The first two weeks of the 2025 Ballarat Winter Festival prove that when it comes to winter, Ballarat certainly knows how to put on a show.
Tens of thousands of people have already been enthralled as part of the festival, with bumper numbers showing how the winter celebration continues to go from strength to strength.
From packed out sessions on the ice-skating rink and for the family sessions inside the new Ukiyo entertainment tent, to cafes packed to the brim with customers searching for Ballarat Winter Festival's best hot chocolate, the winter school holidays have been anything but dull.
And the best part? The festival keeps on rolling on this week!
While the Ukiyo tent festivities are now wrapped up and its dazzling entertainers are taking a well-earned break, the remainder of the festival keeps on going.
And the early indications are that the Ballarat Winter Festival has already gone to another level in 2025.
The pop-up ice-skating rink has been immensely popular once again, with more than 14,427 people already through the door and an increased number of fully booked sessions.
If you haven't had the chance to hit the ice, there's no need to worry. The rink will remain open all week, with the final session being held on Sunday night.
The 15% discount for skaters who spend $25 at a participating business will also run all week.
Ballarat's Hot Choc Showdown has also been a raging success, with cafes across Ballarat reporting booming sales and many being completely sold out on numerous occasions.
There has already been 992 votes lodged in the People's Choice award, with all entrants to go in the draw to win a hot chocolate hamper valued at almost $200.
The Ukiyo Tent, in its debut year as part of the Ballarat Winter Festival, welcomed about 3,000 people through its doors in the first time it has come to the city.
And at Sovereign Hill, there have been a number of sold-out sessions at Winter Wonderlights, which will also continue to be held this week.
Kryal Castle has also been entertaining families with its Knights of Fire spectacular, which came to an end at the weekend.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the festival was vital not in just attracting visitors but also providing Ballarat locals with wholesome entertainment options.
"It's been fantastic to see so many families, visitors and locals rugging up and making the most of this year's Ballarat Winter Festival," she said.
"The feedback we've heard is that this has been the biggest and best Winter Festival to date."
To ensure you don't miss out on being a part of this year's Ballarat Winter Festival and to reserve your spots early, visit the website.
The Ballarat Winter Festival runs until Sunday 27 July.
