And it’s not just the Christmas lights that have drawn the crowds this summer – Mega Creatures, an outstanding display of animatronic bugs and dinosaurs, has been added to the summer holiday program.

Displays include an eight-metre T-Rex, a giant triceratops, towering tarantula, mega-sized snail and much more, with life-like sounds and movements.

Mega Creatures can be viewed during the day from 9am to 4pm, and also at night from 6.30pm to 10pm when the Christmas lights are switched on.

Hunter Valley Gardens marketing manager Katherine Danvers said the feedback and reviews from patrons this summer have been fantastic.

“We have had thousands of families and friends visiting Hunter Valley Gardens over the Christmas period, with many describing their experience as a family tradition,” she said.

“Visitors have been commenting that there are more condensed areas of light than ever before, adding to the ‘wow’ factor.

“With the school holidays in full swing, we decided to boost the experience by adding the Mega Creatures.”

Mega Creatures and the Christmas Lights Spectacular will run until January 26.

In the event of wet weather, visit the Hunter Valley Gardens Facebook page for further information.