There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to visit Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular. It’s a wonderful feeling to wander through the Christmas lights displays and this year’s event is superb.
You’ll be dazzled by the more than 3 million lights of the Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens. We recently visited and here are our tips for a great family night out!
You can buy tickets at the door or to save time waiting in line to purchase tickets, you can book online tickets for a specific date in advance. You then just head left to the Pre-Paid Ticket line.
It’s a new route this year and you’ll find some Christmas light displays arranged differently. There seems to be more paths to wander down which is great when it’s busy. The mesmerising display encompasses 5 hectares of breathtaking gardens so be ready for lots of walking.
Tip: Take a photo of the map on your phone that’s located near the entrance or keep the map below on your phone as you tour around during your visit.
Wondering if you should go on a weekday or a weekend? That depends on you and your family. We visited on a Sunday night and it was a lot less busy than in previous years when we visited on a Friday or Saturday night.
However, there’s entertainment on these busier days. In November, you can enjoy an energetic live show complete with classic Christmas Carols performed by the Scallywagz and friends every Saturday & Sunday.
If you visit in December, there will be special performances by the Scallywagz, The Pretty Amazing Jono, Bravissimo and the amazing Christmas Fairy every Saturday & Sunday in December until Saturday 24 December.
Then you have to decide what time you want to get there. We recommend getting there a bit earlier to enjoy the whole event. Christmas Lights Spectacular opens at 5:30pm giving you time to enjoy some food and the amusement rides.
Organise with friends and family to go on the same night. The event is a great place for a catch up.
Don’t worry about dinner. Just get there early for a bite to eat when the gardens open at 5:30pm. There’s a range of food stalls including including woodfire pizza, Mexican Cantina, German Grill Haus, and a dessert tent and plenty of seating.
You can also get your photos taken with Santa at Hunter Valley Gardens. Santa photos are available from 6:30pm – 10pm every night until Christmas Eve in the events area. Santa photos cannot be pre-booked. but Hunter Valley Gardens recommend arriving early when there is minimal wait.Price for packages start at $37.50.
Amusement Rides
As well as Christmas light displays, your family can enjoy the amusement rides which run from 6pm to 10pm.
We love going on the Ferris Wheel which gives you great views of the gardens from above.
There is also the Swing Chair which is popular for those who love a thrill.
For those with younger kids, take them on the brightly coloured Teacup Ride or the beautiful Venetian Carousel.
For those who want a thill, slide down the spectacular 35-metre-long Super slide.
These activities incur an extra cost. Single ride tokens will be available for $6 each, or you can purchase a Bonus Ride Pack, 6 ride tokens for $30. Height and age restrictions apply.
Christmas Lights Displays
The main event though is the Christmas Lights Displays. Wait until it’s dark and then wander through the gardens and experience the true magic of Christmas Lights Spectacular.
This year’s event is truly magical with lots of different themed areas including Candyland, the North Pole and of course Santa and his kangaroos and Australian animals.
A family favourite is the 12 Days of Christmas music and light display in the Border Garden. Spend some time here watching the images light up while singing along with everyone else to this much loved Christmas carol. It’s been upgraded with new LED lights this year.
If you need to get the song out of your head, venture over to the waterfall and enjoy the synchronised music.
There are so many interactive light displays that are perfect for Instagrammable family photos or selfies. How cute is this giant snowman?
Don’t miss plunking your kids in Santa’s sleigh for some memorable family photos.
How beautiful is this rainbow?
We always enjoy Story Book Garden but seeing it lit up with lights creates a truly magical environment.
Wander through Lovers Lane, a series of heart tunnels. It’s just the place for some photos with your special one.
As well as new additions to Christmas Lights Spectacular, there are still classic displays like the Nativity scene with its accompanying audio story.
On your way out from Christmas Lights Spectacular, enjoy the Mega Trees.
The Mega Trees with their synchronised lights and sounds are always fun. The music just makes you move and you’ll laugh seeing the image of Santa dancing!
