It follows days of construction and set-up in Russell Street and Machattie Park.

The festival will run until Sunday, July 21 and the ice rink will, once again, be a key attraction, along with the ferris wheel and two-storey carousel.

Illuminations will also decorate buildings in the CBD, including the Bathurst Court House and Cathedral of St Michael and St John.

Work on the ice rink got underway on Sunday, June 30, with the entire structure being completed by Tuesday, giving enough time for the water to freeze and to build the layers of ice.

Site manager Jacquie Marsh said the ice rink will be at the same capacity as last year.

"All sessions can cater for up 120 people, which is the same capacity as last year," she said.

"We haven't expanded the size, mainly because of the space and because it worked well last year."

The rink is scraped over every two to three sessions, according to Ms Marsh, before it receives a hose down at night.

As of Friday afternoon, 4000 ice rink tickets had been sold for all sessions.

Tickets are available for purchase in person or online at the festival website at www.bathurstwinterfestival.com.au.