In Brisbane we are fortunate in the fact that our winters never bring snow, but once in a while the urge to frolic in a snow-covered fairyland takes us. Winter Festival is an annual celebration of the colder weather, giving patrons the chance to experience the winter magic seen in Hollywood films and at European après-ski resorts. From June 17 to July 10, King George Square will play host to a range of winter activities, delicious food and drink stalls and live entertainment.

Visitors to the Winter Festival will be invited to don skates and hit the expansive open-air ice rink for a few circuits, set up in the shadow of Brisbane City Hall. Kids can go wild in the powder pit, which is filled with real snow perfect for building snowmen or snowballs before hitting the epic toboggan slide on a custom made snow hill. Wander down rows of European winter food stalls and let the aromatic scents guide you toward filling bites and cups of decadent hot chocolate. Head to the Winter Festival website to book your visit, invite a special someone on a romantic ‘skate date’ or wrangle up a group of friends to bring along to help pick you up if you plant it in the ice skating rink.