hunter valley gardens christmas lights tours

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November 2024 – January 2025

Immerse yourself in a magical world of light!

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Hunter Valley Gardens is pleased to announce that Christmas Lights Spectacular 2020/21 has won a silver medal for the prestigious NSW Tourism Awards for 2021 in the Major Tourist Attractions category.

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Christmas Lights Spectacular 2020

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Guests wishing to visit both in the day and evening sessions can receive special rates by contacting our bookings team.

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COVID-19 Special Venue Restrictions

At Hunter Valley Gardens the health and safety of our customers and staff is our top priority. We wish to reassure everyone that we follow strict health and safety regulations and are adopting the recommendations of the NSW Government.

• If you are feeling unwell, please stay at home.
• As per Government COVID guidelines, Hunter Valley Gardens must adhere to capacity restrictions. Please don’t bring additional guests that do not have a pre-purchased ticket, we don’t like disappointing anyone by not allowing them entry.
• Sanitiser stations will be available at entry points, rides and at various points throughout the Gardens.
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As the situation keeps evolving we will update our terms and conditions in line with the advice provided by the NSW Government.

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Hunter Valley Gardens is a COVID safe venue and the below conditions apply to all guests:

• HVG is open to all guests in line with NSW Government guidelines.
• Proof of vaccination is no longer required at entry.
• Guests will be required to sign in via a QR code prior to entry.

Hunter Valley Gardens will be operating as per the NSW Government guidelines, for information about all the guidelines visit the Service NSW website click here .

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• Using either your Service NSW app or voucher confirmation email, enter the Voucher Code provided along with your name, email address and voucher type you are redeeming
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11am – Harrigan’s Hunter Valley

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Apple & persimmon picking tour, 1 day snow trip from canberra, hunter valley christmas lights tour.

Hunter Valley Gardens is again hosting its famous Christmas Lights Spectacular, Australia’s biggest Christmas lights display.  With exciting new displays and well over a million lights, children’s entertainment and of course Santa Claus, the Christmas Lights Spectacular is bound to capture the spirit of Christmas and create lasting memories for all. The Christmas Lights Spectacular will have choreographed music and light displays with three Mega Trees and the ‘12 Days of Christmas’, you will see Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach in fairy lights, as well as a narrated Christmas story told over loud speaker at the Nativity scene.

It is a true fairy wonderland. A memorable experience for the whole family to enjoy, the Gardens will be alive with colour every night.

25 November 2023 02 December 2023 09 December 2023

$125 Adult, $115 Child

1:10PM – City Pickup City Pickup is located at 24 Rawson Place, Haymarket. Stand in front of Service NSW at least 15 minutes prior to the departure time.

2:00PM – Parramatta Pickup Parramatta Pickup is located at the corner of Argyle Street & Church Street, Parramatta. Stand Infront of Westfield main entrance at least 15 minutes prior to the departure time.

3:15PM – Toilet stop at Bon Bon Chocolate Factory Our first stop for this trip will be at the Bon Bon chocolate factory located in Gosford. You will be able to purchase a variety of chocolates and use this stop for use the toilet facilities before continuing our journey. 45 minutes will be provided for this particular stop.

5:15PM – Cyrpus Lakes Resorts (Dinner) We will continue our journey into the Pacific Highway for our next stop at the Cyrpus Lakes Resorts for an early dinner (dinner will be included (Drinks is not included) ). 1 hour will be provided for this particular stop. ( Click here to see menu )

6:45PM – Hunter Valley Garden – Christmas Lights Display After dinner, we will make our way to the Hunter Valley Gardens to witness Australia’s biggest Christmas lights display. 2 hours will be provided for this particular stop.

11:20PM – Parramatta drop off

11:50PM – City drop off

Terms and Conditions

Cancellation Policy

All bookings are strictly non-refundable.

Booking can be reschedule up to 7 days prior to departure. No refund or credit will be issued for late arrivals and/or no-shows once the tour starts.

Covid-19 Related Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your booking because you are prevented from traveling by a government ban or border closure or Ozia Tours cancels a tour due to a Covid-19 related government ban or closure, a travel credit or change of date will be offered. If you have contracted COVID-19 or a close contact, no refunds or travel credit will be provided. Reschedule of booking can be made up to 7 days prior to departure (depending on tour availability). All passengers will be asked to check-in using the Service NSW app.

