Victoria’s coolest winter festivals and events in 2023

Whether you're looking to embrace winter with a mulled wine under twinkling lights in your very own igloo, or you want to escape to Europe without the price tag at a Euro-inspired bottomless brunch, local venues are having a Winter Glow Up that will make you forget all about the cold with these Insta-worthy experiences. 

From a circus-themed bottomless brunch at State of Grace, private igloos at The Wharf, Ball Court and The Station Hotels, Greek-island themed bites at Harlow and famed local produce at Yarra Botanica, book a seat at a Winter Glow Up that will have you celebrating the chilly weather. 

Plan your journey with arevo.

Running for various dates over winter, 2023. 

The much-loved night trade at Queen Victoria Market has become a Wednesday winter tradition for many Melburnians, featuring a wonderland of street food, shopping, live music and hot drinks – did someone say mulled wine?

The open-air sheds naturally get chilly, so rug up – and keep an eye out for a spot near the fire pits.

Running until 30 August, 2023.

As part of the city's annual RISING Festival, head to the pop-up ice rink in Birrarung Marr and skate under a sky full of stars.

Enjoy both alocoholic and non alcoholic winter warmers like boozy hot chocolates, crepes and popcorn before finishing off your experience with a mocktail or cocktail at Melbourne IceBar.

Running until 8 July, 2023.

Looking for a free winter festival the whole family can enjoy? The Eynesbury Winter Festival features a pop-up ice rink (bookings recommended) as well as kids activities including cookie decorating, animal encouters and circus performers; markets; live entertainment and fireworks to welcome the winter solstice on July 1, 2023. 

Running from 23 June - 9 July, 2023.

A new winter festival celebrating art, music, food, technology and Melbourne's eclectic scene, be prepared to see art in a club, dance in a historic building, walk through a neon robotic art trail or see glowing constellations glitter in the night sky. Featuring over 300 artists from Australia and abroad, Now or Never is set to take over the city through a feast of all the sense. 

Running from 17 August - 2 September, 2023.

Winter comes to the west in this festival that will make you feel like you're at the top of a snowy mountain! 

There'll be a 10 metre-tall snowman, neon light and ballon displays, a chair lift to snowy mountain, famous food trucks, face painting, live music and even some falling "snow" to keep the whole family entertained on this snow and food festival extravaganza.  

Running from 23 June - 30 July, 2023. 

As one of our premier film festivals during the year, MIFF's 71st edition features local and international films across cinemas and entertainment venues in Melbourne.

The festival also features in-person discussions with filmmakers, a childrens' program, local competitions and premieres of award contenders. The full program launches on July 11, 2023. 

Discover how RACV Members save on movie tickets.

Running in cinemas from  3 - 20 August, 2023, and online 18 - 27 August, 2023. 

The artist colony will be running a one-night spectacular, featuring creative artworks, dance, poetry and music amongst a backdrop of firetwirling, roving artists, performers, food and wine. 

Runs on 8 July, 2023.

One of Melbourne's most famed garden attractions will be illumiated by thousands of LEDs amongst an exhibit of light-up installations, sculptures, soundscapes and winter fire garden. 

A range of food and beverage options are available on site at the ticketed event, to be enjoyed as you circle the 2km trail amongst the singing trees. 

Running from 16 June - 6 August, 2023. 

There are plenty of events and experiences running through winter around Melbourne to keep adults and children entertained in and around the city, including: 

• Haunted places to discover - from haunted houses to eerie pubs and jails like Pentridge Prison, can you find the spirits lurking in these paranormal places? 
• Theatre shows - As one of the world's famous theatre hubs, there is always a new show or play to experience in Melbourne. Check out the latest musicals and shows coming to Melbourne over winter. 
• Cosy dining - Rug up and enjoy a winter feast by an open fire at one of our 10 cosy eateries around the city. 
• Movies - winter is blockbuster season, and with plenty of hits coming to the big screen, there's a flick to catch at a cinema near you. Plus, RACV Members save up to 40 per cent on movie tickets. 
• Cook up a winter feast - If you feel like staying in, make it a night to remember by trying one of our delicious winter warmer recipes designed to keep guests raving and bellies full.  
• Themed restaurants - grab the gang for a night of indoor fun at one of these themed restaurants around the city. From dinner theatre to a soda rock diner that stepped out of the 1950s, it's a great way to have a night out of the ordinary. 
• Have a snow day - bundle up for a day of skiing and snow angel making at one of the best places to see snow around the state. 

