Shine Bright With 13 Unmissable Light Festivals Melbourne & Victoria
Autumn and Winter in Melbourne and Victoria may be chilly, but it's also one of the most magical times of the year thanks to the stunning light festivals that illuminate the city centre, the neighbourhoods and regional towns.
From dazzling installations to immersive experiences, winter light festivals bring communities together and offer a unique opportunity to see familiar places in a whole new way.
If you're looking for a way to brighten up your winter, look no further than these 15 unmissable light festivals in Melbourne and Victoria.
Get ready to be wowed!
Light Festivals Melbourne & Victoria
1. LIT, Werribee
Experience a stunning evening spectacle as Wyndham Park transforms into a luminous wonderland for LIT.
Every night Friday 17 March to Sunday 26 March 8-11pm, LIT presents ten evenings of dazzling lights and immersive experiences that’s sure to light up your night.
From the rainbow canopy of lasers to the magical nature trail that glows, pulsing light lawns and interactive projections, LIT is a free, family-friendly event that's not to be missed!
LIT, Wyndham Park, Entry via Wedge Street Piazza, Werribee
Friday 17 – Sunday 26 March 2023 (8pm – 11pm each night)
FREE
2. Malahang Lantern Festival, Heidelberg West
Get ready to light up your night at the Malahang Lantern Festival!
Over three evenings from Friday 17 March to Sunday 19 March 5-10pm, Malahang Reserve will be transformed into a mesmerising dreamland of illuminated large-scale lanterns.
The display features a canopy of multi-coloured trees and over 50 suspended and ground lanterns created by the legendary artist group, The Lanternist.
From gum nuts and snakes to echidnas and wombats, the festival will showcase an array of stunning creatures brought to life in glowing lantern form!
There are also lantern-making workshops, neon face painting, neon photo booth, fire breathers, live performances and a selection of food trucks on site.
Malahang Lantern Festival is suitable for all ages and abilities, providing a fun-filled experience for everyone.
Malahang Lantern Festival, Malahang Reserve, Southern Road at Oriel Road, Heidelberg West
Friday 17 – Sunday 19 March 2023, 5pm – 10pm each night
FREE
3. ILLUMIN8 Festival of Light, Bendigo
ILLUMIN8 is an annual celebration of peace and harmony inspired by Buddha’s life at the Great Stupa. The event commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha according to the Tibetan festival of Saga Dawa.
The family friendly evening features light installations, cultural performances, food stalls and entertainment. Wander the Peace Park and interact with different light sculptures, be amazed by the performers, take a selfie with the Stupa, enjoy delicious vegetarian and vegan food, join in on Buddhist ceremonies and purge your negative emotions in Burning the Bad.
Illumin8 Festival of Light, The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, 25 Sandhurst Town Rd, Myers Flat VIC 3556
Saturday 6 May 2023
FREE
4. SPARK, Federation Square
Prepare to be dazzled by SPARK, the stunning creation of Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde that’s part of RISING Festival.
Inspired by fireflies, birds, and the galaxy of stars, Spark features a flock of biodegradable sparks that form ever-shifting clouds of light. As the sparks are released, they behave like atmospheric bioluminescence, creating a mesmerizing display of light that dances in the cool night breeze.
Get lost in the wonder of this spectacular installation at Federation Square let SPARK transport you to a world of magic and light.
SPARK Federation Square, Cnr Swanston & Flinders St, Melbourne
Wednesday 7 June – Sunday 10 June 2023
FREE
5. East Gippsland Winter Festival, East Gippsland
East Gippsland Winter Festival is a month-long celebration of all things East Gippsland! The festival is a winter celebration of art, food, culture and nature.
After a huge success in 2022, the East Gippsland Winter Festival is back with over 100 events extended across the region. Expect a program of lavish winter feasts, luminous art installations, captivating performances, take immersive workshops, and ultimate wellness experiences.
East Gippsland Winter Festival, various locations
Friday 9 June – Sunday 9 July 2023
Tickets and event schedule TBC
6. Lightscape, Royal Botanic Gardens
Get ready to step into a dazzling world of light and colour as Lightscape returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne in 2023.
Following a sell-out season in 2022, Lightscape is back with an all-new trail, taking you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Melbourne's most beautiful gardens.
From colour-changing installations to magnificent illuminated sculptures, surprises await around every corner.
Don't miss out on this highly recommended experience – book Lightscape tickets now as it’s sure to sell out.