As well as the thousands of Christmas lights, enjoy all the entertainers at Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular.
Enjoy an energetic live show complete with classic Christmas Carols performed by the Scallywagz and friends every Saturday & Sunday in November.
Get a memorable family photo with larger-than-life Christmas characters. If you’ve been good they may have a special treat for you too! They will be there every Thursday and Friday in November.
If you want to enjoy Christmas carols, there will be special performances by the Scallywagz, The Pretty Amazing Jono, Bravissimo and the amazing Christmas Fairy every Saturday & Sunday in December until Saturday 24 December.
After the last few years of social distancing and lockdowns, it’s worth a visit to Hunter Valley Gardens to experience Christmas Lights Spectacular.
No matter how old your kids or grandkids are, they’re sure to love the lights and magic of this annual Christmas event! We’re fortunate to have this gem on our doorstep.
The Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens at Pokolbin runs from Friday 4 November 2022 to Thursday 26 January 2023 except Christmas Day.
The Gardens open for Christmas lights viewing at 5:30pm and close at 10:30pm.
What does it cost for Hunter Valley Garden Christmas Lights Spectacular?
2022 Christmas Lights Spectacular tickets are on sale now:
Adult $34
Children (4-15 yrs) $27
Children (Under 3) FREE
Family (2 Adults + 1 Child) $90
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) $110
Family (1 Adult + 2 Children) $80
Family Pass Extra Child $24
*Single ride tokens will be available for $6 each, or you can purchase a Bonus Ride Pack, 6 ride tokens for $30. Height and age restrictions apply.
Day + Night passes are also available.
For more details on tickets and program, visit the Hunter Valley Gardens website.
Top Tips for a Visit to Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular
Newy with Kids has been attending Christmas Lights Spectacular for many years. Here are our tips for a great visit:
- Book online for tickets. You can buy tickets at the door but if you buy tickets in advance, you go in a separate line upon entry.
- If you can visit on a day other than Friday or Saturday, do so. In past years, the crowds have been larger on the weekends with lots of people travelling from Sydney, the Central Coast and elsewhere to view the lights.
- Check the weather forecast before booking a ticket to avoid disappointment. If there is adverse weather like storms, heavy rain or lightning, the Christmas Lights Spectacular will be cancelled. Check the Facebook page for the latest updates.
- Bring mozzie spray in case the mosquitoes are biting.
- Bring the pram or stroller if you’re not sure that your young child will be able to walk for the whole time. The Christmas Light Spectacular covers a large area (5 hectares). Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone.
- Bring another layer of clothing as it can get a bit cool at night once it gets dark.
- If your kids want to go on rides, get there early and go on the rides. Then once it gets dark, you can tour the Christmas light displays. If you plan on doing lots of rides, buy the $30 pack for 6 tickets as it works out better value than buying single tickets at $6 each.
- Check the height restrictions for rides to avoid disappointment.
- Take your time and enjoy all of the lights. It’s a wonderful event that the whole family will enjoy.
- If you don’t want to purchase food at Hunter Valley Gardens, bring a picnic and eat it outside of the Gardens. It’s a fun low-cost family food option and saves you spending money buying food in Hunter Valley Gardens. There is a picnic and play area as you come into the Hunter Valley Gardens complex from the highway. You cannot bring food or drinks into the Gardens with the exception of bottled water.
- Prepare for possible traffic snarls when you leave the Gardens if you’re visiting on a busy night. One year, we waited for 15 minutes as a queue of coaches picking up passengers were blocking the exit. Be patient and the volunteers will advise you how to get out.
Disclaimer: Newy with Kids received free entry to Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular for review purposes. All opinions are our own.
In 2012, Reena founded Newy with Kids to share information about family-friendly Newcastle. Originally from Canada, she had no idea about what to do with her toddler and after searching unsuccessfully for a local family guide, decided to start her own. Since that time, both the toddler and Newy with Kids have grown keeping Reena busy. If you see her out and about, say hi.