View our detailed Terms & Conditions ( Click here )

• Departure 24 Rawson Pl, Haymarket (Service NSW) OR Corner of Arglye St and Church St, Parramatta (Westfield)
• Departure Time 1:15PM (Haymarket) & 2:00PM (Parramatta)
• Return Time 11:50PM
• Included 1 Course Dinner at Cyprus Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley (Drinks is not included) 2 Hours at the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas lights Spectacular Return transfer
• Not Included Items of a personal nature Drinks is not included

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Day 1 – thursday 5th december 2024.

This morning we travel north from Sydney, pausing for a brief morning tea stop along the way to Pokolbin, situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley region. We visit the awarding-winning Hunter Valley Gardens where we enjoy a delicious lunch followed by free time to explore the gardens which span over 25 hectares at your own pace. Soak up nature at its most stunning at Hunter Valley Gardens, built by Bill and Imelda Roche over four years with a dedicated team of over 40 landscape gardeners, architects and engineers. The ten individually themed gardens, showcase the artistry of gardens around the world and use both native and exotic varieties of plants. Enjoy an exciting journey as you explore the gardens, with an air of discovery at every turn. Bask in a lavish array of colour and scent found in the Rose Garden, with more than 8 thousand roses on display or step back in time with all your favourite fairytale characters in the Storybook Garden. This afternoon we check in to our motel in Cessnock with time to freshen up before returning to the Hunter Valley Gardens this evening for a delicious festive dinner at Terraces Restaurant. Once the sun has set for the day the garden’s come to life with Christmas cheer. With over 4 million Christmas lights on show throughout designated areas of the gardens, this is truly a spectacular sight. There will also be entertainment along with food & beverage stalls if you wish to purchase a snack or drink. The coach will return you to your motel at the end of the night.

Day 2 – Friday 6th December 2024

Following a light breakfast at the motel we farewell the Hunter and travel to the popular coastal region of Port Stephens. We could not travel to the region that claims to be the “Dolphin Capitol of Australia”, without taking a Dolphin watch cruise. Board the Moonshadow Cruise’s Supercat with its 360 degree viewing decks, open sundeck, huge boom nets, hydrophones and licensed bars. Sit back and enjoy a 1½ hour cruise on the ‘Blue Water Paradise’ with a 99% success rate in sighting Dolphins (as claimed by Moonshadow). After a tasty lunch, it’s time to start the journey back home. With a comfort stop along the way, expect to be back in Sydney at around 6pm, depending on traffic.

* NOTE: The Hunter Valley Gardens reserves the right to cancel the lights display in cases of heavy rain, storms or if it deems it unsafe to go ahead. Unfortunately this decision is outside of our control and we are unable to issue any refunds in the event of the lights being cancelled.

Tour inclusions.

• Return Coach Travel from Sydney
• Overnight accommodation at the Best Western Wine Country Motor Inn, Cessnock (4 star rated)
• Meals: Light Breakfast, 2 x Lunches and a Two Course Christmas Dinner at the Hunter Valley Gardens
• Tours & Entry Fees mentioned in brochure are included in price
• Tour is escorted by a KTG Tours Host

PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary has been put together to take in the best of the region and its attractions. Details are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed due to availability and other circumstances. Any exclusions from the standard itinerary are stated in the brochure. The tour price is based on per person twin share. Single supplement for this tour is $80. Tour price does not include Travel Insurance [Travel Insurance is highly recommended for all travellers]; personal expenses for drinks, laundry and personal requirements; optional extra touring; meals other than specified; tips or gratuities. Pictures are for illustrative purposes only.

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• Your Hunter Valley Magazine
• Dec 14, 2022

Christmas Lights Spectacular | Fabulously Festive Family Fun

Christmas in the Hunter Valley means one thing for locals and visitors alike - the largest light display in the Southern Hemisphere! Held annually at Hunter Valley Gardens (HVG), the Christmas Lights Spectacular operates from 4 November 2022 through to 26 January 2023 and is open daily from 5:30pm to 10:30pm.

