It's the most wonderful time of year.
Christmas is a spectacular time to be in the Hunter Valley, with the vineyards looking lush in every direction and bright sunny days to explore the region, it’s the perfect time to get away with family and friends. We’ve decked the halls with over 4 million lights, prepped our kitchens for extravagant Christmas Lunch feasts and have the bubbles ready to pour. Here’s your extensive guide to what’s on this Christmas and New Years.
Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular
Experience the magic of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Christmas lights display, featuring over 4 million lights and illuminated attractions. Explore 8 acres of festive lights including the new Candyland and 10 meter tall Christmas tree displays, wandering Christmas characters and amusement rides .Visitors even have the opportunity to meet Santa himself in the Igloo Marquee to share their Christmas wish-list and get that all important Santa photo. The Christmas Lights Spectacular is open 5:30pm to 10:30pm every day (except Christmas Day) until the 26th January.
Shop and Sip - Winmark’s Christmas Shopping Events
Who would love a complimentary glass of wine while doing their Christmas Shopping? Well Winmark Wines are doing just that on Thursday 28 November 4-7pm. Sip on a complimentary glass of award-winning Chardonnay whilst listening to the captivating tunes of resident musician Finnian Johnson runner up in The Voice and take care of all your gifting in one convenient evening. Winmark’ s Gift Store is a treasure trove of intrigue and quality giftware, with something for everyone, instead of buying from the big retailers this year, buy boutique and support local. They’ll even take care of your Christmas wrapping too with complimentary gift-wrapping service on the day.
Dashville Community Christmas Party
Dashville is taking the trouble out of having to host your own Christmas Party with their Community Christmas Party on Saturday 7th December. Hosted at their bushland property they welcome you to connect and unwind amongst the serenity. Festivities included live music and Santa photos.
Christmas Carols on at Saddler's Creek Wines
Featuring vocals from past The Voice Star Anna Weatherup who will be accompanied by her full brand and brass players, this is set to be a night to remember. Pack the picnic rug and come experience the Hunter Valley like a local with Christmas Carols at Saddler’s Creek on December 13th hosted on their stunning picnic area overlooking the Brokenback Ranges. Christmas Hampers with prawn cocktail, roast pork rolls, cheese and charcuterie and Tiramisu will be available to pre-order when purchasing your tickets.
voco Kirkton Park Festive High Tea
One of the most sought after high tea experiences in the Hunter Valley is launching a special Festive High Tea available from the 4th December. Served in a sun-filled conservatory with views overlooking the rose garden, indulge in in-house baked cranberry scones with thick cream & strawberry jam, slow roast turkey with cranberry and brie cheese sandwiches and much more for $85pp. Available 4th December - 5th January, from 12pm-3pm. Pair with a glass of Sparkling on arrival.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Take the hassle out of Christmas lunch and book in at one of the many restaurants open and ready to cater to your needs this Christmas day.
Rydges Resort Christmas Buffet
Well known for their buffet, join Rydges Resort on the 25th of December for a special Christmas Buffet Lunch. Their team of talented chefs have prepared a mouth-watering line up of traditional favourites and seasonal delights, to be enjoyed with a 3 hour beverage package. Highlights of the day include a seafood buffet with local Port Stephens oysters, carvery & live cooking station and live music.
Chateau Elan
Make Christmas Day unforgettable this year with a festive buffet lunch at Château Élan. Their Christmas Buffet lunch is set to be a crowd pleaser with seafood delicacies, plant based appetisers, carved meats and dedicated kids meals and ice cream sundae bar for the little ones.
Circa 1876 Christmas Day Lunch
Drawing inspiration from all the best Christmas recipes, Circa 1876 is set to deliver an unforgettable Christmas lunch. Their crafted menu boasts mouth-watering dishes including house-made rosemary focaccia, zucchini flower, bay lobster and Christmas pudding.
eRemo Christmas Day Lunch
Head Chef Jayden Casinelli has put together a delectable 5-course Avido festive menu, including an incredible series of dishes that will make for an exceptional and memorable Christmas Day dining experience. Menu highlights include freshly sucked appellation rock oysters, salted baked beetroot and crumbed King George whiting.
Restaurant Botanica Christmas Day Lunch
Indulge in a delectable 3 course festive menu and exquisite wine from Restaurant Botanicas extensive offering for a relaxing afternoon making memories to cherish.
Voco Kirkton Park Christmas Lunch
The popular voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley Christmas Day feast is returning again for 2024. Enjoy seafood platters, charcuterie & carvery stations, a three-hour beverage package, live music, a visit from Santa, and more. Currently full for external bookings. Limited spaces are still available for in-house guests staying on 25th December. To enquire for an in-house booking call voco Kirkton Park.
Tower Lodge Christmas Day Lunch
Set amongst the charming estate of Tower Lodge, be seated at their award-winning restaurant for a Christmas lunch of festive flavours and refined dishes. The menu includes seafood plate and handcrafted salumi for entrée, Nioka Signature Black Angus Beef and roasted beetroot and goat’s curd salad for mains and tradition Christmas Pudding for dessert.
CHRISTMAS TO NEW YEARS
Tulloch Sundowners – An afternoon experience at Tulloch Wines
Soak up the afternoon sunshine at Sundowners at Tulloch wines. Enjoy a relaxed drink and nibble in nature with lawn games, prior to dinner plans. A selection of Tulloch wines are available by the bottle or glass. Their gourmet charcuterie boards are available for purchase from the bar, making this the perfect pairing for your afternoon sundowner. Join in for Sundowners from December 27th to January 5 from 5-7pm.
NEW YEARS CELEBRATIONS
voco Kirkton Park New Year’s Eve Degustation Dinner
Toast to 2024 with fine dining and bubbles. Join the festivities at voco Kirkton Park with a decadent 4-course degustation estate-to-plate fine dining philosophy. The Epoche bar hosts festive themed cocktails, bar specials, and music to wrap up the year. End the evening with a firework display as the clock hits 12.
New Year's Eve at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Ring in 2025 with a memorable evening at Redsalt Restaurant with a six-course tasting menu crafted by Sous Chef Phillip Atkinson and a glass of sparkling on arrival. As the night unfolds, head downstairs to enjoy the spectacular fireworks display over the rolling silhouettes of the Hunter, marking the start of the New Year with a bang.
Circa 1876 New Year’s Eve Dinner
End 2024 with elegant 3 course dining at Circa 1876 Hunter Valley. Situated at the the impressive 19 room guesthouse The Convent, Circa 1876 New Year's Eve dinner is designed to impress.
Harrigan’s Hunter Valley News Years Celebrations
The much-loved Irish pub is set to celebrate the arrival of the new year with live entertainment, outdoor dining and bubbles at the ready.
