When it comes to over-the-top displays of Chrissy lights, the Hunter Valley Gardens really takes the pudding. Every year, the well-manicured greenery of these parklands is bejewelled with some four million glittering lights, along with old-school rides, festive food and kids' entertainment.
You’d have to be a real grinch not to be charmed by the Southern Hemisphere's largest light show. This year’s spectacular will twinkle to life with a colourful 35-metre long superslide, spinning teacups, a 25-metre high ferris wheel and a traditional Venetian carousel. There will also be plenty of new photo opportunities in 2023, including a colourful candy cane tunnel, twinkly tree trail and giant Santa’s arch.
Christmas ain't Christmas without Mr and Mrs Claus, and this festival is no exception. Kids will be able to snap a picture with Santa, pose next to a 14-metre tall Christmas tree, and enjoy energetic weekend shows featuring Christmas characters, comedy, magic and stunts. There will also be a breathtaking fireworks display that will light up the sky on New Year’s Eve at 9pm.
All the fan favourites from previous years will be at the Gardens too, spread over eight hectares of interactive displays. Dream no longer of a white Christmas by exploring the snowy display filled with arctic animals and frost-capped trees, get sweet at Candyland and frolic through the 12 days of Christmas LED display.
While they're certainly the main event, there’s more than just lights on offer. There are also rides for the little ones, roving live entertainers including festival carollers, and food and drink stalls to round out your outing. Start a new tradition with hot chocolate and churros, or feast on loaded fries, spuds, burritos, burgers, crepes, doughnuts, cookie pizza and more.
The Christmas Lights Spectacular is open every evening from 5.30–10.30pm from November 3 until January 28, 2024 (excluding Christmas Day). You can purchase adult night tickets for $38 or get a day-night pass, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds with the entire Garden being open to explore during the day followed by the excitement of Christmas Lights Spectacular at night.
So, gather up the family, the friends or someone special and set off on the two-hour-ish drive into wine country.
The lights start sparkling from November 3 until January 28, 2024. Adult night tickets are $38 – book here.
