Christmas Lights Spectacular

Where millions of lights create Australia’s most magical Christmas wonderland

Friday 30 October 2026 – Sunday 31 January 2027
Gardens open from 9am till 4:30pm – Last entry at 3:30pm.
Christmas Lights Spectacular open from 5:30pm till 10:30pm – Last entry at 9:30pm.
Rides from 6pm to 10pm – Ride ticket sales close at 9:30pm. Last ride 9:45pm.
Please note Gardens close at 4:30pm and Christmas Lights opens at 5:30pm, all visitors must exit the gardens by 4:30pm, including Day/Night ticket holders.

Closed 25 December (day and night)

Step into a world where Christmas magic comes alive after dark. The Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular returns as the biggest and brightest Christmas Lights display in Australia, unveiling enchanting new realms including the shimmering Celestial Snowfields, the sweetly spiced Gingerbread Way, and an expanded Planes, Trains and Automobiles precinct filled, colour and festive charm.

With millions of dazzling lights, immersive walk‑through displays, live entertainment, rides* and festive treats, the Gardens transform into a wonderland that delights all ages. From snowy surrounds and twinkling trees to candy‑coated laneways and Rudolf skiing, this is a Christmas experience made for memory‑making, photo‑sharing and returning year after year.

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Start your Christmas season with a magical night for the whole family!

Just 2 hours from Sydney and a short drive from Newcastle, Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country is the perfect festive family experience. Wander through glowing tunnels, marvel at giant Christmas trees, snap fun photos at immersive displays, and soak up the joy as you create memories that will shine bright all season long.

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New to this year!

This year’s Christmas Lights Spectacular will present new additions for everyone to enjoy!

Celestial Snowfields – A dreamlike winter realm featuring glowing constellations, walk-through snowy fields, icy blues and silvers, celestial angels and star-filled backdrops.
Gingerbread Way – A warm, whimsical entrance into our gingerbread house, candy canes and glowing sweets.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (Expanded) – A larger‑scale display with illuminated boats, plane, train, skiing reindeer, and the traditional Aussie Ute.

Food & Beverages

Enjoy a delicious range of food and beverage options from our tasty food stalls. Plenty of treats to keep the whole family fuelled, options include burgers, woodfire pizza, Greek, Mexican, donuts, assorted desserts and so much more! Food stalls open from 5:30pm to 10pm.

The Evergreen Tavern – Christmas Lights Spectacular Bar is back for the second time with a size twist! Set inside the Hunter Valley Gardens marquee, The Evergreen Tavern will be serving up refreshing cold drinks and food in a relaxed, festive setting. Open from 5:30pm to 10pm, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the Christmas cheer, enjoy a drink with friends or family, and take in the magical atmosphere before or after exploring the lights.

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Thrills and fun await with our exciting rides!

Add an extra spark of excitement to your visit with our amazing rides, operating daily during Christmas Lights Spectacular from 6pm to 10pm. Tickets are $6 per ride, or grab a bonus 6-ride pass for $30! Tickets can be purchased at the ride ticket booth in the event area. Ride ticket booth hours: 6pm to 9:30pm. Last ride 9:45pm. Please note: Height and age restrictions apply.

Ferris Wheel

Relax and take in the view of the Gardens and surrounding countryside from 25 metres high on our spectacular Ferris Wheel. Suitable for all ages.

Swing Chair

Thrill-seekers will love our flying Swing Chair. Feel the wind in your hair and get your adrenaline pumping as you fly 11 metres above the ground.

Superslide

Grab one of our mats and enjoy the excitement of speeding down this thrilling ride. Standing 12 metres high and a massive 35 metres long, our Superslide is a whole lot of fun.

Carousel

Experience our beautiful, traditional Venetian Carousel. A firm favourite, this feature was made in Italy to our design.

Tea Cups

Join the tea party at our fantastic Tea Cups ride. Twist, twirl and have fun in giant coloured tea cups. Once won’t be enough!

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Accommodation Packages

A festive getaway the family won’t forget!

Planning a visit to Christmas Lights Spectacular? Make it even more magical by staying just minutes away at Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens or Harrigan’s Hunter Valley. Both are perfect for families, offering comfort, convenience and easy access to the dazzling displays. With exclusive Christmas Lights Spectacular Accommodation Packages, it’s never been easier to turn a sparkling night out into a relaxing mini holiday.

Stay close to the magic, enjoy delicious meals and cosy rooms, and make the most of your festive adventure in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country.

Harrigan's Hunter Valley Accommodation Package Mercure Hunter Valley Accommodation Package

Frequently Asked Questions

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Christmas Lights Photo Competition

Who says Christmas fashion has to make sense? It’s time to embrace the silly side of the season!

We’re looking for the most outrageous, hilarious and creative Ugly Christmas Outfits to celebrate the start of Christmas Lights Spectacular 2026/27. Think Christmas-themed shirts, festive boardies, Santa-inspired summer dresses, reindeer sunnies, tinsel-covered hats or the ugliest Christmas sweater you can find, even in the middle of summer!

The competition opens on Wednesday 28 October 2026, celebrating the opening of Christmas Lights Spectacular on Friday 30 October 2026 at Hunter Valley Gardens, and closes on Friday 11 December 2026 at 11:59pm.
Winners will be contacted via email on Tuesday 15 December 2026, with the winners announced on social media on Friday 18 December 2026 at 12pm.

So, dig out those festive boardies, dust off that questionable Christmas sweater and get ready to bring some seriously fun Aussie Christmas style to Christmas Lights Spectacular!

ENTER NOW Terms & Conditions

Christmas Lights Spectacular Group Rates

Discounted group rates are available for groups of 12 or more adults visiting Christmas Lights Spectacular. These rates are ONLY available via our Group Sales Team and must be purchased in advance. No group discounts are available at entry. For any function enquiries please contact our Group Sales Team.

Admission charges apply. Hunter Valley Gardens recommends guests purchase tickets on our website prior to arrival.
Tickets (except Group tickets) are available through our website or at entry.
Fraudulent tickets will not be honoured. Christmas Lights Spectacular activities are open during event hours only. Program subject to change. Terms and conditions of entry apply. *Rides are user pay; height and age restrictions apply. Some activities may not open in adverse weather conditions and unscheduled maintenance.
Entry to the Gardens closes one hour before the completion of the session. Access to the entire Garden is available during the day only, some areas are closed during Christmas Lights Spectacular. Event closed on 25 December only. Tickets not valid for the date of arrival may be refused entry.