The Christmas Lights Spectacular has become an annual Christmas tradition for many families who look forward to seeing what is new and different every year. Only a short 2-hour car trip from Sydney, it’s a perfect weekend getaway that will impress the entire family with a stunning display of sparkling light installations across over 5 hectares of the 14 hectares of breathtaking gardens. The team behind this enormous undertaking are proud of what they’ve achieved over the years and considers it a personal challenge to bring new and exciting elements to the display.

“We’ve got over 3 million lights on display this year,” said Kim Jacobs, HVG Marketing Manager.

“And we’ve increased the display area, added an extra pathway and spread things out a little bit. Feedback from our visitors so far is that they love this extra space. In recent years, due to covid, the pathways had to be strictly directional to manage the crowds safely. Visitors can relax a little more this year and wander where their fancy takes them. The experience is more relaxed. And another bonus is that kids can now return to sitting on Santa’s lap for their photos,” said Kim.

“People are telling us it’s the best year yet. It’s a truly family-friendly experience. No matter your age, there is something for everyone. The Gardens are full of exciting attractions, rides and performances with old favourites and new experiences. It’s a perfect escape for families and their loved ones to relax and embrace the Christmas season. It’s a family highlight in the festive season calendar for many of our visitors, that’s for sure, and we’re so proud that that is the case."

A favourite of families, lovers and everyone keen to get into the Christmas spirit, this mesmerising display never disappoints. The HVG team comprises 41 locals who all work together to make the Christmas Lights Spectacular the attraction it is. There’s the horticultural crew of 20, the maintenance crew of 8, the floating crew of 6 and the management team of 7. The installation takes three months to set up and two months to dismantle, with one month break from all things Christmas before planning starts all over again, effectively meaning that staff work on the display year-round – planning, sourcing and installing.

The Christmas Lights Spectacular changes every season. There is always something different to see and enjoy with technology constantly evolving. It is never the same. Returning for the first time this year since 2019, children can pen Christmas lists and letters to Santa and post them to the North Pole at the special Santa Letterbox. The stunning new displays include a 14m Christmas tree, an 8m tall present stack, a 2.5m giant illuminated Santa, a new LED 12 Days of Christmas display and lots more. You can explore Santa's playground, climb up onto Santa’s Sleigh, run underneath an 8m illuminated snowman, or capture the perfect family moment next to the giant Christmas Tree.

For those that do make an annual visit to the Christmas Lights Spectacular, they will be thrilled to see lots of old favourites such as the Lovers Tunnel, where it’s pretty popular to ask your sweetheart to marry you and is the perfect opportunity to indulge in some old-fashioned festive romance. You can still take a trip around the world by spotting famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Edinburgh Castle, London's Big Ben, the Statue of Liberty, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum and the Taj Mahal as well as our own Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House dotted throughout the displays. How many can you spot?

Much better than a shopping mall, get your photos taken with Santa at the Christmas Lights Spectacular, available in the large marquee located in the event area from 6:30pm – 10pm every night until 24 December. For a truly memorable family photo, there are other largerthan- life Christmas characters to join in the photo fun, and if you’ve been good, they may have a special treat for you too! The kids will love the chance to sing along with the Kids Carols every Saturday and Sunday in December featuring special performances by the Scallywagz, The Pretty Amazing Jono, Bravissimo and the fabulous Christmas Fairy, as well as the Rocking Elves show performed every Thursday and Friday, sure to get the whole family’s toes tapping.

The fun doesn’t stop after Christmas, either. HVG is the place to be on New Year’s Eve, with the family-friendly fireworks display at 9pm a firm favourite with visitors and locals alike. The January school holidays are sorted with entertainment for the little ones, including Paw Patrol, Cocomelon and Sesame Street characters.

A visit to the Christmas Lights Spectacular would not be complete without taking a spin on one or all of the HVG rides. Be bold on the daring 35-metre-long and 12-metre-high Super Slide, which is perfect for thrill seekers; get dizzy with your adrenaline pumping on the Swing Chairs as you fly 11 metres off the ground, or try the twisty twirly Spinning Teacups ideal for the little ones.

For a truly magical experience, take a moment to relax on the 25-metre-high classic Ferris Wheel, where you can take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and all the sparkling lights below or take a charming spin on the traditional Venetian Carousel that was handmade in Italy to the HVG team design for some vintage style fun.

“The Hunter Valley region is known for its outstanding food, and the Christmas Lights Spectacular will be no different,” said Kim.

