It might be a little cliché but Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year in Ballarat.

In 2021, the city’s festivities will feature old favourites like the floral reindeer and giant bauble along with new additions including a Christmas Art Trail and Santa’s workshop.

“Come to the CBD to revel in the festive spirit of the decorations and activities for all of December – and stay to enjoy a meal at your favourite foodie spot or indulge in a bit of Christmas retail therapy to help bring the sparkle back for our local retailers,” City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said. 

Head to christmasinballarat.com.au for the full line-up of entertainment and events.

CLICK HERE for a printable version of the Christmas in Ballarat map

Santa’s workshop

Head down to the bottom of Sturt Street and check out the magic that is the Albert Street green space (between Parent Place and Grill’d).

Take a peek inside Santa’s workshop and see how many busy elves you can find.

The green space is the handiwork of the City of Ballarat’s parks and gardens team.

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Kids’ workshops and storytelling sessions

From magical nutcrackers to musical elf chimes and bauble bling, Ballarat is getting its craft on this Christmas.

Throughout December, the Albert Street pop-up will host free kids’ workshops with Letter Gems plus Ballarat artists Emily Van Der Molen and Margie Balazic.

Spots are limited, so book now at bit.ly/3kIXmib for Margie’s sessions, bit.ly/3kPhCit for Emily’s sessions, or bit.ly/3kKsjTa for the Letter Gems sessions.

Ballarat storyteller Renee Price will also be hosting free Storytelling with Mrs Claus sessions throughout the month at Santa’s workshop, Collins Booksellers on Lydiard and Coltman Plaza.

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Christmas Art Trail

Ballarat’s new Christmas Art Trail features artworks by five local artists – Lucy Frith, Sally Gregory, Caroline Keys, Dillon Naylor and Tegan Crosbie.

From 1 December, follow the trail through the Ballarat CBD, snap a selfie with Santa, pat the reindeer or stand under the mistletoe. 

And don’t forget to take a photo and share your festive experience on social media with the hashtag #christmasinballarat

CLICK HERE for a printable version of the Christmas Art Trail map

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Floral reindeer and sleigh

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Ballarat without the city’s beloved floral reindeer and sleigh.

This is the 12th year the display has been a festive fixture in Sturt Street and it always makes for a memorable photo opportunity.

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Christmas stars

While you’re in Sturt Street, make sure you check out the giant shooting star in the 400-block plus the magical crystal star opposite the Ballarat Town Hall.

Both stars were designed by Ballarat artist Zlatko Balazic and made their shiny debut last year.

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Giant bauble

Another yuletide favourite in Ballarat is the giant walk-through bauble in the Bridge Mall.

As beautiful as the bauble is by day, it truly sparkles at night.

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Live music and roving entertainment

This December in the lead-up to Christmas, the Ballarat CBD will be bustling with live music every Friday from 6.30pm and Saturday from 11am-1pm and again from 6.30pm courtesy of:

• Sturt Brass Quintet
• Sweet Monas Choir
• Ballarat Memorial Concert Band
• City of Ballarat Brass Band
• Creswick Brass Band

You can also enjoy roving entertainment every Saturday from 10am and Sunday from 11am thanks to:

• Ballarat Centre of Music & the Arts
• Sovereign Hill

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Christmas markets and shops

Start or finish your Christmas shopping at one of Ballarat’s upcoming markets:

• Ballarat Made Pop-Up Shop at Delacombe Town Centre (Thursday 25 November – Friday 24 December)
• Sovereign Hill’s Christmas Shopping Night (Thursday 2 December 6-8.30pm)
• Lucas Christmas Market at Coltman Plaza (Friday 3 December 4-8pm)
• The Bridge Market Christmas Edition at the Bridge Mall (Saturday 4 December 9am-2pm)
• Buninyong Pop-Up Shop at the Buninyong Town Hall (Saturday 4 December – Monday 13 December)
• Main Road Twilight Bazaar (Friday 10 December 5-8pm)
• The Design Exchange Christmas Market at the Ballarat Mining Exchange (Sunday 12 December 10am-3pm)
• Ballarat Twilight Christmas Market at Zoo Drive, Lake Wendouree (Friday 17 December 4-8pm)
• SpringFest Christmas Market at the Ballarat Showgrounds (Sunday 19 December 2pm)

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Ballarat Carols by Candlelight

After a COVID-enforced hiatus, Ballarat Carols by Candlelight will make its highly-anticipated return on Sunday 19 December at Mars Stadium.

From 3pm, an exciting line-up of family fun will include soccer clinics with Western United, an outdoor screening of Christmas classic Elf on the stadium’s scoreboard, Paw Patrol meet and greets plus a masterclass with MasterChef alumni Tim Bone.

Carols by Candlelight will then take to the stage from 7.30pm with a cast of talented local performers plus Opera Australia’s Jason Wasley and musical theatre star Sarah Landy.

Tickets are free and must be booked online at bit.ly/2YymUab