Christmas Lights Spectacular

What are the event Dates?

Friday 30 October 2026 – Sunday 31 January 2027 – Closed 25 December (day and night)

What are the trading hours?

Hunter Valley Gardens Day 9am – 4:30pm (last entry is 3:30pm)
Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular 5:30pm – 10:30pm
(last entry is 9:30pm)
Rides operate from 6pm – 10pm (ticket booth closes 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 during this time, including Day/Night ticket holders.

Is HVG accessible to everyone?

Hunter Valley Gardens is located on a 14-hectare site. The garden paths are over 8km of crushed granite pathways throughout the Gardens, making most areas accessible for wheelchairs.
Please note, while the majority of our pathways are wheelchair-friendly, some lookouts and specific areas like the Italian Grotto have stairs, limiting accessibility to those parts. Additionally, as an outdoor space, our paths can be affected by weather and the natural landscape, which may result in uneven surfaces and steep inclines.

Are there wheelchairs for hire?

No, we do not have any wheelchairs for hire. You are welcome to bring your own.

Can we walk through the full gardens before we see the lights?

The Gardens will be open during the day from 9am – 4:30pm, to purchase day entry only tickets select Garden Entry tickets.
If you wish to see the whole Garden and the Christmas Lights Spectacular, Day/Night tickets are available for purchase.
All visitors must vacate the Gardens between 4:30pm – 5:30pm.
Christmas Lights Tickets are for the nighttime session only and give you access to specific areas of the Gardens where the lights are on display, the rest of the Garden is not accessible at night.

Are there any guided tours of the Gardens?

No, there are no guided tours through the Gardens.

What new additions are for this year?

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.

Event Updates

Updates weather or any other event announcements will be posted on our Facebook page. www.facebook.com/huntervalleygardens

Is Christmas Lights Spectacular open on Christmas day?

No, the Gardens and Christmas Lights Spectacular are closed on 25th December every year.

What happens if it rains?

Christmas Lights Spectacular is an outdoor activity and is subject to weather conditions that can change quite rapidly. We do our best to make sure activities remain open, activities will continue in the case of rain and will only be cancelled if the weather conditions are considered dangerous by event management. Tickets may be exchanged for another day, depending on availability. Changes to tickets must be requested 24 hours prior to the booked date by visiting http://bit.ly/Booking_update
The team will get back to you as soon as possible during business hours Monday to Friday.
We strongly recommend you bring your own wet weather gear. The use of umbrellas is accepted.
If the activity is cancelled for any reason, the information will be posted on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/huntervalleygardens,

Hunter Valley Gardens will take all reasonable efforts to notify of a cancellation ASAP, however, due to the unpredictability of a change in weather conditions, cancellations may be at short notice.

Why does the event close in inclement weather?

We do our best to open Christmas Lights Spectacular at all times; however sometimes due to adverse weather conditions, or those that have occurred during the day, we may have to close the event for health and safety reasons.

PLEASE NOTE: We work very hard to open each night and will do everything in our power to make sure the event is open.

What happens to my tickets if the event closes due to adverse weather conditions?

If Hunter Valley Gardens needs to close due to a severe weather event, ticket holders will be offered a change of date (subject to availability) or a gift card.

Will there be parking available?

There is free parking available for visitors and limited disabled parking (displaying a disability parking permit is required).
The car park closest to entry fills quickly, but there is ample parking on the oval and in the Aqua Golf carpark, a short walk from entry.

Do you accept the companion card?

Yes, we accept Companion Cards, a credit-card-sized photo ID card issued to people with a disability who require lifelong attendant care. You are able to book a companion ticket online, documentation will be required at entry on arrival.

How long does it take to see the lights?

We recommend arriving early. Doors open at 5:30pm, allow at least 2 hours to enjoy a meal, our rides and to view the light display.

What is the last entry time during the event?

The last entry to Christmas Lights Spectacular is 9:30pm each evening. Lights displays are on until 10:30pm and our rides close at 10pm each evening. The Ride Ticket Booth is open from 6pm to 9:30pm. Last ride at 9:45pm.

Can I walk around the lights display more than once?

Yes, if time permits you can walk around the displays more than once.

Where can I buy tickets to Christmas Lights Spectacular tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online at hvg.com.au and at the gate, subject to availability.

Christmas Lights Spectacular – Night entry

Open 5:30pm–10:30pm, rides from 6pm–10pm

Christmas Lights Spectacular – Day / Night entry

Gardens open 9am–4:30pm. Lights display open 5:30pm–10:30pm, rides from 6pm–10pm
Gardens close at 4:30pm and Christmas Lights opens at 5:30pm, visitors must exit the gardens during this time.