Lightscape, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
Wednesday to Sunday from Friday 16 June 2023 to Sunday 6 August 2023
Book tickets at https://ticketekau.pxf.io/DVX1Qn
7. Glow Winter Arts Festival, Malvern East
Central Park Gardens in Malvern East lights up for the City of Stonnington’s annual Glow Winter Arts Festival from 15 – 18 June 2023.
Be immersed in colour and light with illuminated displays and artwork from known and emerging artists in a lovely garden backdrop.
Glow Winter Arts Festival, Central Park, Malvern East
Thursday 15 June – Sunday 18 June 2023, 5pm to 11pm
FREE
8. Mansfield Lantern Festival, Mansfield
The Mansfield Lantern Festival celebrates the Winter Solstice with fire, light and food.
The popular lantern parade on Saturday 17 June is open for everyone with a lantern, so you can be part of the parade through the town!
Mansfield Lantern Festival, Erril Street and High Street, Mansfield
Friday 16 June – Sunday 18 June 2023
FREE
9. Belgrave Lantern Festival, Belgrave
Witness creativity and community come alive at the annual Belgrave Lantern Parade!
This popular winter solstice celebration draws thousands to gather on the shortest day of winter to bask in the warmth and glow of friendship, light, and creativity.
The parade brings the street alive with hundreds of beautiful lanterns, accompanied by talented performers, drummers, dancers, and more. You can even bring your own lantern on the night.
‘Activated’ spaces and creative precinct ‘pop ups’ appear in streets, alleyways, arcades, nooks and crannies, featuring art, music, workshops, circus arts, DJ’s, bands, solo artists, food trucks, fire-pits and more.
Belgrave Lantern Festival, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Saturday 24 June 2023, 6-8pm
FREE
10. Winter Glow, Geelong
Winter Glow at Adventure Park is a much-anticipated event in the winter school holidays, presenting a magical wonderland will transport you to a world of snow, rides, and epic light installations.
Build a snowman in the Snow Play Zone, where you'll find realistic snow made from frozen water, or warm up with delicious flavoured hot chocolates, spiced cider, and mulled wine while roasting marshmallows over the roaring open fire.
But that's not all – you'll also be treated to live ice-sculpting and fire-twirling displays, millions of dazzling lights, and hundreds of glittering installations all over the park.
And with 8 awesome action rides, mini-golf, and plenty of other activities for the kids, there's something for everyone at Winter Glow Adventure Park.
Winter Glow, Adventure Park Geelong, 1251 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington
Dates TBC for 2023
Book tickets at https://www.adventurepark.com.au/winterglow/
11. Winter Wonderlights, Ballarat
Winter Wonderlights at Sovereigh Hill is one of our favourite winter light festivals and a stunning Christmas in July experience.
The historic gold rush era surroundings of Sovereign Hill are transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland, featuring incredible light displays and stunning projections on the historic buildings. There are also regular snow falls, Christmas trees, performances, special food and craft activities. BYO marshmallows for toasting!
Not to mention Sovereign Hill is a great destination for learning about the history of the gold rush and the goldfields in Victoria.
Winter Wonderlights, Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw Street, Ballarat
Saturday 24 June – Sunday 16 July 2023
Book tickets at https://winter.sovereignhill.com.au/winter-wonderlights-program/
12. Firelight Festival, Docklands
Firelight Festival Docklands is back in 2023 after the success of the return of the Firelight Festival in 2022.
Head down to the waterfront Docklands precinct for three nights of fiery fun and spectacular entertainment celebrating the Winter Solstice. Enjoy mesmerising fire shows, interactive installations, and dazzling fireworks displays with the family at this free event.
You can also enjoy delicious food and drinks from vendors while you soak in the magical atmosphere.
Firelight Festival, Harbour Esplanade, Docklands
Friday 30 June – Sunday 2 July 2023
FREE
13. Moama Lights, Moama
Moama Lights is an immersive sound and light trail that showcases stories from across the Murray region through state-of-the-art installations, projections and cutting edge moving-light technology.
Moama’s Horseshoe Lagoon lights up in 2023 with beautiful light displays, a new show, new stories and a new backdrop along the upgraded footbridges at the lagoon.
As you stroll through the ancient river redgums, be sure to take your time and soak in the serene sounds of this enchanting natural wonderland.
Moama Lights, Horseshoe Lagoon, Moama
Thursday – Sunday, Friday 30 June – Sunday 23 July 2023.
For early ticket information sign up here
LIT Wyndham Park Is Lighting Up Werribee
Walk Inside A Spectacular Light Show At The Botanic Gardens
Here are some helpful tips for travelling to Sovereign Hill, Ballarat, with kids
