🎶 Ballarat's summer ritual returns

Merry Christmas, Ballarat! Hope you're up early with the kids tearing into presents, or you've managed to sleep in while someone else handles the turkey prep. Either way, before the chaos really kicks in and you end the day in a food coma, we've rounded up what's happening this week. There's fireworks, free tunes at the gardens, and searching for the best tika masala in town. Enjoy your Christmas Day!

- Luciano Devoto
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Ballarat’s best summer tradition is back. Summer Sundays returns every Sunday in January with free live music, food trucks, and chilled-out vibes at the Botanical Gardens from 3–7pm.

Pack a picnic, grab a local brew at the bar, and settle in for an afternoon of soul, blues, indie and folk from some of the region’s finest acts. There’s space for kids to roam, shady spots to unwind, and a crowd that feels like your whole neighbourhood turned up.

This year’s lineup is fresh, local and guaranteed to get toes tapping whether it rains, shines or 30 degrees. It’s simple, it’s free, and it’s Ballarat at its laid-back best.

Farewell 2025 with a bang at Ballarat’s free New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular at Lake Wendouree. The show kicks off at 9:30pm on Wednesday 31 December, lighting up the sky for 15 minutes.

The fireworks launch from the isthmus near the Olympic rings, but you'll get a cracker view from anywhere along the foreshore. Arrive early and stake out your spot. The display's weather dependent, so keep an eye on Council's updates closer to the date.

Ballarat’s Macarthur Street in Soldiers Hill has a fresh new look, with a major streetscape upgrade now complete. The works include new paving, lighting, trees, seating and pedestrian safety features.

The upgrade is part of Council’s long-term plan to revitalise key neighbourhood precincts, and supports nearby businesses, heritage streetscapes and future growth.

Sebastopol’s brand-new Vickers Street Community Hub is officially open, offering a vibrant space for early learning, health services, community groups and local events. The $10.9 million facility includes a kindergarten, maternal and child health rooms, meeting spaces and a public kitchen.

It’s a big win for locals in Ballarat’s south, replacing the old seniors building with a modern, accessible hub designed to bring people together.

Ballarat’s community spirit shines bright this Christmas thanks to two local favourites.

Johnny Alloo (32 Drummond St North), is back for its 9th Berry Street Christmas Appeal, serving up coffee, hot choc, pastries and mimosas from 8–11am. All sales supporting children and families in need.

Drive Café (227 Grant St), a revitalised servo-turned-local-hub, will also open 8–11am with all proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation. Takeaway only.

🛏 3 🛁 1 🚗 1 | 💰 $495,000 - $520,000

This Soldiers Hill three-bed house is priced for a quick buy. You're getting into one of Ballarat's most sought-after pockets on a generous 514m² block with genuine period features intact. It's not all roses though, this one needs some love which is exactly where the opportunity sits. Renovate and reap the rewards, extend into that big backyard, or land bank in a blue-chip location.

This week I went digging for the best Indian food around town. No fusion experiments, no overthinking it. Just proper curries, fresh naan and plates that don’t hold back on flavour.

Ballarat has more great Indian spots than most people realise, but these are the ones that consistently stand out. Cast your vote for your favourite Indian restaurant and let’s see who takes the crown.

Handpicked activities for all ages

Ballarat Farmers Market | Sat, 27 Dec | 9:00am - 1:00pm | (Free)
Venue: North Gardens Reserve (Lake Wendouree)
Description: The region's premier produce market offering fresh vegetables, artisan goods, and hot food. Stock up on cherries, hams, and puddings for your Christmas lunch.

Ballarat Clay Collective ‘Christmas Album’ | Stat, 27 Dec to Sun 28 Dec | 10am – 4pm | (Free)
Venue: The Unicorn Ballarat
Description: An exciting opportunity to browse Ballarat's makers, designers and artists. Tick off that Christmas shopping list with some gorgeous ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, prints and fine art.

​Christmas Lunch at The Boatshed | Thu, 25 Dec | 12:00pm - 3:00pm | ($225.00)
Venue: Boatshed Restaurant
Description: A relaxed 3-course festive lunch on the lake in one of Ballarat’s most scenic locations. Includes sparkling/wine/beer and a menu with no alternate drop. No refunds after Dec 1.

​​​Mercure’s Famous Christmas Lunch | Thu, 25 Dec | 11:30am - 3:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre
Description: A "much-loved tradition" in Golden Point, this event features a sumptuous buffet with roast meats, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts. Set within three hectares of gardens. Bookings essential.

​The Goods Shed Christmas Lunch | Thu, 25 Dec | 12:00pm - 4:00pm | ($88.00 - $199.00)
Venue: The Goods Shed Ballarat
Description: A premium dining experience in the "logistical heart of the Gold Rush." This 1863 bluestone venue offers a grand festive buffet with a seafood station and hot carvery.

​New Year's Eve at Mr Jones | Wed, 31 Dec | From 5:30pm | (Info)
Venue: Mr Jones Dining
Description: Celebrate with award-winning modern Asian fare. The curated menu champions favourite dishes like Rock oyster with chilli & lime, Aromatic yellow curry of duck, and Grilled Sher Wagyu Bavette.