Rides are $6 per ride or you can purchase a bonus 6 ticket pass for $30, tickets can be purchased at the rides booth. Height and age restrictions apply.

All rides are in addition to entry and can be purchased at the ticket booth located in the event area.

What method of payment is accepted?

Tickets may be purchased online via credit card, tickets can also be purchased at Garden entry using cash or credit card. Tickets cannot be purchased over the phone.

Do I need to purchase my tickets online?

Tickets are available online and from Garden entry however, we recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment. Online sales close an hour before the event finishes for the session on the day.

What if I cannot attend the date I have booked?

If you need to change the date of your booking, visit huntervalleygardens.com.au/bookings and request your change a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

Do I need to print my tickets?

We recommend printing tickets. However mobile tickets are also accepted. Tickets are able to be retrieved at entry upon presentation of identification. If tickets cannot be presented/retrieved at the gate, this will result in non-entry.

Can you purchase tickets from entry on the day of your visit?

Subject to availability, you may be able to purchase tickets at entry during the day of your visit, last entry is at 9:30pm. We strongly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.

I have purchased an online ticket, and it didn’t arrive, what is the next step?

Most tickets that have not been received are either caught by your email spam filters or the email address was incorrectly entered. If your tickets have not arrived, please use this form http://bit.ly/Booking_update before your date of arrival. The team will get back to you as soon as possible during business hours Monday to Friday.

If you have lost your ticket, please proceed to Garden Entry with your valid identification where a staff member will be able to look up your order at entry.

What is HVG’s activities refund policy?

Refunds are only available if the Gardens do not open on the date of your booking. Tickets may be exchanged for another day, depending on availability or the value transferred to Hunter Valley Gardens booking credits which expire 1 year from the date of delivery. Changes to tickets must be requested 24 hours prior to the booked date. Please use this form http://bit.ly/Booking_update

Can I visit Christmas Lights Spectacular with a Group?

If you are visiting Christmas Lights Spectacular with a group of 12 adults or more, we offer excellent rates for social groups, schools, after-school care and more. To be eligible for these rates you must book in advance with our Groups Department. Please email groups@hvg.com.au for more details.

Lost tickets

If you lose your ticket, new tickets can be issued by visiting huntervalleygardens.com.au/bookings and requesting an update to your order.

Can I get my photo taken with Santa?

Santa photos are available in the event area marquee located near the food stalls from 5:30pm to 10pm every night from 30 October 2026 until the 26 December 2026. Closed 25 December.

How can I collect my photos?

All of your photos will be delivered digitally via email to the email address of your choice. Photos can also be sent to multiple email addresses if required. Airdrop to iPhone can be done immediately as well.
Please advise the photographer of your preferred method.

Prices for Family photos with Santa.

PACKAGE 1 — $42.50
Classic Family Photo
Perfect for a small family or a single child.
Choose one photo arrangement with Santa and receive 3–6 professionally taken photos of that arrangement.

PACKAGE 2 — $52.50
Family + Individual Photos
Perfect for families wanting a group photo as well as individual photos of their children.
Includes:
• 1 family/group arrangement with 3–6 photos
• Up to 3 individual children, each photographed separately
• 3–6 photos of each individual child
Individual photos are for each child separately, not additional group combinations.

PACKAGE 3 — $62.50
Extended Family Package
Our best option for larger or extended families who would like several different family combinations.
Choose up to 4 different group arrangements with Santa. We’ll photograph each arrangement, giving you approximately 15–20 photos in total.
Perfect for grandparents, multiple families, cousins and different family combinations.

What happens if I do not receive the email with my Santa photos?

Please check your junk mail first as sometimes the email can end up in there. Alternatively, please email jaredmartin@me.com with your name, contact details and date of Santa photos and they can be re-sent.

What are the rides?

Our amusement rides (Superslide, Swing Chair, Carousel, Ferris Wheel and Tea Cups) bring an added element of fun to the Gardens for both the young and young at heart. Children must be supervised at all times while on the rides.
Rides will not operate during adverse weather conditions as determined by the manager on site.

Who can go on the rides?

Guests can purchase a ticket to participate on our amusement rides providing they meet all the following safety requirements for the ride they wish to participate on.
Our rides are subject to safety requirements that a user must meet to participate. Key height restrictions are listed below, but other conditions can be found on the safety requirements signage at each of the rides.

Ferris Wheel: Children below 120cm must ride with an adult.

Carousel: Children below 105cm must ride with an adult (adult must stand next to child), children 106cm and under 16yrs may ride alone.

Tea Cups: Children between 95cm–120cm must ride with an adult, 120cm and above may ride alone.

Swing Chair: Children between 110cm–120cm must ride with an adult, 120cm and above may ride alone.