“We’ve increased the array of delicious food options that will keep up your Christmas spirits all night long. This year we’ve got a great selection of food and beverage stalls, including woodfired pizza, Greek souvlaki plates, Healthy Patch with spuds, wraps, nourish and acai bowls, yoghurt cups and snack boxes, Snack Land with pluto pups, churros, corn on the cob, pies, sausage rolls, fairy floss and popcorn, Wings with BBQ, periperi and country-fried, and a dessert tent with gelato, crepes, doughnuts, slushies and Tropical Sno plus Loaded Fries all on site but if you fancy bringing your own food, that’s fine too, we just ask that you enjoy it in the park.”

For families who wish to BYO picnic, there is the option to enjoy a packed meal or BBQ in the park near the HVG Shopping Village. HVG offers re-entry passes if you’re coming back in the same session. You’ll need to see the staff at the entry gate to take advantage of this option. It is not permitted to take picnics into the gardens themselves.

HVG is again offering a combined day and evening pass so that visitors can enjoy the entire garden experience during the daytime as well as the evening’s Christmas Lights Spectacular. So enjoy everything the gardens have to offer during the day, exit by 4.30pm when the gardens have to be vacated, enjoy a beverage at a nearby winery or pub and then return from 5.30pm when the light shows begin. It’s the perfect day out.

In a first for the event, organisers have created a new family pass that covers one adult and two children in response to requests from visitors. Teenagers to the age of 15 are included in the child rate, and children under three are free.

The Christmas Lights Spectacular is a not-to-be-missed event for all ages, ideal for the entire family or a group of friends. Why not start an annual tradition to get everyone into the festive spirit? The dazzling immersive displays and entertainment program promise to delight and thrill the young and the young at heart. It’s the perfect festive escape and a guaranteed good time, and with so many local wineries, restaurants and accommodation providers in the surrounding area, there is so much to see and do and plenty of places to stay if you want to make a weekend of it. Come early in December to kick start the festive season in style. And remember – it’s the Southern Hemisphere’s largest light display. If you were travelling overseas, you wouldn’t want to miss visiting it.

Tickets must be booked in advance from the website. So visit www.hvg.com.au and secure your new family Christmas tradition today!

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Christmas Lights Spectacular

Christmas Lights Spectacular returns to Hunter Valley Gardens this summer. Stroll through magical themed light displays totalling over 4 million lights plus there's amusement rides and roving entertainment.

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Hunter Valley Christmas Lights

Event description.

Hunter Valley  Christmas Lights

Monday 4th & Tuesday 5th December 2023

Day 1: (LD) HOME TO HUNTER VALLEY                                                 Monday 4th December 2023

Welcome to our 2 Day tour to the Hunter Valley.  Following our pick-ups, we travel into the Hunter Valley to the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens . Nestled at the foothills of the Brokenback Ranges, in the heart of the Hunter vineyards, we will find over 25 hectares of spectacular international display gardens. Sensational sights, colours and fragrances dominate the twelve stunning feature gardens.  Explore each garden and bask in a lavish array of colour.  Laze above the 10-metre waterfall and take in the superb views from the lookout or step back in time with all the favourite fairy-tale characters in the Storybook Garden .  We have time here to enjoy the whole garden and lunch. Next, we treat our tastebuds with a visit to the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company followed by a tasting at the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory.  There are lots of goodies to see and maybe purchase to indulge in later.  We now head to the resort where we can check in and freshen up for dinner.  As the sun begins to set, we return to the Gardens for the Christmas Lights Spectacular.  Over 100,000 Christmas lights are on show throughout designated areas of the garden. This will certainly be a highlight of our tour.

Lunch at Hunter Valley Gardens and dinner in hotel

Mercure Resort Hunter Valley | 1 night

Day 2: (B) HUNTER VALLEY TO HOME                                                      Tuesday 5th December 2023

After a leisurely start to the day, we make our way to the Marthaville Craft Centre. Enjoy the ambience and charm of Historic Marthaville, Cessnock’s oldest sawn timber home. Browse the extensive range of locally handcrafted arts and crafts on display and available for sale before morning tea is served.  Heading home we stop in at Kurri Kurri where we are taken on a pictorial journey to view the outdoor public artworks on display.  The town’s many murals showcase the area’s history heritage and uniqueness.  We arrive home feeling festive ready for Christmas.

