Christmas Lights Spectacular

What are the event Dates?

3 November 2023 – 28 January 2024 – 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 5:30 pm – 10:30pm
(last entry is 9:30pm)

Rides operate from 6pm – 10pm (ticket booth closes at 9:30pm)

All visitors must vacate the Gardens between 4:30pm – 5:30pm.

Is the event suitable for wheelchairs?

All of the paths within Hunter Valley Gardens are wheelchair friendly.

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 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 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.

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, on 25th December the Gardens and Christmas Lights Spectacular are closed.

What happens if it rains?

Christmas Lights Spectacular is an outdoor activity and is subject to changing weather conditions. We do our very best to make sure the activities can remain open, which means the 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, and an SMS will be sent to all ticket holders using the phone number attached to the booking.

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 run the Christmas Lights at all times; however sometimes due to adverse weather conditions that are occurring, or have occurred during the day, we may have to close the event as it is a health and safety risk.

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

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

Christmas Lights tickets are date specific and can only be used for the day purchased, 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?

For visitors, there is free parking available and limited disabled parking (displaying a disability parking permit is required).

The car park closest to entry fills quickly so we recommend getting in early.

Do you accept the companion card?

Yes. The Companion Card is a credit-card-sized photo ID card issued to people with a disability who require lifelong attendant care.

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 and our rides before seeing the lights 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.

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 for that day at 8pm.

We do not sell any tickets through third-party sellers, only purchase your online tickets from huntervalleygardens.com.au

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. However, we strongly recommend purchasing all 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 transfer the value to a Hunter Valley Gardens Gift Card. Changes to tickets must be requested 24 hours prior to the booked date by visiting http://bit.ly/Booking_update

How do you receive the online tickets?

Online tickets are emailed to the email address you provided. If you have not received your tickets, please check your spam/junk mail. If your tickets can not be located, you may have entered the wrong email address. Please contact us at https://www.huntervalleygardens.com.au/bookings/ for further assistance.

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 Igloo marquee located near the Ferris Wheel from 5:30pm – 10pm every night from 3^rd November until the 24^th December. Contactless payment is preferred.

How can I collect my photos?

Photos will be emailed to your designated email addresses. You can choose to add more than one email address upon request.

Photos can also be uploaded to Facebook immediately upon your request.

Please advise the photographer of your preferred method.

Prices for family photos with Santa.

$37.50 – Single group photo (best for small families or single child). Up to 12 people maximum. 3-6 different photos supplied.

$47.50 – Group photo and 3 individual photos (best for families who want a family photo plus individual shots of each child). 3-6 group photos supplied, plus 3-6 photos of individual child (not individual groups) supplied.

$57.50 – 4 Group photos. (best value for large extended families with multiple family groups) 15-20 photos supplied.

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 whilst 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: The Carousel is for children under 16 years of age only. Children below 105cm must ride with an adult (adult must stand next to child).

Tea Cup: 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.

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 applys 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 require a ticket per person. 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 6pm to 10pm.

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 in the food stalls located in the event area from 6pm to 10pm. However, you can 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 6pm – 10pm and will offer a range of treats for the whole family. The food stalls located in the event offer meals and snacks such as loaded fries, nuggets, burgers, fish & chips, ice creams, assorted soft drinks, juice, coffee & water. Plus, woodfire pizza, Mexican and Greek cuisine, gelato, donuts, churros, fairy floss, slushies, snow cones, nourish bowls, loaded spuds, bubble tea, cookie pizza and more.

Can I take my family pet, bike, skateboard, drone, rollerblades, or scooter inside Hunter Valley Gardens?

In the interest of the public, all of the above are not permitted.

What happens to lost property?

Lost property can be collected from Garden Entry or call 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 approximately 8km and contain loose granite which can be navigated by wheelchairs. Please wear sensible footwear and take all necessary precautions to prevent injury to yourself.

Parking

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

Guide dogs

Registered guide dogs and companion dogs are allowed into the Gardens with their owners. Documentation for these animals is required upon entry.

Is HVG accessible to prams and strollers?

Paths and ramps are wide enough to accommodate pedestrians, wheelchairs and strollers.

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

We do not accept pensioner cards for these activities.