Lighting up Adventure Park

Adventure Park's Christmas Festival of Lights is set to kick off soon. (Supplied) 258333_01

The Christmas Festival of Lights is returning to Adventure Park next week, with more light installations, an extended walking trail, two new rides and a range of Christmas activities for the kids planned this festive season.

Adventure Park’s Christmas celebration begins on November 27 and will run for 43 days, transforming the water theme park into a festive sparkling wonderland.

This year there will be 700,000 more lights over a two kilometre walking trail that will illuminate the night sky.

“We thought last year was big, but the 2021 event is even bigger with 2.7 million lights and some really jaw-dropping feature installations,” Adventure Park managing director Bree Salmon said.

“We have new light displays going all the way around the 16-acre lake and we’ve completely transformed our huge undercover pavilion with a lunar lanterns exhibit, filled with zodiac themed animal installations and lanterns, it’s so pretty.

“Plus there’s two new fun rides that kids will love, more food and drink options like the Schnapps Bar, more children’s activities and live entertainment.”

New light installations include a Lunar Lantern Exhibit complete with majestic 20 metre dragon, lanterns and animals from the zodiac; a Fantasyland with a 12 metre smoke breathing dragon, an eight metre caterpillar and butterflies; a 25 metre Psychedelic Tunnel; Loch Ness monster and angels.

“The immersive and three dimensional installations have been so popular so we’ve added loads more of these where you can get inside and underneath for the perfect family photo,” Ms Salmon said.

Santa will return to the park’s Christmas Cave, where kids can write and post letters to the North Pole.

Eight dry rides will be open including two new rides, the classic spinning tea cups ride and a unique air balloons ride which sees riders soar 20 metres into the sky for an epic view of the park before floating back down to earth.

There will also be live music from the South Barwon Salvation Army Band, who will be performing Christmas carols every weeknight.

“We’re very excited to be running such a wonderful event now that Victorians are able to get out and about again. Ms Salmon said.

Last year crowds flocked to see the magical lights, with many nights selling out close to Christmas.

As per Victorian government COVID requirements, proof of double vaccination for those 16 years and over is required for entry to Adventure Park.