A light up snowscape featuring art installations, light shows, fire twirling and ice sculpting, don't miss the chance to head on down to Winter Glow in Geelong.

Plus, with activities like mini-golf, action rides, marshmallows over the fire and yummy hot chocolates, finish the evening down at the RACV Torquay Resort for an unforgettable winter weekend. 

Running from 23 June - 9 July, and 13 - 16 July, 2023.

A celebration of all things food and wine is happening across a range of events in the famed Yarra Valley.

Christmas in July markets, live music, over 30 food and wine culinary experiences from local producers, cabaret, fondue, hot cocktails and more, Fireside is the perfect addition to a nearby stay at the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort. 

Running 8 - 23 July, 2023.

In a rare opportunity to try and witness the Northern Lights, Borealis on the Lake is a lightscape show over Lake Daylesford, set just 25 minutes from the RACV Goldfields Resort.

Blending technology and art to create colourful light beams across the lake set to a soundtrack by French musician Guillaume Desbois, take in the splendour of Daylesford while enjoying this mesmerising winter wonder. 

Running from 20 - 22 July, 2023. 

A month-long program of pop-up events, light, music, art, culture and winter feasts showing off this scenic region, there's plenty to see and do at the East Gippsland Winter Festival. 

Including over 100 events such as tours, workshops, tastings, art installations and classes, markets, and activities, from the FOOD VAN FEST and Glowtastic Disco to Sourdough Bread workshops and neon art installations there's plenty to see at the event running from Gippsland Lakes to the High Country.

 Running until 9 July, 2023. 

Known colloquially as 'the dark heart of the Otway Coast', WinterWild  is a celebration of music, nature, performance, food, art, and fire in Apollo Bay along the Great Ocean Road. 

The program usually includes a variety of live music, comedy, tours, and its famed dynamic, mystical bonfire event, The Dogwatch.

Make a stay of it with a weekend at the RACV Torquay Resort. 

Running from 25 - 27 August, 2023.

This beautiful small town where the river meets the sea is the backdrop for a wholesome festival of food, wine, art, stories, music, and culture in the winter.

Running for 16 years by a volunteer committee celebrating the community spirit and environment, Winter Weekends features stages and stalls, walks and talks, tours and workshops, as well as a wealth of activities to let you enjoy the area's natural beauty and charm just west of Warrnambool. 

Running from 23 - 25 June and 7 - 9 July, 2023.

Ballarat really turns on the charm in winter. There’s a whole program of events for the family, including a pop-up ice-skating rink, a Knights of Fire Festival event at Kryal Castle, local dining specials, and a children’s show featuring jousting knights and a winter Snow Queen. 

 For a truly wonderous winter experience, head to the Winter Wonderlights at the historic Sovereign Hill just 25 minutes from the RACV Goldfields Resort. It’s a full Christmas in July experience, complete with a dazzling light show, theatre and delicious treats.

Running from 24 June - 16 July, 2023.

Enjoy a month of food and beverage events across the Peninsula region featuring winter delights at Taste Sorrento.

Make a stay out of it with a night at the RACV Cape Schanck Resort, and experience the area's best gourmet food, wine and cheese pairings, piritis, craft beers, and local produce as you take in the surrounds of the Mornington Peninsula. 

Running from 1 - 30 June, 2023.

Southeast Victoria will be offering up snow play for all ages during this one-day extravaganza. 

Featuring live entertainment, marshmallow toasting, meet-and-greets with huskies and snowboarders, snow play and food and drink on site, Snowfest in Warragul will conclude with a fabulous fireworks display above the winter's night sky. 

Runs on July 14, 2023.

A new event celebrated on the Queenscliff Foreshore, visitors will be treated to a free fire and ice themed event to commemorate the winter solstice. 

NIGHTIDE will feature a lantern parade, fireworks, bonfires, live music, ice baths, and a range of food and drink offerings, before you can keep the party going with a night at the RACV Torquay Resort. 

Runs on 24 June, 2023.