Get Involved

Each year, Ballarat transforms into a winter wonderland, inviting locals and visitors to embrace the season with dazzling light displays, ice skating and a program packed with entertainment, food and family fun.

There are plenty of ways to get involved in this year’s festival. Be part of the magic and help make this year’s festival the most unforgettable yet.

Ballarat’s Hot Choc Showdown

As part of the festival, Ballarat’s Hot Chocolate Showdown (running for the duration of the festival) endeavors to capitalise on festival attendance for local venues.

With marketing across metro and regional areas, this is great opportunity to expose your venue to wider markets, and be part of the fun!

Customers are encouraged to try multiple hot chocolates across the city and submit ratings for each one they try, to go into the draw to win prizes. A People’s Choice winner is announced for both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic category.

Expressions of Interest NOW OPEN
26 March to 14 April
– Craft your Hot Chocolate concept- only 1 entry per venue
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of the same concept are considered 1 entry
– Make sure you can maintain availability and quality at scale
– Consider equipment, serving ware and preparation required
– Please note that some venues last year sold over 700 units
– Consider your options E.g. alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, takeaway/ dine-in availability

Please ensure you review this information package before submitting your Expression of Interest.

Submit your Expression of Interest

Ice Skating Rink Discount Program

During the Ballarat Winter Festival, encourage visitation to your business by participating in the
ice skating rink discount program. The program is open to all hospitality and tourism businesses
within the City of Ballarat.

How It Works
City of Ballarat provides your venue with printed cards with discount codes, which are available to
patrons who spend $25 or more in your business. This entitles them to 15% off ice rink tickets,
booked either online or in person at the rink. Patrons should retain their receipt or physical card
for online bookings to present at the rink.
How to Participate
Register to participate HERE.
Your registration will be confirmed, and your venue will be provided with the printed discount
codes and marketing materials prior to the commencement of the Ballarat Winter Festival.
Key Dates
– Registrations Open 26 March
– Registrations Close 25 May
– Confirmation of Registrations 1 June
– Distribution of Marketing Materials, Staff Instructions and Printed Cards 1 June- 12 June
– Ballarat Winter Festival (cards to be distributed within these dates) June 27- July 19

Please ensure you review this information package before submitting your Expression of Interest.

Submit your Expression of Interest

Submit an event

As part of the festival, Ballarat venues are encouraged to be part of the Ballarat Winter Festival
by hosting a winter-themed special event, creating themed menu items or offering an
experience.

How to Participate
Register your idea HERE.
Once you register your idea, we will be in touch to discuss how it aligns with and can leverage the
Winter Festival program/audience.
Once acceptance of your application is finalised, and your venue will be provided with digital
marketing material prior to the commencement of the Ballarat Winter Festival.
Key Dates
– Registrations Open 26 March
– Registrations Close 25 May
– Confirmation of Registrations 1 June
– Distribution of Marketing Materials 1 June- 12 June
– Ballarat Winter Festival June 27- July 19

Please ensure you review this information package before submitting your Expression of Interest.

Submit your Expression of Interest