Breakfast in motel | lunch own arrangements and cost

Tour Inclusions

• 1 night’s hotel accommodation
• 1 cooked hotel breakfast
• 1 hotel dinners
• 1 included lunch – see below.
• Day Entry including lunch and Christmas lights entry to Hunter Valley Gardens
• Visit and tasting at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
• Cheese Tastings at the Hunter Valley Cheese Company
• Visit and Morning tea at Marthaville Arts and Cultural Centre
• Guided tour of Kurri Kurri Murals

$650 pp twin | $777 pp single

For more information or to book;

Phone             02 6583 3330

Email:             [email protected]

Website:         https://www.portbus.com.au

Online @        https://events.humanitix.com/ HVG-Christmas-Lights-23

This tour requires a minimum of 25 passengers to proceed.

The itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Port Bus reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Port Bus will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the venue’s discretion.

Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix donates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity

Refund policy

Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given: 42 days or more—loss of deposit 29-41 days: 50% of fare plus deposit 30 days before and the Day of departure: 100% of fare. In the case of concert or sporting tours, where admission tickets are purchased in advance, a minimum cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of admission tickets+ fees will apply. Some accommodations require prepayment and refunds will be subject to their own conditions.

• Hunter Valley Christmas Lights Tour

Hunter Valley Christmas Lights Tour The Hunter Valley

There’s no better way to get into the christmas spirit this year experience the colour and wonder of australia’s biggest christmas lights display., see australia’s biggest christmas lights display for yourself and enjoy fun for the whole family at hunter valley gardens’ christmas lights spectacular., tour inclusions/highlights.

• Return Premium Coach transfers from Sydney ( Central Station and Paramatta pickups)
• One Course Dinner at Cyprus Lakes Resort in the Hunter Valley
• Spend 2 hours at the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular (entry included)
• Visit Chocolate and Nougat Factory (Saturday and Sunday departures)

The Hunter Valley Gardens is once again hosting its famous Christmas Lights Spectacular with exciting new displays and well over a million lights, children’s entertainment, and of course Santa Claus. The Christmas Lights Spectacular features choreographed music and light displays with three Mega Trees and the ‘12 Days of Christmas’. You will see Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach in fairy lights, and hear the Christmas story told over loudspeaker at the Nativity scene. It will be a true wonderland and a memorable experience for the whole family to enjoy. The gardens will be alive with colour every night.

Saturday and Sunday 1:00pm – Depart Sydney

5:00pm – Aussie Dinner  in the Hunter Valley (wine/beer or soft drink included) 6:30-8:30pm – Entrance into the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas lights Spectacular 9:30pm – Return to Sydney

This tour departs every Saturday in December, or on request for private group charters (design your own Hunter Valley Itinerary). Minimum 6 passengers.

• $179 Adult, $159 Child (4 – 15 years old)

Group Pickup Locations

• Any Sydney Metropolitan or Greater Sydney location

Brighton Coach’s Hunter Valley Christmas Lights Tour departs Saturdays Discounts for bookings of 10 people or more.

Call our Group Booking Department on 1300 208 208 for more information.

Brighton Coach is committed to keeping our business COVID-safe within guidelines set by Government and State health departments.

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Every Sat & Sun in February, June & October 2024

Smoking class - low & slow smoked pork ribs, sunday, 31st march and sunday, 28th april, weekend event series | week 1: seafood and semillon, sunday, 10th march and sunday, 7th april, weekend event series | week 2: bottomless brunch, sunday 17th march, weekend series | week 3: family style roast lunch, sunday, 24th march and sunday, 21st april, weekend series | week 4: high tea sunday, 24th feb – 7th april 2024, in & of exhibition.

General Events , Arts Heritage

Every Friday and Saturday evening

Twilight drinks & small plates dining, 16th march 2024 and 6th of april, beekeeping for beginners.

General Events , Family Friendly

Easter Long Weekend

Easter long weekend at harrigan's hunter valley.

General Events , Dine , Family Friendly , Live Music

Friday 29th March - Monday 1st April

Live music and margarita bar, easter at hunter valley gardens, friday 29th march and sunday 31st march, easter at chateau elan, easter weekend at restaurant botanica.

