Home » Things to do » Family Fun Days Out » Festivals

Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival: It’s GO for SNOW

Get ready to let it snow! Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival is Queensland’s premier winter festival.  Hosted in Stanthorpe from the 30 June – 2 July 2023, this celebration of all things cold and frosty is sure to delight the whole family. It’s a winter wonderland of fun and excitement!

Three days of action packed winter fun at Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival!

Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival

The Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival boasts a huge outdoor snowfield and a 90 person iceskating rink! Expect to be warmly welcomed with typical country hospitality as your fam take part in the myriad of activities. Markets, entertainment, local produce, snow globes, sled dogs, igloo making, children’s crafts and the famous Ice Man Challenge are just the start in this feast of the senses for all ages.

Snowflake Festival Stanthorpe FAQs

When is the Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival?

The Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival is held every other year, on the odd-numbered years. In 2023, the festival will be held from 30 June to July 2.

Do I need a ticket to attend Snowflakes in Stanthorpe?

On Friday, anyone can enter without a ticket but on Saturday and Sunday you will need a ticket to enter. Note that there are no cash sales at the entrance, so you must buy tickets online.

Can I bring my dog to Snowflakes in Stanthorpe?

The only animals allowed into the festival are registered service dogs and guide dogs. Pets are not allowed.

Are there activities for kids at the Stanthorpe Snowflake Festival?

Absolutely! There are many activities for the whole family, plus some just for kids. See the list of Snowflake Festival activities below for an idea.

2023 Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival Activities

Below you’ll find a day-by-day breakdown of the festival but here is a quick rundown of what you can expect to find at the the Stanthorpe Snowflake Festival.

  • Musical performances
  • Puppet shows
  • Ice skating
  • Market stalls
  • Igloo making
  • Face painting
  • Inflatable obstacle courses
  • Sand art
  • Tobogganing
  • Craft activities
  • Snow field
  • Historical vehicles
  • Barnyard animals
  • Cheese making
  • Leather stamping
  • And much, much more!

Not forgetting the grown ups, there will also be a wine pavilion featuring a selection of local wineries, distilleries and craft beers.

Friday at the Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival

On Friday the 30th June 2023, the main street of Stanthorpe will be packed with great entertainers, demonstrations and activities. Rug up and enjoy the on stage performers, seasonal markets, and incredible ice sculpture competition.  The whole family is invited to join in on the street parade and the fun games, activities and competitions.

Later, join you can enjoy the laser lights and fireworks before seeking out the local restaurants and bars guaranteed to provide the warmest hospitality around. The Friday activities are FREE!

Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival

Saturday at the Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival

Let it Snow!  Join in the fun on Saturday 1st July at the Stanthorpe Snowgrounds (tickets $20 for adults, $15 concessions, $10 5 – 15 yeas and under 5s free). The gates open at 9am and your ticket price includes a huge range of activities including the massive snowfield (with under 8s area), on-stage entertainment, climbing wall, animal nursery, giant snowglobes, enchanted forest,  obstacle course and ‘snow’ much more.  Wander the winter markets, indulge in the international food fest and relax in the local wine and beer marquee.  The ice skating rink will be available until 7pm at an extra cost per session. It promises to be an epic day!

Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival

Sunday at the Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival

On Sunday 2nd July, head back to the Stanthorpe Snowgrounds for more great activities (tickets $15 for adults, $7 for 5 – 15 years and under 5s free) . The ice skating rink will be open from 9am and there will be plenty more snow!  After a Bushies Breakfast you can enjoy the snowfields, giant snow globes and lots of entertainment including workshops and arts and craft activities.

For those who prefer a slower start, and maybe a coffee, the Vintage Car and Machinery Display will be ready to show off their shiny motors. The market stalls will be open from 9am to 2pm and all of the children’s activities will be back. On stage entertainment continues all day.

Across the whole weekend

Across the weekend, you’ll enjoy a variety of fantastic musical performances designed to get everyone’s toes-a-tappin’!

Ice skating

The ice-skating rink is situated in the Agricultural Shed at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds. It measures 10m x 19m. The ice-skating rink is synthetic. Ice skating rink open times are as follows:

  • Friday 30th June 2023 – 9am to 5pm (no cost to enter the Showgrounds)
  • Saturday 1st July – 9am to 7pm
  • Sunday 2nd July – 9am to 2pm

Helper dolphins are provided free of charge for those needing a helping hand. Children under 5 may enter the ice-skating rink with a paying adult. Under 5’s may wear enclosed shoes or ice-skates. You can borrow ice-skates or BYO.  Ice skating at Snowflakes in Stanthorpe costs $15 for a 25-minute session.

Costs for the Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival 2023

Please note: A booking fee is added to all of the tickets.

Friday – Free!

Saturday

  • Child (0-4yrs) – FREE
  • Child (5-15 years) – $10
  • Adult – $20
  • Concession – $15

Sunday

  • Child (0-4yrs) – FREE
  • Child (5-15 years) – $7
  • Adult – $15
  • Concession – $10

All Weekend Pass

  • Child (0-4yrs) – FREE
  • Child (5-15 years) – $15
  • Adult – $30
  • Concession – $22

Get your tickets here.

Where to stay for Snowflakes in Stanthorpe?

Here are four options for you to try out: 

  1. Book a powered or unpowered camping site at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds.
  2. Check out the Granite Belt Wine Country website.
  3. Phone the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre during office hours 07 4681 2057, or the Warwick Visitor Information Centre during office hours 07 4661 3122
  4. Call any long lost relative who lives within a 2 hour drive and tell them that 30 June to 2 July would be a great weekend for your whole family to visit.

Hotels in Stanthorpe

If your long lost relatives are (shockingly) not up for hosting, there are several accommodation options in Stanthorpe and the surrounding areas. Note, however, that lodging does book up quickly during the festival weekend so be sure to book as soon as you know you want to go.

Here are a few highly-rated hotels in Stanthorpe you may want to check out.

Granite Belt Motel

Granite Belt Motel is a 4-star motel that offers clean, modern rooms. Many of the rooms feature private balconies or patios and the property has a garden area and barbecue as well.

Apple & Grape Motel

If you want to stay right in the center of the action, Apple & Grape Motel is where it’s at. The motel is located right in the centre of Stanthorpe, so you’re walking distance to shops and restaurants, as well as Quart Pot Creek and some trails.

Honeysuckle Cottages

For those who prefer individual cottages to motel rooms, Honeysuckle Cottages is a great option. Located just a few minutes’ drive from Stanthorpe, the cottages each feature a log fireplace and 1900s style furnishings. If you have a big family, the Three Bedroom Chalet may be a great option and other rooms offer up a spa bath if you want a little luxury!

Check availability and pricing for all Stanthorpe accommodation here.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Be sure to check out where the next fun festivals are in Brisbane!

It’s going to be snow much fun! Make sure you take the kids along – don’t be left out in the cold!

Photo of author

Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

3 thoughts on “Snowflakes in Stanthorpe Festival: It’s GO for SNOW”

  1. Is this on every year ? So sad we missed out ….we didn’t know it was on ….and what about the dates ? Are they announced in some way ?

    Reply

Leave a comment