History has officially been made as Sovereign Hill welcomed its one millionth Winter Wonderlights visitor on Friday 3 July marking a record-breaking milestone for one of Australia’s most beloved winter events.
Now in its 12th year, the glittering lightshow has become a cherished, multi-generational tradition. The millionth visitor, Andrew Del Mastro and his family were met at the historic goldfields and received a Sovereign Hill life pass to mark the monumental moment.
Sovereign Hill Museums Association Chief Marketing Officer Mark Hemetsberger says reaching the one million mark is a testament to the enduring, magical connection families have with the event.
“Every person through our gates has been part of Winter Wonderlights’ story, so reaching one million visitors is a milestone shared with our community and everyone who has travelled to Ballarat to experience it”, he says.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see an event that started twelve years ago become a tradition people return to year after year.”
“Sovereign Hill is a place where families and friends can come together and create lasting memories, and the scale of what we offer means no two visits are ever quite the same. Winter Wonderlights is a perfect example, combining breathtaking light projections and a festive atmosphere with all the experiences that make Sovereign Hill unique. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning once again, there’s always something new to discover.”
A record-breaking legacy
The achievement comes just a week into a spectacular 2026 season packed with all new offerings and experiences. Following a massive turnout last year where more than 96,000 people flooded through the gates, this year’s season – running until Sunday 19 July – will bring the magic to another level.
The one millionth milestone highlights the event’s continuous innovation, including this year’s newly introduced late-night sessions, the new “Reflections of Winter” at the Sovereign Hill dam, and exclusive Winter Wonderlights knitwear, including “ugly” Christmas jumpers, beanies and scarves.
Following the success of last year’s event, special Relaxed Sensory Sessions return 13-16 July 5pm-7pm, offering a quieter and more accessible Winter Wonderlights experience. During these evening sessions, sound and lighting effects are reduced, crowd numbers are limited, and additional support is available to help visitors enjoy the magic of the event in a more comfortable environment.
With sessions filling up fast, organisers are encouraging people to secure their tickets immediately to ensure they don’t miss out on this historic season.
Tickets on sale now at sovereignhill.com.au/events/winter-wonderlights.
FAST FACTS: WINTER WONDERLIGHTS 2026
- When: Friday 26 June to Saturday 19 July, 2026
- Time:10am to 7pm (with snow and light shows from 5pm); late night sessions until 10pm select Fridays and Saturdays.
- Where: Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
ADMISSION & TICKETING
| Ticket Type | Adult | Concession | Child (5-15) | Family (2A+2C) |
| Day Ticket (10am–7pm) | $77.50 | $62.00 | $40.00 | $199.00 |
| Night Ticket (8pm–10pm) | $45.00 | $35.00 | $25.00 | $110.00 |
Children under 5 receive free entry.
Tickets: On sale now atsovereignhill.com.au/events/winter-wonderlights