Now that winter has officially settled in, we’re looking forward to mulled wine and nights by the fireplace. While snow is rare in most parts of Australia, you can live out your alpine fantasies when Parramatta dons its winter village vibes for the tenth year running. This year the winter village will be in place from June 19 to September 12, 2021.
The village is transforming Prince Alfred Square complete with an ice skating rink, igloo village, daily snow showers and food and drink pop-ups serving the ultimate cosy comfort food.
After a blockbuster 2019 debut, in Federation Square, Melbourne, The Winter Village will finally bring its greatest hits along with new additions to Parramatta, including a new Brunch & Skate package on weekends, ice skating and daily snow showers.
The Winter Village is brought to life by Australian Venue Co, which operate a number of favourite pubs, bars and restaurants across Sydney including; The Winery, Untied, Bungalow 8, Cargo Bar, The Rook, Manly Wine, Kingsleys Woolloomooloo and more.
For an ultimate ‘The Winter Village’ experience, guests can pre-book private igloos and cabins, perfect for an afternoon or evening of enjoying some drinks and sharing a bite to eat.
How much do the igloos cost?
Parramatta will have 20 igloos, each measuring 3.6m x 3.6m, which can host up to 8 people.
Igloo Packages
All igloos must be pre-booked via The Winter Village website and include the choice of two food & beverage packages with vegan and Gluten Friendly options available.
The Standard Igloo Package
$49 per person
For those looking to get their igloo fix, the Standard Package 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, a choice of wine or beer, and a chocolate ice cream sandwich for dessert.
The Premium Igloo Package
$69 per person
For those looking to indulge, patrons can upgrade to the Premium Package, which includes a mini lobster roll with dill & pickles, an additional dessert platter with espresso martini choc fudge sauce, berries, brownies, marshmallows, cookies and the choice of a Bloody Shiraz Gin Spritz, Espresso Martini, wine or beer.
What are some events happening on the weekend?
Brunch & Skate
The new Brunch & Skate package will let the weekend warriors work up an appetite with a 45-minute skate session, plus a well-earned brunch in a private igloo. Brunch & Skate packages are available every Saturday and Sunday at 10 am, for $35 per adult and $22 per child.
Ice Skating
Ice skating passes can be booked online, with 45-minute sessions available during opening hours. Passes are $26 for adults, $18 for children aged 6-14 and $10 for children aged 3-5.
Let It Snow – Snow Showers
The Parramatta Winter Village will have daily snow showers at 12 pm, 3 pm, 6 pm and 9 pm.
Skate & Sip Enjoy a complimentary skate session with any cocktail purchase. Available every Monday from 5-7 pm. Simply collect your free skate pass from the bar to redeem on the day.
Friday Happy Hour Enjoy a complimentary drink with any skating pass between 4-6 pm every Friday. Simply visit the skate hut for your skate session between 4-6 pm on Fridays to receive your drink card.
Is the Winter Village free?
Entry to The Winter Village is free, walk-in customers can order food & beverage directly from the pop-up bar, with casual outdoor seating available.
Which other cities will get a Winter Village?
Along with marking its debut in Parramatta, The Winter Village will also return to Melbourne and pop up in new locations across Australia this winter including Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
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