WITH candy canes already restocked on supermarket shelves and ornaments decking the halls of shopping centres around the country it’s official, Christmas is just around the corner!

Hunter Valley Gardens are giving everyone the chance to celebrate early this year with their annual Christmas Lights Spectacular which is open every day (except Christmas Day) until Sunday 26 January 2025.

Kickstart your festive spirit with the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Christmas lights display, featuring over four million lights and illuminated attractions brightening up the gardens.

There are over eight acres of breathtaking light displays for families to explore, as well as the accompanying rides, performances, and delicious food to enjoy along the way.

Attendees will be able to enjoy the traditional family favourite attractions that have returned this year including the classic Ferris Wheel and the traditional Venetian Carousel.

For thrill seekers big and small, the spectacular 35-metre-long Superslide, Swing Chairs and Spinning Teacups are operating from 6pm to 10pm each night.

Families can head to the Igloo Marquee to tell Santa their Christmas wish and get a photo each night until Christmas from 5:30pm to 10pm.

Enjoy the action-packed show program that is bound to keep you entertained all night, with wandering magic and character performers on Thursday and Friday nights and sensational Christmas themed stage performances on Saturday and Sunday nights at 6.30pm.

“We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to the Hunter Valley Gardens this year to experience the magic of the festive season,” said Kim Jacobs, Hunter Valley Gardens’ Marketing Manager.

“We have some special changes this year, including plenty of new installations and added photo opportunities for guests, including our 10+ metre Christmas trees, five metre Teddy Bear Seat, Mr and Mrs Claus, Candyland and so much more!

“We are honoured to be the largest lights display in the Southern Hemisphere again this year with well over 4 million lights.

“Everyone can make unforgettable Christmas memories at Hunter Valley Gardens this year with our entertaining program of live shows, exciting rides, and epic installations.”

Enter a new world with the family and explore the variety of event zones, including Winter Wonderland, Toyland, Fairyland.

Immerse yourself in the wonder of Christmas World, featuring the miniature world of ‘Tiny Town’ and a letter writing station to send a message straight to the North Pole.

If all this fun makes you hungry, feed the family with an abundance of food and beverage options available throughout the grounds, including woodfired pizza, burgers, spring rolls, dumplings and so much more.

For those craving a sweet treat, favourites including donuts, churros and even waffle on a stick will be back!

Open 5:30pm to 10:30pm (last entry at 9:30pm), rides from 6pm to 10pm (last rides at 9:45pm).

Closed on Christmas Day.