Magic Under the Stars: Inside the Christmas Lights Spectacular
- Liane Morris
- 9 hours ago
- 6 min read
Each summer, as twilight settles over Pokolbin, a familiar sparkle returns to the heart of the Hunter Valley. The Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular, running from 7 November to 26 January 2026, promises a truly dazzling season of festive joy, community spirit, and breathtaking light displays with more magic, more colour, and more reasons to visit than ever before.
For over 15 years, the annual event has transformed the awardwinning gardens into a luminous wonderland, and 2025 is no exception. Featuring over four and a half million lights, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest light display is a massive undertaking, requiring six months of dedicated work annually with a skilled team of over 40 staff. But this year, as Group Operations Manager Julie Pettit explains, it’s not just about the numbers.
“There’s been a revitalisation of all the displays this year, as well as several brand-new installations,” says Julie.
“We really wanted to freshen things up and give our returning visitors something new to discover – every year we strive to improve. The Gardens are looking absolutely spectacular.”
Among the most exciting new additions is HO HO Harvest, an imaginative celebration of Christmas and the Gardens’ natural beauty. Set in the Italian Grotto, this charming new zone playfully connects the Christmas theme back to the heart of what makes Hunter Valley Gardens so special: its lush, living landscape.
“This year we decided to more fully connect to the fact that we are a garden. In HO HO Harvest, Santa and his elves are hard at work tending the gardens - potting plants, mowing, pushing wheelbarrows, and looking after flowers, fruits, and veggies. There are even over 50 watering cans that pour "light water". It’s beautiful, it’s impactful, and honestly, I’m just so excited about all our displays this year.”
Regular visitors will recognise beloved displays, such as the Twelve Days of Christmas and Shimmering Falls, where loved-up couples go to take that perfect love bomb photo, but even the classics have been given a fresh new feel.
Candyland, always a crowd favourite, has grown so big that a whole new installation has been created: Candy Cane Crescent. It’s a whimsical corridor of red-and-white delight leading into the area where the amusement rides and food stalls are located.
Sporting fans will also be thrilled to discover the HVG Day Test Match game that they can wander through on their way to the rides.
“Last year we had a cricketing Santa, and people loved it so much that we felt he needed some friends. This year, Santa is batting while Mrs Claus bowls and the elves are fielding. The stumps are candy canes. It’s adorable, and no doubt there’ll be a few cricketing photos taken.”
Among the most enchanting stops is Bauble Boulevard, a gleaming spectacle filled with more than 80 baubles, some measuring up to 2.5 metres in diameter. Visit Present Parade, another new display and see how many presents can fit into the formal garden – you won’t believe your eyes! And Holiday Hollow turns the Sunken Garden into a forest of shimmering colour.
“The Sunken Garden has been transformed into a Christmas Tree Forest filled with yellow, pink, and green trees - over 30 of them,” says Julie.
“With the waterfall there, the colours shimmer across the water, reflecting the lights from the trees. It’s absolutely enchanting.”
Nearby, Alpine Avenue evokes a magical white Christmas with its frosted blue-and-white trees and cheerful snowmen—a nod to the Gardens’ popular winter festival, Snow Time. Meanwhile, Merry Meadow in the Rose Garden is bursting with Christmas spirit, surrounded by vibrant poinsettias.
“Merry Meadow has some of the best photo opportunities this year. There’s a three-metre-high holly and a giant Santa’s chair that’s big enough for the whole family to sit or climb on.”
At the Gardens’ entrance, Rudolph’s Railroad sets the tone for the adventure ahead, with tickets being purchased at a ‘train station’ and complete with a big red working train and Santa’s reindeer, setting the scene for your journey into a magical Christmas wonderland.
While the light displays remain the star of the show, the Christmas Lights Spectacular continues to deliver entertainment and experiences for people of all ages and interests.
Families will love the Nutcracker Story Time Experience, an interactive show by The Little Scallywagz that brings the classic tale to life with storytelling, music, and audience participation. Children are encouraged to meet the characters, pose for photos, and even try out a few Nutcracker dance moves.
Throughout the gardens, roaming entertainers add extra sparkle, including dazzling stilt walkers, a unicycling juggler, and the mesmerising Lollipop Lyra, who performs graceful acrobatics in a glowing aerial hoop.
