The Mother of All Christmas Lights – Why You Should Finally Book in That Road Trip to The Hunter

The southern hemisphere’s largest lights display, Christmas Lights Spectacular, has officially kicked off, giving us an excuse to embrace our inner child and revel in the Christmas spirit once again! Tis’ the season to feel jolly, so ignore the grinches and be wowed by the stunning lights and newly created immersive displays, perfect for some cute snaps! The event at Hunter Valley Gardens runs until 26th January 2020, so grab your mates and strap in for a good time.

This year over three million lights are illuminating the Gardens creating the perfect Christmas scene for friends, foes, and couples to enjoy. To keep you entertained, there are over 20 creative light displays, including the favourite walk-through bauble, which will no doubt add a little extra magic to the night sky.

Friends and lovers can enjoy the magical energy flowing at this year’s Lover’s Corner, a newly created experience for those who want to celebrate all things love and romance this festive season. Lovers can take a stroll through a heart tunnel and enjoy a cheeky kiss under the mistletoe.

Dreaming of a White Christmas? You’ll enjoy the sparkly White Christmas scene, where white treetops, a snow cave and arctic animals will transport you to the icy tip of the world. For an extra magical touch, we suggest taking a stroll through the new light tunnels, where you will be surrounded by hundreds of sparkling lights.

If you want to re-visit your transformative gap year, we suggest taking a wander down to the Around the World display, where you can point out every destination you ticked off on your bucket list. We’re sure your friends will love this trip down memory lane! And if they don’t… you will. The renowned landmarks include the Eiffel Tower, London Big Ben, Edinburgh Castle, Rome’s Colosseum, and for local ‘tourists’, the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Centre Point Tower.

There are also delicious food and beverage stalls to cure your munchies and enjoy a cheeky drink or two. You can feast on loaded fries, dumplings, spuds, pizza, burritos, American style burgers and hotdogs, crepes, pancakes, donuts, gelato and more.

If you’re into carollers, they will be singing their hearts out until Boxing Day. And, if you’re not up for decorating your own OTT Christmas tree at home, never fear, you can take a photo next to the gardens eight-metre-tall Mega Christmas tree and send it to your Mum. We’re sure she’ll be impressed with your efforts this year! Plus, it will look epic on your Instagram feed!

To celebrate summer magic, balmy evenings and Christmas sparkle, Hunter Valley Gardens are also giving you the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime, private evening under the stars. Simply by entering here, you will enjoy the lights from a private oasis with delectable food and Australian sparkling. To round out the experience, they’re also shouting you a night of free accommodation and a sunrise hot air balloon flight. If you want to surprise your best friend with a fancy evening, or if you’re itching for that Christmas proposal, this competition (valued at $1177) is yours for the taking.

Charise Foulstone, Event Manager of Hunter Valley Gardens says, “Christmas Lights Spectacular is truly magical for every person, no matter what age they are! We’ve created a number of displays and interactive elements that give any light show a serious run for its money. It really needs to be seen to be believed!”

Please note: Gates will open at 5.30pm and will close at 10.00pm. 

Christmas Lights Spectacular tickets are on sale now and prices include:

Day + Night passes available

*These activities are an additional cost at the event.

** Terms and conditions apply. This is valid for 2 adults, 2 children.

*** Hunter Valley Gardens is currently operating at full capacity and is not directly impacted by the bushfires.