At John and Isabel Fraser’s home at the corner of Centennial and Martin Rds, in Fairfield, the 30,000 coloured outdoor bulbs on display shone so brightly they attracted the attention of Santa.
But children and their parents also visited by the carload in the evenings this month and busloads of onlookers have cruised by after dusk.
The Frasers moved from Riverton to Dunedin 10 years ago and after Mr Fraser bought a box of coloured lights to decorate their roof — more than he anticipated — what started as a hobby turned into an obsession over the years, he said.
The Frasers, both recently retired, said because of the extra electricity requirements, a December power bill was about the same as a winter power bill, but the couple were happy to take the financial hit.
Over the years, visiting children had started leaving chocolates in the mailbox that were often accompanied by letters addressed to Santa.
Now, Santa himself had begun to show up to talk to the children directly, Mr Fraser said.
It was a thrill for the children.
While the house was a labour of love for Mr Fraser and his wife, the couple received help in the two weeks before December to set up their decorations.
A working bee, of friends and family, on November 27 made sure the lights were ready to be turned on for the night of December 1.
The display would then take two weeks to take down, starting on January 1, Mrs Fraser said.
Although the Frasers’ home might be the brightest single house in Dunedin this year, across the city, in Pacific St, another massive festive effort took place this holiday season.
But rather than a single house in Pacific St, 22 houses lit up a 500m stretch.
Lampposts were decorated, a street-wide working bee was held, and a party brought the street together.
While the Christmas decorations were a first, Pacific St had spent 2020 celebrating together, resident Christine Parker said.
Pacific St came together during the Covid-19 lockdown, finding new ways to observe important occasions as a community.
Despite lockdown rules Easter, Anzac Day, and an end of lockdown "thank you" to essential services workers were all marked on the street.
This month, a "big switch lights on" Saturday night was held on December 5.
Neighbourhood catch-ups with cake and wine were held in advance.
