Here are the most festive towns in Australia

From twinkling lights and Christmas markets to carols by candlelight, these charming destinations deliver all the festive cheer you need to make the season merry and bright.

The holiday season in Australia is a different kind of magic than in the northern hemisphere. From sun-soaked beachside celebrations to country towns decked out in twinkling lights, the festive spirit is alive and well across the country.

Whether you’re after a winter wonderland vibe (minus the snow) or a beachy Christmas experience, these towns know how to deliver on festive cheer.

1. Hahndorf, SA

Step into a fairy-tale Christmas village in Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German settlement. Come December, this charming town in the Adelaide Hills transforms into a Christmas wonderland straight out of Europe. The streets are lined with heritage buildings adorned in festive lights, and local shops offer up a treasure trove of artisan goods perfect for gift shopping.

an event in Hahndorf festooned with fairy lights — Watch live performances under twinkling fairy lights.

Don’t miss the Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German-style Christmas market where you can indulge in mulled wine, gingerbread, and bratwurst while browsing handcrafted decorations and gifts. The twinkling fairy lights, carols and festive fare will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a snow globe, even though the sun is shining.

people browsing through the stalls at the Christkindlmarkt in Hahndorf — Shop handmade decorations and gifts at the German-style Christmas market.

2. Ballarat, Vic

This Gold Rush town knows how to celebrate Christmas with old-world charm and sparkle. Sovereign Hill’s Christmas in July may get all the attention, but come December, Ballarat comes alive with festive spirit once again.

Christmas in Ballarat is a magical time of year. (Image: Meda Designs Au)

The entire town is lit up with Christmas lights and festive markets pop up in historic streets filled with local crafts, food stalls and live entertainment.

reindeers festooned with fairy lights in Ballarat — The historic streets turn into a Christmas wonderland. (Image: Meda Designs Au)

One of the highlights is the Ballarat Christmas Tree; a massive display that stands proudly in the town square alongside carol services that bring the community together in a joyful celebration.

people sitting inside a huge Christmas ball in Ballarat — Snap a selfie inside a huge Christmas bauble. (Image: Meda Designs Au)

3. Hunter Valley, NSW

The Hunter Valley is known for its world-class wineries, but come Christmas, it transforms into a festive wonderland. The Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular is the largest light display in the southern hemisphere, with over four million lights illuminating the beautiful gardens.

a family walking under a garden arch with vibrant lights in Hunter Valley — The annual Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular.

Stroll through the themed light displays, including Fairyland, Winter Wonderland and the new Candyland, while enjoying live entertainment, food stalls and family-friendly activities. New to The Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular this year are 10+ metre Christmas trees, the five-metre Teddy Bear seat and Mr and Mrs Claus.

It’s the perfect spot for a festive evening under the stars and if you’re a wine lover, it’s a win-win Christmas destination.

an epic thrill ride at the Hunter Valley Gardens — Carnival rides take the fun up another level.

4. Mandurah, WA

Mandurah transforms into a sparkling wonderland during the holiday season with its famous Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail .

the light display at Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail — Marvel at the colourful Mandurah Christmas Lights Trail.

The entire foreshore and waterways are adorned with dazzling light displays, creating a magical spectacle that attracts locals and visitors alike.

Christmas tree displays light up on the waterway, Mandurah — Dazzling Christmas trees are perched on the foreshore. (Image: West Beach Studio)

You can get up close to the illuminated houses or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront to soak in the festive atmosphere.

a vehicle decorated for Christmas in Mandurah — You’ll find Christmas displays scattered across town.

Mandurah also hosts family-friendly events, including carols by candlelight and a vibrant Christmas pageant that winds through the heart of the city, making it one of WA’s most festive destinations.

a huge Santa statue in Mandurah — A visit to Mandurah will have you feeling merry.

5. Launceston, Tas

When it comes to festive charm, Launceston delivers with country warmth and a sprinkling of holiday magic.

people wandering around Launceston — Launceston comes alive with festive fun during the holiday season.