General Events , Food & Wine Event , Dine

Easter Garden Party @ Wandin

Saturday 30th march - sunday 31st march (easter saturday & sunday), easter picnic bbq at lucky duck, leaves & fishes.

General Events , Family Friendly , Live Music

Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st March

Easter picnic in the grove, sunday 31st march (easter sunday), easter breakfast and egg hunt.

General Events , Dine , Family Friendly

Sunday 31st March

Easter sunday seafood buffet lunch, easter long lunch low & slow buffet.

General Events , Food & Wine Event , Family Friendly

Easter Feed Me, Wine Me at Boydell's

General Events , Food & Wine Event

Fri, 5th April 2024

Autumn seasonal luncheon | tyrrell's wines, friday 5th april, dashville nights ft ben lee and special guests.

Featured Events , General Events , Festival , Concert , Live Music

6th April - 5th May 2024

Mega creatures at hunter valley gardens.

Featured Events , General Events , Family Friendly

Saturday 6th April

Side bar at wine house.

General Events , Concert , Wine , Live Music

Red Hot Summer Tour

Featured Events , General Events , Festival , Live Music

Tuesday 9th April

Degustation dinner - vincent st kitchen + bar and parched crow wines, thu, apr 11, 2024, bush tucker garden walk & native plant propagation workshop, saturday 13 april, chris isaak at a day on the green, friday 19th and 26th april 2024, school holidays at harrigan's hunter valley, thursday 25th april 2024, anzac day at harrigan's hunter valley.

General Events , Dine , Live Music

Thursday 25th April - Sunday 28th April

The gum ball, friday 26th april, pottery, wine & cheese.

General Events , Food & Wine Event , Arts Heritage

Saturday, 27th April

James taylor at a day on the green, sunday 12th may 2024, mother's day at harrigan's, saturday 18th and sunday 19th may, lovedale long lunch.

Featured Events , General Events , Food & Wine Event , Festival , Wine , Live Music

Saturday 25th May

Whispering brook olive long table lunch, sat, 8 jun 2024 - sun, 9 jun 2024, smoke in broke, saturday 9th november, take that at a day on the green, saturday 16th november, summersalt festival with hozier and special guests, get inspired, how to make the most of a weekend away for a concert in the hunter valley, 10 family friendly things to do these autumn school holidays in the hunter valley, ten things to do in the hunter valley this easter long weekend, valentine's day in the hunter valley, get a taste for all things broke in one jam packed march weekend, hunter valley wine & tourism industry conduct traditional smoking ceremony ahead of 2024 vintage, wine selectors 15 top rated things to try in the hunter valley, all things christmas in the hunter valley, new year's eve in the hunter valley, celebrate this festive season in your own private dining room, giddy up in the hunter valley this melbourne cup, top things to do with kids these spring school holidays, spring flings: sip your way into spring, here's to dad this father's day, hunter valley wine & beer festival returns next weekend, 20 things to do in the hunter valley this winter, mum's the word this may in the hunter valley, wine & food events: what's on in wine country, behind the scenes winery tours, live music destinations, family friendly guide to the hunter valley these school holidays, hermitage road - the hunter's hedonistic playground.

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Hunter Valley Gardens - Christmas Lights Spectacular

'Tis the season to be jolly! From walking through Santa's Castle to saying hello to 'Hunter,' the giant teddy bear, this is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends and family.

Grab your keys, take your kids and get out of the house for a sparkling night out at Hunter Valley Gardens

Spend Christmas exploring a dazzling display of festive lights

Dial up the romance with a ride on the Ferris Wheel or a walk under a tunnel of hearts

See replicas of landmarks from around the world such as the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben all lit up

Children will love having a go on the Tea Cup ride, or the traditional Venetian carousel

Make your way through a giant Walk-Through Bauble and check out the all-time favorites like Candyland, Fairy Garden, Princess Castle, and more

• Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Illumination Festival ticket

Private consumption

Travel insurance

All expenses not mentioned above

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Ratings & Reviews

Your experience.

