Hunter Valley Gardens’ Christmas Lights Spectacular

Christmas is coming early to the Hunter Valley. The Southern Hemisphere’s largest Christmas lights display, Hunter Valley Gardens’ Christmas Lights Spectacularis rnning until 26 January (closed Christmas Day), with more lights, installations, and festive spirit than ever before.

Now in its 18th year, the Hunter Valley Gardens’ annual extravaganza will shine with over 4.5 million lights across 8 acres of themed displays, inviting visitors to step inside a reimagined world of wonder. Where every corner tells a story, every pathway glows with Christmas cheer, and Santa seems to be around every turn.

“This Christmas Lights Spectacular is shining brighter than ever. Each year, we strive to make the experience more cohesive, weaving the magic of Christmas through the natural beauty of the Gardens, but 2025 is truly a standout. With a range of never-before-seen installations and a new area of the Gardens opening for the first time, our team has worked tirelessly all year to bring even more sparkle and festive magic to life,” says Julie Pettit from Hunter Valley Gardens.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2025

HO HO Harvest: Wander through the brand-new Italian Grotto Garden area: HO HO Harvest will be the first time ever that this Garden is open during Christmas Lights Spectacular! Discover where the “elves meet the earth,” celebrating the magic of Santa’s love for nature and garden-grown goodness.

A Festive Hunter Valley Gardens Test Match Display: Cricket meets Christmas in this playful new installation. Santa, Mrs Claus, and the elves are playing an iconic Aussie cricket game complete with candy cane stumps.

Mistletoe Meadow: Find love under a spectacular 3-metre-tall illuminated mistletoe, creating the perfect photo moment (and a few festive kisses) in the heart of the Gardens.

Holiday Hollow: The Christmas Tree Farm: Wander through a sparkling forest of lights, filled with towering trees, giant glowing presents, and a new 6-metre Christmas tree centrepiece.

Santaville: Santa is everywhere this year, literally. From sleighs and rooftops to glowing snow scenes, visitors can meet Santa and his crew throughout this expanded wonderland.

Evergreen Tavern: The purpose-built Evergreen Tavern brings an extra festive twist to the Gardens for adults. Set amongst Christmas trees and twinkling lights, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a beer or a wine after exploring the displays.

FAN FAVOURITES RETURNING

Beloved attractions returning include Candyland and 12 Days of Christmas, as well as family favourite rides such as the 35-metre Superslide, Ferris Wheel, Swing Chairs, Venetian Carousel, and Spinning Teacups, which all open from 6pm to 10pm nightly.

Santa will also greet families in the event marquee located near the food stalls until Boxing Day, with photos available each evening.

Live entertainment and roving performers will also return, with the full program available on the Hunter Valley Gardens website.

FOOD AND DRINK

Fuel the festivities with delicious food and drink options for the whole family, from woodfired pizza, gourmet burgers, and dumplings to sweet favourites like donuts, churros, and gelato, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Open: 5:30pm – 10:30pm (last entry 9:30pm)
Rides: 6pm – 10pm (last rides 9:45pm)
Closed Christmas Day

TICKET PRICES

Ride Tickets: $6 each or 6 for $30