The streets of Tasmania’s second city are illuminated with sparkling lights and the city hosts several Christmas events throughout December.

a crowd of people watching a live performance in Launceston — Catch live music performances in the great outdoors. (Image: Adam Gibson)

One of the standout features of the city’s Silverdome Christmas Market. It offers a great opportunity to pick up handmade gifts and seasonal treats and the City of Launceston Lions Club Christmas Parade is a beloved event where the streets come alive with festive floats, marching bands and cheerful crowds, adding to the town’s festive atmosphere.

a fireworks display in Launceston — Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display.

6. Stanthorpe, Qld

Known for its wineries and cool climate, Stanthorpe transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season. Located in the Granite Belt, this charming country town goes all out with twinkling Christmas lights, community carols and festive markets.

colourful flowers at the annual Apple and Grape Festival, Stanthorpe CBD — The Apple and Grape Festival highlights the region’s produce and pretty blooms. (Image: Supplied)

A must-visit is the Granite Belt Christmas Farm , where you can pick your own real Christmas tree, wander through the festive shop filled with decorations and gifts and even meet Santa’s farm animals.

a family strolling around the Granite Belt Christmas Farm — Select your Christmas Tree from the farm. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

With local wineries hosting festive-themed events, Stanthorpe offers a cosy and magical countryside Christmas experience.

Christmas decor on display at the store, Granite Belt Christmas Farm — Find every kind of Christmas decoration you could imagine inside the onsite store.

7. Lobethal, SA

The Lobethal Lights are nothing short of legendary, with this quaint town in the Adelaide Hills putting on South Australia’s largest Christmas light display. For over 60 years, the Lobethal Lights Festival has been illuminating homes, businesses and streets, drawing visitors from far and wide.

Wander through the town’s Living Nativity scenes, enjoy local markets brimming with handcrafted goods and join the community in celebrating Christmas. The lights and celebrations continue for most of December, offering plenty of time to experience the magic of Lobethal at its festive best.

8. Chiltern, Vic

Nestled in Victorian High Country, Chiltern is known for its stunning natural beauty, but it’s also a town that knows how to do Christmas right.

Christmas crochet and yarn bombs in Chiltern, Vic — Poles and bollards are dressed in crocheted characters around town.

Sharing its festive spirit by covering the street bollards with crocheted decorations, Chiltern will fill your heart with holiday joy.

a Christmas decoration on the streets of Chiltern, Vic — Not even phone booths are overlooked.

Ready to deck the halls? These festive Aussie towns are guaranteed to get you feeling merry and bright this holiday season. Pack your Santa hat and get ready to celebrate!

In recent years, Ballarat has emerged as one of Victoria’s most dynamic and daring cities. And, this spring, two unexpected creative showcases will take over the town.

No matter the season, it’s always a good time to visit Ballarat – but spring might be the most ideal. The weather is warmer, the skies are clearer, the flowers across its botanical landscapes are in bloom. And events in Ballarat transform the city into a playground of creativity.

This year, Ballarat will welcome both new and returning artistic events, best paired with a jaunt through the city’s eclectic array of things to eat, drink and explore. Here’s how to spend a spring weekend in this cool cultural hub.

The events

Two of the most exciting events hitting Ballarat this spring are the 2025 Ballarat International Foto Biennale and the inaugural edition of Sunnyside, a captivating and immersive art extravaganza.

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply curious, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is a must. The event permeates the entire city, with works by over 360 local and international photographers adorning over 100 buildings, businesses, streets and public spaces.

This year marks the 11th chapter and will centre on ‘Lifeforce’ – a theme that’s all about humanity and connection. Among the many talents on show, the headline artist is Campbell Addy, a British-Ghanaian creative who explores roots and identity. Be sure to visit before it ends in 2025 on 19 October.

Sunnyside

Sunnyside is making its debut this year, introducing a brand-new celebration of colour, creativity and community to Ballarat. The 17-day celebration, from 6 to 23 November, will feature immersive installations and experiences, talks, a vibrant opening night gala, and workshops covering everything from crochet to neon block printing.

Internationally acclaimed London-based artist Morag Myerscough will lead the celebration and convert Ballarat’s historic Mining Exchange – a gold rush era trading hall – and the city’s streets into a multi-sensory art spectacle.

While you’re there

Don’t miss out on everything else Ballarat has to offer. Here’s where to eat, drink, see and stay in the city.