​New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Picnic | Wed, 31 Dec | 7:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Near St Patrick's Point, Lake Wendouree
Description: Hosted by Enjoy Church Ballarat, this is a relaxed BYO picnic by the lake. Includes casual sports (footy/cricket) before the 9:30pm fireworks. A great community way to welcome the new year.

​New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular | Wed, 31 Dec | 9:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Lake Wendouree
Description: The region's biggest firework display, focused on the foreshore of the lake. Visible from the entire foreshore. Note: Road closures in place.

​Old School Trivia with Old School Prices | Wed, 31 Dec | 7:00pm - 9:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Aunty Jacks
Description: Hosted by "Spud," this weekly trivia night combines general knowledge testing with craft beers and retro pricing specials. A cerebral start to NYE. Check the venue for details.

​Rock N Roll Festival NYE Dance | Wed, 31 Dec | 7:30pm - 12:00am | ($30.00)
Venue: VRI Hall / Badminton Centre
Description: A dedicated dance event for rockabilly and swing enthusiasts featuring the Cobra 45s and DJ Rocket. BYO drinks and nibbles for a night of authentic jive dancing in a heritage hall.

NYE at Itinerant Spirits | Wed, 31 Dec | 12:00pm - Late | ($99.00)
Venue: Itinerant Spirits
Description: Ring in the new year the "Itinerant Spirits way" with an unforgettable 3-hour party package. Indulge in mouth-watering wood-fired pizza from Playing With Fire, enjoy a curated Cheese & Charcuterie selection, and sip freely on house spirits, beer, wine, and selected cocktails.

​Creswick Senior Citizens Gathering | Fri, 26 Dec | 12:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Creswick Neighbourhood Centre
Description: A vital Boxing Day community gathering ensuring social connection and inclusion for older residents in the township.

​Junior Keeper Program | Tue, 30 Dec | 9:30am - 12:30pm | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Wildlife Park
Description: A deep engagement experience for kids aged 6–15. Participants simulate a zookeeper's day, preparing food and maintaining enclosures.

​Maze House Summer Holidays | Sat, 27 Dec - Wed, 31 Dec | (Info)
Venue: Maze House (Newlyn North)
Description: A "digital detox" experience featuring a 28-year-old hedge maze and old-time carnival games. Located in the Newlyn North/Creswick corridor, perfect for a nostalgic day trip.

​Summer School Holidays: Jester's Jubilee | Sat, 27 Dec - Wed, 31 Dec | 10:00am - 4:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Kryal Castle
Description: An inaugural summer event focusing on comedy, circus skills, and chaos. Features circus school workshops, craft stations for "silly hats," and the venue's flagship jousting tournaments.

​Art Gallery of Ballarat Exhibitions | Daily | 10:00am - 5:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Art Gallery of Ballarat
Description: Explore three current exhibitions during the holiday week: Fragments of Healing by Tas Wansbrough (Backspace Gallery) and TEXT/SCREEN/TEXT by Henrik Haukeland (Alfred Deakin Place).

​Casual Canvas Sessions | Sat, 27 Dec | 10:15am - 4:00pm | (~$29.50)
Venue: The Art Club Hub
Description: A relaxing "flow state" activity perfect for post-Christmas decompression. Choose from pre-drawn designs or start fresh with a blank canvas; materials and cleanup included.

​Light Fandango Exhibition | Sat, 27 Dec - Sun, 28 Dec | All Day | (Free)
Venue: Rose Creek Gallery
Description: A collaborative visual arts exhibition showcasing the works of Jackie Gorring and Minna Graham in the historic Eureka precinct. Explore works focusing on light and form.

​Ozact’s The Tempest | Fri, 26 Dec & Sat, 27 Dec | 6:30pm | ($25.00 - $49.00)
Venue: Kirks Reservoir Park Gardens
Description: A site-specific outdoor production where the reservoir's "botanical diversity" and water views stand in for Prospero’s magical isle. A high-culture offering blending literary tradition with nature.

Please note: Always double-check with venues for any last-minute changes or ticketing requirements.)

​Kirks Reservoir | The Tempest (Soundscape) | 6:30pm | ($25.00 - $49.00)
Piano Bar Ballarat | Piano Requests.

​Freight Bar | Bottomless Brunch w/ DJ | 12:00pm - 5:00pm | ($55.00).
Hop Temple | Saturday Live Music | 9:00pm - Late | (Free)
Piano Bar Ballarat | Piano Requests
Sally's Paddock | Live Music | 10am–5pm

​Freight Bar | Bottomless Brunch w/ DJ | 12:00pm - 5:00pm | ($55.00)

​Ballarat Leagues Club | Troy Elliot | 8:30pm - 12:30am | (Included in Buffet)
Cattleyards Inn | Kaze Karaoke 7th Annual NYE Party | 7:00pm | (Free)
Irish Murphy's | High End RIFF-RAFF | 9:30pm - 12:30am
Midlands Golf Club | Mad Cow | 8:30pm | (Bookings: 5331 4400)
North Ballarat Sports Club | 80's On The Edge | 8:00pm - 12:30am | ($70.00)
Piano Bar Ballarat | Black & White NYE Ball | 6:30pm - Late | ($70.00 - $95.00)
The George Hotel | Scott Pendlebury LIVE
Volta | Over 30s NYE Daytime Clubbing | 5:00pm - 10:00pm

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Until next Thursday!