If you're looking for a surefire way to get the whole family into the festive spirit, look no further! Hunter Valley Gardens is back this year with the works: dazzling lights, fun rides, and plenty of food stalls packed in. A popular favorite is the 'Around the World' area, which features iconic global landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, and London's Big Ben. Kids will enjoy a ride on the Ferris Wheel, the Venetian Carousel or the all-new Tea Cup rides. As if that's not enough, the place also features over 13 hectares of different displays including the Nativity scene, Candy Land, and a spectacular light display in the Border Garden, where you can sing along to 12 Days of Christmas! Couples can stroll through the heart tunnel and enjoy a kiss with their sweetheart under the mistletoe.

Know Before You Go

Important information.

This itinerary only includes tickets to the Night Illumination Festival, and excludes the "Day Garden Tickets"

In the Hunter Valley Gardens, wheelchair users can easily enter the trail to enjoy the garden

The Christmas Illumination Festival is from November 5, 2020, to January 26, 2021

Entry from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The event closes at 10:30 PM

Discounted Tickets

Infants aged 0-3yrs go in for free. Children aged 4-15yrs enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID)

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly

Please display your mobile voucher along with a valid photo ID at the venue

If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification

Ticket Redemption Point

Your ticket redemption point is at Hunter Valley Gardens

Address: 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia

To locate the ticket redemption point on Google Maps, simply search for - Hunter Valley Gardens

Get Directions to the Ticket Redemption Point

Getting There

• By car: Drive north of Sydney via the F3 highway for 2 hours, exit at Cessnock/Vineyards, then follow the signs to Cessnock, then to Pokolbin

These tickets are valid for the date selected during checkout

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Christmas gift guide to Moscow surroundings

Visitors from America and Western Europe might be surprised to discover that Russia celebrates Christmas on January 7th. That’s because the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar. After the end of the Soviet Union, some Russians have begun celebrating Christmas on December 25 in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. But many Russians still observe the tradition of fasting on January 6th, breaking the fast with a large feast on Christmas Eve after the first star has appeared in the sky.

During the Soviet era, Christmas and religious traditions were banned in Russia. Santa Claus was replaced by Ded Moroz, or, Grandfather Frost, an old man with a long white beard who would bring gifts to children on New Year’s instead of Christmas. According to Russian tradition, Ded Moroz is accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka, the Snowmaiden, who helps him on his journey to give presents to children.

Although the tradition of having a Christmas tree, known as a yolka in Russian, was also banned during Soviet times, Russians got around this by having New Year’s trees from which they hung homemade decorations. Today, the restrictions of the Soviet Union have faded into history, and during the Christmas season visitors to Russia can even purchase Christmas ornaments in the shape of matryoshka dolls, or religious icons that depict nativity scenes.

Heading counterclockwise around the Golden Ring this holiday season, northeast of Moscow, your first stop will most likely be the city of Vladimir, home to some of Russia’s most striking churches and cathedrals. The Vladimir region is known for its fine crystal. Stop by the Crystal, Lacquer Miniatures, and Embroidery Museum ( 2 Bolshaya Moskovskaya ) for an overview of traditional crafts before visiting the gift shop in the museum to browse the crystal selection. Vladimir Chic ( 2 Dvoryanskaya ) also sells local glass and crystal work.

Typical souvenirs are also for sale in Vladimir’s old town, especially by the Golden Gate, a triumphal arch and defensive tower that is one of the last-remaining parts of the wall that once surrounded ancient Vladimir and a sure stop on any tour of the Golden Ring.

Just 63 kilometers from Vladimir lays the nearby city of Gus-Khrustalny , the ‘Crystal Goose,’ also home to a rich glass and crystal making tradition. You can visit the glassmaking factory in Gus-Khrustalny and buy gifts ranging from plates and vases to decanters, or visit the outlet store back in Moscow ( 4 Ilyinka ) just east of the Kremlin.

North of Vladimir, you’ll arrive in Suzdal, one of the Golden Ring route’s more tranquil towns. Suzdal boasts a number of small bazaars and stands outside the main tourist sites where visitors can purchase local honey mead, called medovukha, along with traditional crafts, like a pair valenki, or Russian woolen boots, which make an ideal Christmas gift for friends and family back home. The shopping stands outside Suzdal’s Museum of Wooden Architecture and Peasant Life ( Ul. Pushkarskaya ) are also highly recommended. Market Square ( Torgovaya Pl ) houses a number of shops where visitors can search for arts and crafts.

