HUNTER VALLEY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ARE BACK WITH A SNOWY NEW WONDERLAND FOR 2026
The festive season has officially been switched on in NSW wine country, with the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas lights now glowing for 2026.
The much-loved Christmas Lights Spectacular opened on Friday 30 October and runs until Sunday 31 January 2027, so there's plenty of time to plan a visit.
This year, the show has a wintry twist, with a brand-new snowy zone that's bound to delight little ones and grown-ups alike.
What's New At The Christmas Lights This Year
According to Hunter Valley Gardens, there are three big additions for 2026.
Celestial Snowfields is a new wintry area filled with glowing constellations, snowy walk-through displays and icy blue and silver lights.
Gingerbread Way brings a giant gingerbread house, candy canes and glowing sweets, and it's set to be a favourite spot for family photos.
The popular Planes, Trains and Automobiles display has also been expanded, and now features illuminated boats, a plane and a train.
Australian Traveller describes the display as a traditional White Christmas with an Aussie twist, complete with skiing reindeer and a ute.
Opening Hours And Ticket Prices
The lights run from 5.30pm to 10.30pm each night, with last entry at 9.30pm.
The event is closed on Christmas Day.
Night entry costs $42 for adults and $31 for children aged four to 15.
Children aged three and under go free, though they still need a ticket.
A family pass for two adults and two children costs $128, and there are other family combinations too.
If you'd like to explore the gardens by day as well, Day/Night tickets start at $60 for adults and $48 for children.
Rides including a Ferris wheel, carousel, teacups and a giant slide cost extra, at $6 each or $30 for a six-ride pass.
Santa photos are available each evening until 26 December, with packages from $42.50.
Good To Know Before You Go
Parking is free, and the gardens have more than eight kilometres of mostly wheelchair-friendly paths.
The Ferris wheel also has a wheelchair-accessible gondola, and Companion Cards are accepted.
Outside food and picnics aren't allowed, but there are food stalls and the Evergreen Tavern bar on site each evening.
Sealed bottled water is fine to bring in.
Pets can't come along, although registered assistance dogs are welcome with documentation.
The event goes ahead in the rain and is only cancelled in dangerous weather, although rides may close during storms.
Tips For The Best Night Out
Family website Newy with Kids recommends booking online, especially for weekends and school holidays.
Weeknights are usually quieter than Fridays and Saturdays, so they're a smart choice if you want shorter queues.
Arrive close to opening at 5.30pm, so you can grab dinner and enjoy the rides before it gets properly dark.
Allow two to three hours to see everything, and wear comfortable shoes, as the displays cover about five hectares.
Bring a pram or carrier for little ones, plus a portable phone charger, insect repellent and a light rain jacket.
Parking towards the back of the main car park can make for an easier exit on busy nights.
Make A Weekend Of It
The gardens are in Pokolbin, in the heart of Hunter wine country, which makes it easy to turn your visit into a festive getaway.
You could pair an evening at the lights with a long lunch or a relaxed cellar door visit the following day.
If you plan to visit more than once, the Family Annual Pass may be worth a look.
Whichever way you do it, the Christmas Lights Spectacular remains one of the most magical ways to kick off the festive season.
Tickets are available now from the Hunter Valley Gardens website.
