The Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular this year is promising to be bigger than ever with 1.5 million lights on display and Mercure Hunter Valley Resort is right where the action is.

A special 'Hunter Valley Christmas Lights package' is now available which includes overnight accommodation, full buffet breakfast and entry to the Christmas Lights Spectacular for two adults and two children. Rates start from $289 per night weekdays for stays between 7 November and 23 December. Terms and conditions apply.

For those wanting a special Christmas Day with ease, a 'Christmas Escape package' is also available. The package includes:

• Two nights' accommodation (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
• Full buffet breakfast daily
• Three-course Christmas lunch
• A welcome bottle of wine
• Two adult tickets to the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular on Christmas Eve
• A Christmas dinner picnic hamper for two

Rates start from $899 per package for a twin share studio room and two night's minimum stay. Terms and conditions apply.

The Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular will be the biggest display of its kind in Australia and will feature an array of fantastic activities including fountain firework lights, a larger than life nativity scene, children's entertainment and Santa Claus will of course make an appearance. New features include Cinderella's Castle, a Light's Spectacular marquee, underwater light display as well as a display train.

Located just footsteps away from this magical wonderland, Mercure Hunter Valley Resort offers a range of accommodation styles including studio suites, garden studios, spa rooms, and family rooms. Leisure facilities include tennis courts, a heated pool and spa, games room, day spa and lounge library with pool table. The hotel is within walking distance of half a dozen wineries and the Roche Wines cellar door, with McGuigans Winery and The Cheese Factory right on the doorstep.

For bookings, visit www.mercurehuntervalley.com.au or call (02) 4998 2000.

About Mercure

For more than 35 years, within the Accor Group, Mercure has exemplified expert hospitality and personalised service. Operating in more than 50 countries around the world, Mercure boasts hotels with distinctive personalities carefully preserved through the type of services offered and the decor, both of which vary from one hotel to the next. The hotel managers and staff of the 700 Mercure hotels are hospitality professionals. Attentive and available, they are ready to listen and make sure their guests enjoy a stay full of genuine moments of pleasure and relaxation in a truly warm and comfortable setting. More information on Mercure hotels is available on mercure.com