts. It is a pet-friendly event where you can bring your furry friends and enjoy a stroll through the open-air laneways while shopping.
Where: Docklands | More Info: Makers Market at The District Docklands
Ballarat Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Candlelight: A Night of Christmas Classics
What to Expect:
Live classical music performance in a candlelit setting.
Description:
Candlelight: A Night of Christmas Classics features a live, multi-sensory musical experience with the Spire Quartet performing classic Christmas songs under the gentle glow of candlelight at the Ballarat Mining Exchange.
Where: Ballarat | More Info: Candlelight: A Night of Christmas Classics
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay and Imagine Dragons
What to Expect:
Candlelit performance of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons classics.
Description:
Immerse yourself in the iconic sounds of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons at Candlelight: A Tribute, where talented musicians perform under the soft glow of candles, creating a memorable and intimate musical experience.
Where: Ballarat | More Info: Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay and Imagine Dragons
Ballarat Carols by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Free community event with live music and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Ballarat Carols by Candlelight is a free community event featuring captivating music and festive atmosphere at Mars Stadium on Sunday, 22nd December 2024.
Where: Ballarat | More Info: Ballarat Carols by Candlelight
Camperdown Carols by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Free community event with local performers.
Description:
Camperdown Carols by Candlelight is a free community event featuring local talent, spreading Christmas cheer through song. It is a long-standing tradition that has been a part of the district's holiday celebrations since the early 1950s.
Where: Camperdown | More Info: Camperdown Carols by Candlelight
Town Hall Christmas events
What to Expect:
Interactive walking tour with giant artworks by local artist Ulla Taylor.
Description:
The Town Hall Christmas events in Ballarat feature dazzling decorations, live music, and interactive family activities. The Christmas Art Trail takes participants on a walking tour through the festive area, showcasing giant artworks by street artist Ulla Taylor. Maps are available at the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre, and completing the walking trail can lead to a chance to win Christmas hampers featuring local produce and wares.
Where: Ballarat | More Info: Town Hall Christmas events
Ballarat Other Holiday Activities
Christmas decorations and live music in CBD
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas Art Trail with giant artworks and local produce hampers.
Description:
The CBD in Ballarat is adorned with dazzling Christmas decorations and features live music, interactive family activities, and Christmas workshops. The Christmas Art Trail, showcasing works by street artist Ulla Taylor, offers a walking tour through the festive area of Ballarat central.
Where: Ballarat | More Info: Christmas decorations and live music in CBD
Christmas lunch and dinner at local restaurants
What to Expect:
Diverse dining options in a historic setting.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas in Ballarat with a variety of local restaurants offering special menus for lunch and dinner. Enjoy a range of cuisines and dining experiences, from casual to fine dining, all in the heart of this charming Australian town.
Where: Ballarat | More Info: Christmas lunch and dinner at local restaurants
New Year's Eve celebrations
What to Expect:
Spectacular rooftop fireworks and laser displays.
Description:
Melbourne's New Year's Eve celebrations feature rooftop fireworks, laser displays, and entertainment in free celebration zones, making it a vibrant and memorable way to welcome the new year.
Where: Melbourne | More Info: New Year's Eve celebrations
Support local creatives and producers
What to Expect:
Embracing traditional artisanal skills with contemporary treatments.
Description:
Support local creatives and producers in Ballarat, a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, where artists, makers, and innovators thrive.