And of course, no Christmas celebration would be complete without music. The Felix Quinn Band brings the soundtrack of the season to life with live performances of festive favourites each evening, setting the perfect mood for families, friends, and couples to soak up the atmosphere.
All that exploring and photo-taking works up an appetite, and this year’s Christmas Lights Spectacular features more food and drink options than ever before. Visitors can sample everything from woodfired pizza and loaded fries to churros, dumplings, acai bowls, and artisanal fairy floss.
A brand-new and very welcome addition is the Evergreen Tavern. “We felt we needed a new food and beverage option for people. The Evergreen Tavern is a rustic wooden bar surrounded by Christmas trees—it’s part of the Christmas Tree Forest. People can bring their food in and grab a drink at the bar. It’s near the Santa photo area too, so it’s a great spot to relax, especially for families.”
Santa Claus himself will be in residence at the Gardens until 24 December, ready to meet little ones and pose for photos before he heads off on his Christmas Eve journey. And for families who love a celebration, the Gardens’ New Year’s Eve fireworks display at 9pm will once again light up the night sky, offering a family-friendly way to welcome 2026 in style.
And of course, you can’t miss the spectacular 25-metre Ferris Wheel, towering over the gardens and offering breathtaking views of the twinkling wonderland below - it’s the perfect spot to take in the full magic of the lights. Down on the ground, the fun continues with amusement rides for every age and thrill level: take a daring plunge down the 35-metre Superslide, soar through the night on the Swing Chairs, enjoy a whirl on the vintage Venetian Carousel handcrafted in Italy, or spin to your heart’s content in the twisty, twirly Spinning Teacups. Together, they add a touch of carnival joy to an already unforgettable night.
It’s easy to see why the Christmas Lights Spectacular has become such a cherished part of the Hunter Valley’s summer season. For visitors, it’s a chance to immerse themselves in the wonder of Christmas; for locals, it’s a reminder of just how special their region truly is.
“We really do have something for everyone,” says Julie.
“Families, couples, groups of friends - even locals who’ve been before will find new things to enjoy. Every year we hear from people who’ve made it their family tradition, and that means so much to us.”
The Christmas Lights Spectacular runs nightly from 5.30pm to 10.30pm (rides operate from 6pm to 10pm), with free onsite parking and a range of ticket options, including family passes and day/night combos for those wanting to explore the gardens by day and return for the lights after dark.
Accommodation packages are available at Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens and Harrigan’s Hunter Valley, making it easy to turn your visit into a festive getaway.
This Christmas, let the glow of four and a half million lights guide you to something truly special. Whether it’s your first visit or your family’s annual tradition, the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular promises laughter, wonder, and memories that will last well beyond the holiday season, and whatever you do, don’t forget your camera/phone!
PLAN YOUR VISIT
It is recommended to arrive early and to allow at least two hours for the experience. Download the program from the website to check the times for entertainment.
OPEN | 7 November 2025 to 26 January 2026.
OPENING HOURS | 5.30pm–10.30pm (rides 6pm–10pm).
CLOSED | 25 December 2025.
LOCATION | Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW
RIDES | At an additional cost, $6 per ride or six rides for $30.
PARKING | Complimentary onsite parking is available.
LAST ENTRY | The last entry is 9:30pm each evening. Lights
displays are on until 10:30pm and rides close at 10pm.
TICKET PRICES
You can enjoy the gardens during the day and return in the evening to experience the Christmas Lights Spectacular with Day/Night Combo tickets. Gates close at 4.30pm each day, and visitors will have to vacate at that time. Gates will reopen at 5.30pm.
Adult: $41.00 (Day or Night) | Day/Night Combo: $59.00
Child (4–15 yrs): $31.00 (Day or Night) Day/Night Combo: $48.00
Family (2 adults + 2 children): $126.00 (Day or Night) Day/Night Combo: $193.00
Family (2 adults + 1 child): $102.00 (Day or Night) Day/Night Combo: $159.00
Family (1 adult + 2 children): $96.00 (Day or Night) Day/Night Combo: $140.00
Additional Child with Family Ticket: $28.00 (Day or Night) Day/Night Combo: $46.00
