❄️ Bright Winter Festival 2026 — Experience the Magic of Winter in Beautiful Bright ❄️

There’s something truly magical about winter in Bright. Crisp mountain air, glowing lights, cosy fires, delicious food, warm hospitality and a town bursting with charm — and in 2026, winter is set to become even more spectacular with the inaugural Bright Winter Festival taking place from 24th July – 1st August 2026.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria’s High Country, the Bright Winter Festival will transform our beautiful town into a glowing winter wonderland filled with shopping, entertainment, food, music, family fun and unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.

A Celebration of Winter, Community & Creativity

The Bright Winter Festival has been created to celebrate everything locals and visitors love about winter in Bright. Throughout the week, the town will come alive with sparkling lights, festive displays, late-night shopping, cosy dining experiences, live entertainment and family-friendly activities designed to bring warmth and excitement to the colder months.

Visitors can expect a magical atmosphere inspired by European-style winter villages, with glowing fairy lights, festive streetscapes, fire pits, entertainment and experiences spread throughout the township.

Whether you’re planning a romantic winter getaway, a family holiday, a girls’ weekend or simply a day trip to explore the region, the Bright Winter Festival promises something special for everyone.

Winter in the Village — Friday 24th July

The festival officially kicks off with Winter in the Village on Friday 24th July — a magical evening celebration through the heart of Bright.

Barnard Street will transform into a glowing winter hub filled with:

• Twinkling overhead lights

• Fire pits and marshmallow roasting

• Food trucks and winter treats

• Mulled wine and hot chocolates

• Live entertainment and roaming performers

• Santa appearances

• Ice carving demonstrations

• Late-night shopping throughout town

Local businesses will light up their shopfronts and windows with warm white fairy lights, creating a truly enchanting winter atmosphere throughout Bright.

Christmas in July at Making Spirits Bright

As part of the festival celebrations, Making Spirits Bright will once again host our much-loved Christmas in July Weekend from 24th–26th July 2026.

Celebrate over 20 years of Christmas magic with:

• Stunning themed Christmas displays

• New 2026 Christmas collections launching

• Huge in-store specials

• Magical decorating inspiration

• Festive fun for Christmas lovers of all ages

Our stores will be overflowing with beautiful Christmas décor, ornaments, villages, Santas, ribbons, florals, garlands and decorating inspiration to help make your Christmas dreams come alive.

Family Fun Day & Winter Ball

The Bright Winter Festival will also feature a special Family Fun Day, bringing the community together with winter-themed activities, entertainment and fun for all ages. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences, kids’ activities, live entertainment and plenty of festive winter atmosphere throughout the day.

The celebrations will conclude with the inaugural Bright Winter Ball on Saturday 1st August — an elegant evening event designed to bring the community together to celebrate the success of the festival in style. Guests can look forward to a magical winter evening filled with entertainment, music, atmosphere and celebration.

Stay, Shop, Dine & Explore

The festival is designed to showcase Bright as one of Victoria’s premier winter destinations. Visitors are encouraged to make a weekend — or even a full week — of the experience by exploring:

• Boutique shopping

• Award-winning food and wine

• Scenic mountain landscapes

• Local breweries and distilleries

• Snow region adventures nearby

• Cosy accommodation options

• The charm and hospitality Bright is famous for

Many local businesses will be offering winter specials, themed menus, exclusive events and unique experiences throughout the festival week.

Plan Your Winter Getaway Now

With strong excitement already building around the inaugural event, accommodation throughout Bright is expected to book quickly.

Whether you’re visiting for the magical atmosphere, Christmas in July celebrations, shopping, dining or simply to experience Bright in winter, the Bright Winter Festival is shaping up to become one of the must-visit winter events in regional Victoria.

✨ Gather your friends and family, rug up warm and join us under the twinkling lights this winter in beautiful Bright.

For festival updates, event announcements and accommodation information, visit:
www.brightwinterfestival.com.au