Sovereign Hill’s Main Street is an amazing experience no matter when you visit. But nothing prepares you for the sense of wonder you feel when it’s transformed into a Christmas winter wonderland. Amazing make-believe snow falls from the sky as you’re surrounded by 1850s façades illuminated in colourful projections by Electric Canvas (as seen at White Night and Vivid Sydney). 

Now in its sixth year, Winter Wonderlights continues to surprise and delight. This year, guests will love the addition of a traditional European Christmas market. You can grab a warm glass of Glüwein or hot apple cider and stroll through festive markets with Christmas trinkets, treats, roast turkey and pork. When you’ve had your fill, wander up and down enchanting Fairy Light Lane – 15 kilometres of twinkling lights weaved masterfully through beautiful Victorian gardens, large Eucalyptus trees and around miner’s cottages.

But if that’s still not enough, you can go on the hunt for the Gingerbread Man, Winter Wonderlights’ 2017 mascot. The Gingerbread Man, who was conceived by Sovereign Hill and created by Town Square, was introduced to help generate new excitement for this year’s event. You can find him on all the advertising, within the projections and around Melbourne at Etihad Stadium watching the football, Chadstone Shopping Centre and a few other secret locations. And if you’re lucky, you might even get to eat him.

Winter Wonderlights is on until Sunday 30 July. Don’t miss out. Visit winterwonderlights.com.au for details.