There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to visit Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular in Pokolbin. It’s a wonderful feeling to wander through the Christmas lights displays and this year’s event is incredible with even more light displays!
You’ll be dazzled by the more than 4 1/2 million lights of the Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens. We visited yesterday on a Saturday night and here are our tips for a great family night out!
You can buy tickets at the door (subject to availability) or to save time waiting in line to purchase tickets, you can book online tickets for a specific date in advance. (We recommend checking the weather forecast first).
It’s a new route this year and you’ll find some Christmas light displays arranged differently. Compared to last year, there are lot more displays and more paths to wander down which is great when it’s busy, so you can avoid the crowds.
There’s also lots more places to take interactive photos with your family.
The mesmerising display encompasses 5 hectares of breathtaking gardens so be ready for lots of walking. If you have little ones, bring a pram or stroller.
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.
Here’s the map of the 2025 Christmas Lights Spectacular so you don’t miss a thing!
Wondering if you should go on a weekday or a weekend? That depends on you and your family’s schedule. If you can visit on a day other than Friday or Saturday, do so – it’s definitely less busy if you avoid the weekend.
This year, we visited on a Saturday night and it was busy with lots of families enjoying the lights and lineups when we wanted to get on a ride.
In previous years, we’ve visited on opening night (great time to visit as it wasn’t that busy) or on a Sunday night (lot less crowds). However, if you do go on a busy night, there’s definitely a buzzy atmosphere with lots of people.
As well as the thousands of Christmas lights, enjoy all the entertainers at Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular. They will be performing on weekends with additional days in the December peak.
This year includes a bumper selection of entertainment including:
- The Little Scallywagz – Nutcracker Story Time Experience
- Bizarre Haus – Stilt Walkers
- Bizarre Haus – Lollipop Lyra acrobatics
- Bizarre Haus – Unicycling Juggler
- Felix Quinn Band – Christmas House Band
Then you have to decide what time you want to get there. We recommend getting there 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 and we saw lots of friend and family groups. This year, we noticed that there was a trend in Christmas outfits.
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 including woodfire pizza, burgers, hot dogs, and a food stall serving your favourite sweet treats, as well as plenty of seating. The food stalls are open daily from 6pm – 10pm.
New this year is the Evergreeen Tavern where you can stop for a drink with friends or family, conveniently located next to Santa photos.
You can 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 (weather permitting).
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 a reconfiguration of the light displays as well as lots more Christmas lights.
Each year at Christmas Lights Spectacular, there are brand-new displays which provide plenty of photo opportunities including Merry Meadow, Santaville, Shimmering Falls, Holiday Hollow
and many more.
Another 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. Last year, the light display was upgraded with screens which display the different elements including a partridge in a pear tree.
If you need to get the song out of your head, venture over to the waterfall and enjoy the synchronised music.
Here you’ll find lots of amazing light displays including a beautiful Christmas tree.
There are so many interactive light displays that are perfect for Instagrammable family photos or selfies.
Perfect locations for a Christmas photo.
Don’t miss the festive Boxing Day Test scene with Santa playing cricket.
We love the parade of prancing reindeers
And the series of Christmas ornaments.
We always enjoy Story Book Garden but seeing it lit up with lights creates a truly magical environment.
Nearby, is the giant Red Chair which is always fun for doing photos. Here you’ll find a gingerbread house and gingerbread man.
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.
With many more lights and new displays, it’s worth a visit to Hunter Valley Gardens to experience Christmas Lights Spectacular 2025.
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.
Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens at Pokolbin runs from Friday 7 November 2025 to Monday 26 January 2026 except Christmas Day.
The Gardens open for Christmas lights viewing at 5:30pm and close at 10:30pm. Last entry at 9pm.
What does it cost for Hunter Valley Garden Christmas Lights Spectacular?
2025 Christmas Lights Spectacular tickets are on sale now:
Adult $41
Children (4-15 yrs) $31
Children (3 yrs & under) FREE
Family (2 Adults + 1 Child) $102
Family (2 Adults + 2 Child) $126
Family Pass Extra Child $31
*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.
TIP: If you visit Hunter Valley Gardens throughout the year for different events including Christmas Lights Spectacular, Snow Time in the Gardens and Easter, save money and purchase a Family Annual Pass for $318 (2 Adults & 2 Children). Additional child $83. These annual passes cover all events as well as general garden entry.
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 at Hunter Valley Gardens for many years. Here are our tips for a great visit:
Book online to save time. When you enter, they can quickly scan the bar code for easy entry.
Weeknights are usually quieter than Friday or Saturday. We’ve gone on a Sunday and it was a good day to go. November sessions are often less crowded as the event gets busier closer to Christmas.
Yes. Storms or heavy rain may affect the event and rides may close. Always check the Hunter Valley Gardens Facebook page for updates.
Yes. There are wide paths, lots of grassy areas, gentle walkways and plenty for younger children to see.
Yes. The paths are suitable for prams. The grounds are large so a stroller helps with little legs.
Yes. A baby carrier can be helpful on busy nights.
The displays cover approximately 5 hectares. Expect lots of walking.
Allow at least 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the rides, entertainment and lights.
Comfortable shoes and an extra warm layer for after dark. Bring a rain poncho in case it looks like it might rain. If you feel like being festive, wear matching Christmas shirts or outfits.
You’ll be taking lots of photos and videos using your phone so bring a portable phone charger in case you’re worried about your phone’s power. Note that there is limited phone reception in some areas.
They can be. Bring insect repellent in case they are active.
Go on the rides early before it gets dark, then explore the lights afterwards. If you have time, go on more rides afterwards. The last ride is at 9:45pm while the gardens remain open until 10:30pm.
Yes. The 6-ride ticket bundle is better value than buying individual tickets. Buy the $30 pack for 6 tickets as it works out better value than buying single tickets at $6 each.
Yes. Check the height requirements before lining up to avoid disappointment.
No. Food and drinks cannot be brought in, except for bottled water. Picnics can be enjoyed outside the Gardens before entering. There is a picnic and play area as you come into the Hunter Valley Gardens complex from the highway.
Use the main Hunter Valley Gardens carpark. If possible, park toward the back for easier exit after the event. During busy periods, we park in the carpark behind the Aqua Golf and walk along the path to the entrance.
Yes, if you’re visiting on a busy night. In past years, we’ve left on a Saturday evening at closing time and it took about 30 minutes to get out of the parking lot.
Yes. Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens and Harrigan’s Hunter Valley are located only minutes away from Hunter Valley Gardens and are offering special accommodation packages both mid-week (cheaper option) and weekend. These include accommodation, family entry, ride tickets and breakfast. Find out more about about the accommodation offers at Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens and Harrigan’s Hunter Valley.
Disclaimer: Newy with Kids received free entry to Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular for review purposes. All opinions are our own.
🎄 🎅🏼 Make sure that you don’t miss any of the other fun and family-friendly Christmas events and activities in Newcastle and the Hunter, visit the Newy with Kids Guide to Christmas.