Following the Golden Ring north of Suzdal, many tours will stop in the city of Kostroma, a former trading outpost on the immense Volga River. One of the city’s highlights is the Museum of Linen and Birchbark ( 38 Tereshkova ), where visitors can view exhibits on traditional Russian crafts woven from flax and bark. A gift shop in the basement sells tablecloths, napkins, baskets, linen dolls, and traditional clothing typical of the region.

South from Kostroma, stop in the city of Rostov-Veliky for enamel jewelry, a craft which allows artists to produce small paintings on metal that are then fired to produce a thin glaze over the image. Rostov became famous for its tradition of enamel work. Today, visitors can purchase rings, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and jewelry boxes in the gift shop of the Rostov Enamel factory ( 3 Borisoglebskoye Highway ).

While you’re in Rostov, visit the House of Crafts ( 16 Vtoraya Tolstovskaya Naberezhnaya ) for local pottery and the Souvenirs shop ( 5 Ul. Kamennyi Most ) for ushanka hats—Russian fur caps with earflaps—paintings, and samovars for tea lovers.

The last two stops on a tour of the Golden Ring are the cities of Pereslavl-Zalesskiy and Sergiev Posad. Pereslavl is most famous for its embroidery work, available at the Art Salon ( 12 Ul. Sovetskaya ) along with souvenirs made of wood and stone. Nearby Sergiev Posad is considered the place where Russia’s matryoshka dolls were first invented, and was the chief production center of the dolls before Soviet times. Visit the city’s Toy Museum ( 123 Pr. Krasny Armii ) to get a better sense of the birthplace of one of Russia’s most recognizable toys, then head over to the market alongside the Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius—one of the city’s most important sites—to load up on matryoshka dolls, painted eggs, and icons before going home.

If you’ll be in the Golden Ring during New Years, the city of Vladimir hosts an impressive Christmas fair, with an iceskating rink and performances by local artists, in the main square ( Sobornaya Pl ). In most other Golden Ring cities you’ll find similar events in the center square as Christmas nears.

Most shops and markets in the Golden Ring are open year round. If you’re coming to Russia for a short period of time, whether in winter or summer, consider a trip to this stunning part of the country, and bring an extra bag if you plan to go shopping for Christmas gifts.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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• Preplanned tours
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• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case). 

Moscow Metro Tour - With Ratings

• Moscow Tours
• Sightseeing Tours

Moscow Metro Tour

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Free Cancellation
• Duration: 1 Hr 30 Mins
• Language: English
• Departure Details : Get to the Biblioteka imeni Lenina (Lenin's Library, Red Line) or Alexandrovsky Sad (Alexander Garden, Light Blue Line) metro station. Use any exit. Find the Kutafia Tower of the Kremlin. The guide .. read more

The Moscow Metro has a long history to it. Also, the city has an extremely beautiful subway. It is very well maintained and is also extremely decorated. Each station and spot has a different artistic aspect to it. On this tour, experience the efficiency of Moscow Metro.

• Roam around the Revolution Square, with magnificent sculptures of the Soviet people
• Visit the Kurskaya Station Lobby, the Hall of Fame of the WWII
• Be awestruck at the Komsomolskaya , with impressive mural mosaics of Russian glorious victories
• See the artistic side of Novoslobodskaya , with the stained glass, although under the ground.

Know More about this tour

Take our Moscow Metro Tour and discover why our subway is recognized as the most beautiful in the world!

"They used to have palaces for kings, we are going to build palaces for the people!" said one of the main architects of the Soviet subway.

With us you will see the most beautiful metro stations in Moscow built under Stalin: Komsomolskaya, Revolution square, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya. Our guide will tell fascinating stories and secrets hidden underground, urban legends and funny stories.

How many babies were born on the Moscow metro? Where is the secret Metro 2? How deep is the Moscow metro? And where did Stalin give his speech in November 1941? Join out Metro tour and find out!

• Metro ticket

Cancellation Policy

• If you cancel between 0 hrs To 24 hrs before scheduled tour departure, the cancellation charge will be 100%
• If you cancel between 1 days To 180 days before scheduled tour departure, the cancellation charge will be 0%
• Please note that in case of No show, the cancellation charge will be 100% of the listed tour fare.
• Please note tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.
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