A guide to the best and most budget-friendly activities to do over the 2025 winter school holidays in Melbourne and Victoria.
Winter festivals and nocturnal attractions in Melbourne and Victoria in 2025

Whether it's being immersed in a garden light show, gliding around a pop-up ice rink, or sipping mulled wine at a night market, winter’s dark hours offer some of Melbourne and Victoria's most unforgettable nocturnal experiences.
Winter doesn’t have to mean short days and early nights. Melbourne and Victoria light up with winter festivals, night markets and one-off adventures from June to August every year. While winter festivals have broad appeal with music, food, and community, Melbourne's nighttime attractions offer the promise of discovery, mystery, and atmosphere.
Here is your guide to Melbourne and Victoria's winter festivals and nocturnal adventures.
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Take in a festival with a mini-break at one of RACV's Resorts.

Queen Victoria Markets have a delicious array of food and beverage choices during the winter season. Image: Visit Victoria

BEETLEJUICE stars Eddie Perfect as the titular character, a rakish poltergeist set on mischief. Image: Supplied.
More nocturnal winter activities in Melbourne
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.

Sovereign Hill's Winter Wonderlights festival turns the Gold Rush town into a magical snowy world. Image: Sovereign Hill.

There's plenty of fun to be had at Winter Glow. Image: Adventure Park Geelong

Warm up with a glass mulled wine and a soak in the hot springs at Alba this winter. Image: Alba.