ABOUT
Light up Winter
Saturday 1 August 2026
ANDERSON PARK ROSE GARDEN
Celebrate ten years of winter magic at Light Up Winter 2026!
Step into a whimsical woodland as The Anderson Park Rose Garden transforms into a glowing realm of enchantment. Wander through sparkling lights, street food alleys, and captivating performances.
Enjoy live music, illuminating fairies, and the ever-popular Thomas the Tank Engine ride.
Warm up in the Crystal Pavilion with mulled wine or hot chocolate, admire the dazzling Light Up Your Hat creations, and be part of the breathtaking Mass Lantern Release.
Plans are already underway for this milestone celebration, with more details to be revealed in the coming months — stay tuned as Cromwell prepares to shine brighter than ever.
Be mesmerised by the sight of hundreds of lanterns silently drifting up into the night sky, where the heart of winter beats with the warmth of community and the magic of light. The spectacular lantern release is the finale event of the night and not to be missed.
Our lanterns are flame retardant, completely biodegradable, and free from any wire that could harm wildlife.
Please note that only official Light Up Winter lanterns purchased through this website will be permitted at the event. Due to strict health and safety compliance requirements, external or non-approved lanterns cannot be used.
A limited number of official Light Up Winter lanterns are available. Online sales open here from 15 June at 9am.
GET CREATIVE
Light up your hat
Proudly sponsored by the local team at Barrett Homes,
the iconic Light Up Your Hat Competition is a fun and creative celebration that invites participants of all ages to design and decorate hats with lights, showcasing their imagination, personality and unique style.
Now celebrating 10 years of illuminated hat madness, this much-loved community tradition brings people together through creativity, colour and wearable art, with the on-stage parade a true crowd favourite.
Local businesses are encouraged to enter the Corporate Category, providing a fantastic opportunity to rally the team, unleash some creative flair and enjoy a little friendly competition. It's all about teamwork, community spirit, local pride and, of course, a touch of dazzling sparkle.
In addition to the generous support from the local Barrett Homes team, who are contributing both time and funding to the overall delivery of the event and providing fabulous prize hampers, the event also reflects strong community spirit through further local support. Paper Plus Cromwell is contributing towards the age-group categories, while Sanga’s Pies is backing the Corporate Category with a delicious team pie shout, helping make this much-loved event even more rewarding for participants. Prize T&Cs apply.
Join the fun, light up your hat, and take your place in one of the most entertaining highlights of the evening.
LIVE MUSIC
Adding to the vibrancy of this year’s event, the charming Fine Thyme Belles kick start the on-stage performances, followed by local youth acts to get you moving and grooving.
ROVING PERFORMERS
Glowing fairies, towering stilt walkers and flame dancers will mesmerise the crowds whilst the roving magical clown guarantees to delight visitors of all ages.
THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE
Little ones seeking an adventure, hop on board Thomas The Tank Engine on the greenway express lane.
FACE PAINTING
Sparkle up the night and shine bright.