Where to eat

Vibrant Latin American dishes at Pancho, adding flavour to Events in Ballarat. — Savour bold Latin American dishes at Pancho. (Image: Einwick)

For daytime dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Johnny Alloo does contemporary cafe fare in a warm and inviting space, while Hydrant Food Hall is a popular pick for breakfast and lunch classics. Eclectic Tastes makes seasonal dishes that incorporate plenty of local produce, giving you a great opportunity to taste the region’s flavours.

At night, head to Roy Hammond for delicious cocktails and contemporary Asian-inspired eats or Pancho for vibrant (and very good) Latin American food in fun surrounds. At Hop Temple, you’ll find an incredible selection of craft beers (more than 200, to be exact) and punchy pub fare, or you can head slightly out of town for tasty bistro classics at the historic and character-filled Buninyong Hotel .

In the mood for something fancy? Visit one of Ballarat’s many hatted restaurants, like Babae (produce-driven fine dining inspired by regional Victoria), Mr Jones (modern Asian by a chef with a Michelin pedigree) and Underbar (an ultra-exclusive spot doing ultra-refined tasting menus).

Where to drink

Food and wine tastings at Blue Pyrenees Estate, a refined experience beyond Events in Ballarat. — Relax over wine at Blue Pyrenees Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria)

No matter your poison, you’ll find a venue to suit in Ballarat. Aunty Jacks is a local institution, serving a generous line-up of beers made in the on-site brewery. Renard is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap, with a menu that spans creative signature cocktails, locally produced wines and Australian spirits.

Try some of Ballarat’s finest creations at one of its many boutique distilleries, including Grainery Lane and Itinerant Spirits. The former specialises in gin and vodka, while the latter offers gin, vodka and craft whiskey. Buy a bottle from either as a memento of your trip.

You can also venture a little further afield to one of the area’s renowned wineries and cellar doors. There are 25 scattered around the Pyrenees (Ballarat’s very own surrounding wine region), including Dalwhinnie, Summerfield and Blue Pyrenees Estate. Eastern Peake – a family-owned winery led by Young Gun of Wine 2025, Owen Latta – is also a must-visit.

What to see

A koala eating eucalyptus leaves at Ballarat Wildlife Park. — Meet a koala at Ballarat Wildlife Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’ve got time to spare after the thrill of the spring festivities, there’s lots to see and do. More art can be found in the city’s streets and laneways, with local street artists transforming the walls with impressive murals and installations.

Ballarat is equally renowned for its heritage architecture, much of which flourished during the gold rush. Notable buildings include Ballarat Town Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Craig’s Royal Hotel, all located centrally and within walking distance of one another.

Travelling with kids? Head to Sovereign Hill for a living-history adventure or Ballarat Wildlife Park to meet koalas, reptiles and free-roaming kangaroos.

Where to stay

An elegant suite at Hotel Vera, offering boutique comfort. — Enjoy all-out luxury at Hotel Vera. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’re venturing to the city by train and want to stay somewhere central, Quest Ballarat Station is an excellent pick. The modern serviced apartments are situated just 250m from the station and a short stroll from downtown Ballarat, making coming, going and exploring the city incredibly easy. There’s also an on-site gym, barbecue area and accessible rooms available.

For a touch of French luxe in regional Victoria, The Provincial Hotel is a standout choice, with gorgeously appointed rooms and suites in a restored heritage-listed building. The hotel is also conveniently located on Lydiard Street, which is lined with grand historic architecture.

If you’re after something truly luxe, book a few nights at Hotel Vera. The exclusive collection of only seven suites presents all-out opulence: think lush linens, designer furniture, works by notable artists and gilded touches. It also happens to house fine-dining favourite Babae, making it an optimal stay if you’re keen to try the restaurant.

Getting there

aerial of hop lane in ballarat — Turn your Ballarat visit into a memorable weekend. (Image: Einwick)

One of the best things about Ballarat is its proximity to Melbourne. It’s only 90 minutes away by car – an easy journey down the Western Freeway – or can be easily reached by rail. The train from Southern Cross to Ballarat Station takes less than 90 minutes and drops you right in the centre of town.

Start planning your stay at visitballarat.com.au.