Hunter Valley Gardens will once again dazzle visitors this festive season as the annual Christmas Lights Spectacular returns, transforming the heart of Pokolbin into a glittering wonderland of more than 4.5 million lights.
Running from 7 November 2025 through to 26 January 2026, the event promises new attractions, festive flavours, and family fun on a scale that only the Hunter can deliver.
With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why the Christmas Lights Spectacular has become a must-do summer tradition for families across the region. From glowing tunnels and towering Christmas trees to immersive themed gardens, the event blends holiday magic with Hunter Valley charm. Here’s what you can look forward to this year.
New attractions and themed gardens
This year’s event is shining brighter than ever with the debut of the Italian Grotto Garden: HO HO Harvest, a festive new space opening for the first time during the Christmas Lights Spectacular. Visitors can also explore new light zones, including Merry Meadow, Santaville, Shimmering Falls, and Holiday Hollow, each bursting with colour and creativity.
Among the dazzling new displays are glowing poinsettias, cheeky garden elves, mistletoe arches, and even a tribute to the Boxing Day Test. These intricate installations add to the spectacle’s signature blend of Australian summer spirit and timeless Christmas wonder.
Entertainment and festive experiences
The entertainment lineup promises plenty of sparkle from the lights, too. Families can enjoy Nutcracker Storytime, where children meet characters from the classic tale, along with roaming performers such as stilt walkers, jugglers, and the breathtaking Lollipop Lyra aerial act.
Live music from the Felix Quinn Band will fill the gardens, check here for dates, while Santa photos will be available until 24 December. To top it off, a New Year’s Eve fireworks show at 9 pm will light up the Hunter skies in a display to bring in the New Year.
The Evergreen Tavern and festive food
This year introduces a brand-new feature, The Evergreen Tavern, a pop-up Christmas bar nestled inside the Hunter Valley Gardens marquee. Open from 5:30 pm to 10 pm, it’s the perfect place to relax with a cold drink and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Visitors can also refuel with a wide range of food options, including wood-fired pizza, burgers, sushi, hot dogs, gelato, and doughnuts. With food stalls open from 5:30 pm to 10 pm, there’s plenty to satisfy every craving between strolls through the illuminated gardens.
Family rides and attractions
The fun continues with nightly amusement rides from 6 pm to 10 pm, including the Ferris Wheel, Superslide, Tea Cups, Swing Chair, and the traditional Venetian Carousel. Rides are $6 each or $30 for a six-ride pass, making them a hit with families looking to extend the magic a little longer into the night.
Tickets and Information
The Christmas Lights Spectacular is open from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm nightly (rides from 6 pm). The gardens close between 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm to prepare for the evening sessions, and are closed on Christmas Day. Complimentary parking is available onsite.
Tickets start at $41 for adults and $31 for children, with family passes and day/night combo tickets available. Accommodation packages can also be booked at Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens and Harrigan’s Hunter Valley.
Hunter Valley Gardens
Christmas Lights Spectacular 2025
The Christmas Lights Spectacular is more than a seasonal event; it’s a celebration of light, love, and community. Whether you’re a local making it an annual tradition or a visitor seeking a uniquely Australian Christmas experience, this year’s display promises to be the brightest yet.
Dates: 7 November 2025 – 26 January 2026
Location: Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW
Hours: 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm (rides 6 pm – 10 pm)
Closed: 25 December
Tickets: www.hvg.com.au
