During winter, Melbourne which is a vibrant city in Australia would come alive with a variety of exciting festivals and events. With the cold weather, it is the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in warm beverages, cozy fires, and festive night displays with a comfortable atmosphere.

While the days might be shorter, they are usually crisp and clear which is perfect for exploring the city’s many laneways, museums, and art galleries, and as the night draws in, the city comes alive with twinkling lights and the buzz of winter festivals.

Here are some of the festivals that you might want to add to your list during your visit to Melbourne.

Location: Melbourne’s Docklands

Time: from 5 pm to 10 pm

Held in one vibrant area of Melbourne's Dockland which is known for its stunning waterfront restaurants, cafes, and bars that serve a wide variety of foods from local cuisine to international cuisine will be transformed into one first celebration when the night falls.

The Firelight Festival is a completely free, three-day festival that mainly uses fire as the central theme to create a warm and inviting atmosphere despite the cooler weather of the winter. The highlight of this festival would be the large installation of artwork which is not only stunning but also quite innovative where you need to prepare yourself by flames dancing in unique shapes and forms.

The other things that you can enjoy at the festival are their live music that features local and national artists with a wide variety of genres to keep the atmosphere energetic and fun, not only that visitors can also fill their stomachs and satisfy their palate with numerous mouth-watering foods that are being sold in the stalls that are lining up in the area.

Location: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Popular winter events transform the serene Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne into a magical Wonderland that is held once a year featuring illuminated trails, stunning light sculptures, and captivating soundscapes with brand new installations every year which will give people a new sensation every single year of their visit.

As you walk through the gardens, visitors will be guided by the enhancing pathway while being surrounded by the twinkling lights that will lead you through various sections of the gardens which offer a unique perspective on natural beauty and numerous magnificent light sculptures in various shapes and forms accompanied by the music and sound effect which creatures that magical atmosphere that you hardly get anywhere else.

Location: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Time: from 3.30 pm to 8.30 pm

Winter Glow at Adventure Park is a stunning and dazzling festival where the amusement park is transformed into a wonderland of lights, ice, fire, and snow. It is an exceptional place for families where they can experience the combination of winter magic and an exciting amusement park along with the rides on the same day.

Be mesmerized by a thousand dazzling light installations throughout the park from unique tunnels and light mazes to an enchanting fairy garden that glows with stunning colors. Not only that, during days, you could also enjoy the rides and attractions nestled throughout the park including the classic Tea Cups and Air Balloons. Visitors could also channel their inner child and build a snowman with friends and family that is made with man-made snow.

Not stopping there, there are still other things that visitors could enjoy in the amusement park during the festivals, including enjoying the captivating skill of fire twirling performers, marveling through the ice sculpting demonstrations that are made by talented creators that would transform blocks of ice into stunning sculptures, and last but not least warm up from the winter cold with a delicious cup of hot chocolate from the festively themed Hot CHocolatre Heave Igloo.

Address: 650 Lonsdale Street, Docklands, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3000

A luxurious hotel located at the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District which allows easy access to various public transportation and attractions around Melbourne.

The Ritz-Cariton Hotel boasts o having a breathtaking panoramic view of the bustling Melbourne skyline and features rooms with stunning views of the city and comfortable amenities including television, electric kettle, minibar, coffee and tea maker, and many others along with a wide variety of facilities that you can enjoy such as restaurants that serve local cuisine to international cuisine, a refreshing swimming pool with the views of the bustling street below your feet, a rejuvenating and relaxing spa or sauna and bar to accompany you during the night.

Address: 399 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3000

Another option for accommodation in the central of Melbourne’s Central Business District which is much more budget-friendly but still features great service and facilities to make your stay more comfortable and unforgettable.

Ibis Melbourne Central houses a variety of rooms that will cater to all your needs and preferences, as well as on-site dining with the hotel’s restaurants or grabbing a refreshing drink at the bar. Free wi-fi is also available for those of you with business purposes, so you don’t need to worry about having an urgent meeting in the hotel. Other than that, the hotel also offers facilities including a fitness center for those of you who want to stay active during your stay.

Here are all the winter festivals as well as accommodation recommendations that you can add to your list during your visit to Melbourne Australia. If you would like to book accommodation, services, or flight tickets to Kuala Lumpur or anywhere you want, Traveloka is more than happy to help you in booking those tickets. Besides giving the best price, Traveloka also often gives numerous combos, discounts, and promotions! So don’t miss yours!