It's nice not to shiver through bone-chilling winters or slip on icy streets a lá the Northern Hemisphere, but Sydney's temperate climes also mean missing out on the fun parts of a proper winter: namely, snow. Now, thanks to a new pop-event, we'll get to have the best of both worlds.
The Winter Village, an event that has set up in Melbourne annually for years, is making its way to Parramatta in 2021 from June 19 to September 12. There's ice-skating, pop-up bars, food trucks, and a village with 'igloos' you can book out. Entry is free, but some activities are ticketed.
For example, you can slice through the ice on a full stomach with a 'Brunch and Skate' package: 45 minutes of spin, plus a well-earned brunch. Get in Saturdays and Sundays at 10am (it's $35 per adult and $22 per child). Otherwise, ice skating passes can be booked online, each for 45 minutes. Each session is $26 for adults, $18 for children aged 6-14 and $10 for children aged 3-5. You can also get skating pass discounts during a 'happy hour' (4-6pm) or get a free session with the purchase of a cocktail if you go between 5-7pm on Mondays.
If cutting through the ice seems a little daunting, and you're just there for the winter warmers, we understand. A standard igloo package (for $49 per person) includes a grazing plate of chips, dips, mini pretzels and cured meats, fried chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese croquettes, fries with truffle aioli, herbed slaw, Greek salad, and more. The premium igloo package (for $69 per person) includes a mini lobster roll with dill and pickles, a desser platter with Espresso Martini choc fudge sauce, berries, brownies, marshmallows, cookies and the choice of an Bloody Shiraz Gin Spritz, Espresso Martini, wine or beer.
Whatever you do, make sure to time your visit to the Village for its daily 'snow showers' – the sky will be filled with the gentle fall of snowflakes at noon, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm on the dot each day.
Time to dig out your beanies and revel in the winter wonderland. Check out the full details here.