Superslide: Children between 110cm–120cm must ride with an adult, 120cm and above may ride alone.
Children must be supervised at all times.

PLEASE NOTE: Heights are checked at each individual ride and access will be approved by the operator.
A specially designed wheelchair accessible gondola is available on our Ferris Wheel, accommodating one wheelchair user and a carer.

How much are the rides?

Ride tickets can be purchased for $6 per ride or 6 rides for $30.

What can I use the tickets on?

1 ticket per ride applies on the Ferris Wheel, Tea Cups, Swing Chair and Carousel. An accompanying adult may stand with a small child on the carousel only without the use of a ride ticket.
The Superslide is 2 rides per ticket – as children between 110cm-120cm must ride with an adult, the accompanying adult rides without the use of a ride ticket.

Is one ticket all I need for the Ferris Wheel for my family?

Tickets are per person, not per Gondola.

Do I need to purchase an additional ticket to ride with my child?

All rides operate on a 1 ticket per seat basis. A parent may stand with a small child on the Carousel or ride the Superslide with children between 110-120cm at no additional cost.

What if I have a baby, do they have to pay?

Babies 18 months and below are permitted to ride with adults on the Ferris Wheel for free. They must have a ticket for the Carousel.

Do carers with companion cards have to pay to ride?

No, carers who present a companion card at the rides ticket booth are able to get the same pass as their client or child for free.

Rides closures

Safety is of the utmost importance to us. Due to weather and maintenance, we may temporarily close the rides at times for customer safety, however we do endeavour to have them open again as soon as possible.

Can I buy food and drinks at Hunter Valley Gardens?

Yes, our Garden Terrace Café will be open with take away options and limited seating from 9am to 3pm. There will be food stalls in the event area 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.

Can I bring my own drinks into Hunter Valley Gardens?

You may bring bottled water into Hunter Valley Gardens. Alcohol and soft drinks are not permitted.

 Can I bring my own food into Hunter Valley Gardens?

Food or Picnics cannot be brought into the Gardens, food is available in the Garden Terrace Café from 9am to 3pm located at the entry to the Gardens and food stalls are located in the event area from 6pm to 10pm. You are permitted to bring sealed bottled water.

I want to bring my own food.

If you do not wish to purchase food in the Gardens, there is the option to purchase food from one of the shops in Hunter Valley Shopping Village or enjoy a packed meal or BBQ in the park near the HVG Shopping Village. We offer re-entry passes if you’re coming back on the same day. For this option, please see staff at the entry gate.

What food options are available from the food stalls within the Gardens?

The Garden Terrace Café is open from 9am to 3pm and event food stalls are open daily from 5:30pm – 10pm and will offer a range of tasty treats for the whole family. The food stalls located in the event offer meals and snacks such as loaded fries, nuggets, burgers, woodfire pizza, Mexican, gelato, donuts, ice creams, assorted soft drinks, juice, coffee & water, and more. Options may vary without notice.

Prohibited Items

Prohibited items include drones, ride-on toys, scooters, roller skates, eskies, skateboards and items deemed to be unsafe by management.

What happens to lost property?

Lost property can be collected from Garden Entry or call (02) 4998 4000. Items that are not claimed within 7 days will be discarded or donated to local charities.

Is HVG accessible to everyone?

Hunter Valley Gardens is located on a 14-hectare site. The garden paths are over 8km of crushed granite pathways, making most areas accessible for wheelchairs.
Please note, while the majority of our pathways are wheelchair-friendly, some lookouts and specific areas like the Italian Grotto and Waterfall Lookout have stairs, limiting accessibility to those parts. Additionally, as an outdoor space, our paths can be affected by weather and the natural landscape, which may result in uneven surfaces and steep inclines.

Parking

There is free parking available and limited disabled parking, displaying of a disability parking permit is required.

Can I bring my pet?

No pets are allowed into the Gardens. Registered guide dogs and companion dogs are allowed into the Gardens with their owners. Documentation for these animals is required upon entry.

Is the event suitable for wheelchairs?

At Hunter Valley Gardens, we strive to ensure accessibility for all our visitors. We have over 8km of crushed granite pathways, making most areas accessible for wheelchairs. Paths and ramps are wide enough to accommodate pedestrians, wheelchairs and strollers.

Please note, while the majority of our pathways are wheelchair-friendly, some lookouts and specific areas like the Italian Grotto and Waterfall Lookout have stairs, limiting accessibility to those parts. Additionally, as an outdoor space, our paths can be affected by weather and the natural landscape, which may result in uneven surfaces and steep inclines.
A specially designed wheelchair accessible gondola is available on our Ferris Wheel, accommodating one wheelchair user and a carer.

Do you accept pensioners card, or do you have pensioners discount?

We do not accept pensioner cards for these activities.