At eight o’clock every night the magic starts.
With the press of a button thousands of colourful lights unfold a Christmas wonderland at the otherwise unassuming house in Protea Heights.
During the Christmas season last year the house in Dennegeur Street saw 15 000 visitors from across the city, and it’s no wonder why.
The installation that was opened last week is awe-inspiring.
Approaching the house two reindeer on the roof welcome the visitor.
A cascade of golden lights await you overhead at the gate and when you step around the corner into the front yard, time suddenly comes to a standstill.
In the centre glistens a six-metre tall Christmas tree in all the colours of Christmas. To the left a gigantic Christmas ball invites visitors to walk into its splendour.
Then there is the massive gift-wrapped present, and next to it a life-sized nativity scene.
9000 cable ties
Residents Rick van der Galien and Paulo Rodrigues are responsible for the light and colour fest put together with three kilometres of Christmas lights and 9 000 cable ties.
It all started in 2019 when the couple put on the lights for the first time as a means of decoration.
“We did it for ourselves really because we just love Christmas. It was not as big then, but still got some attention. A woman drove by and took a picture which she placed on Facebook and it spread like a wild fire,” says Rick.
Rick and Paulo are a bit infatuated with Christmas.
“Inside our house we have nine Christmas trees, from the lounge to the braai room. A friend did the steelwork for us, but we put up the entire installation. Bit by bit it takes about a month and a half to complete,” says Rick.
And its all worth it when visitors start streaming in.
“The joy it brings to young and old is tangible. People come here and for a little while they can think of nothing else but the lights. Children are excited and the adults can escape the world. The spirit of Christmas is all around and you leave with a full heart. For many of the elderly who visit it brings back the meaning of Christmas,” says Rick.
Happy memories
Apart from the light display there are also stalls selling anything from toys and gifts to sweets, cooldrinks and popcorn.
“Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus and a time for family and friends to spend time together here on earth making happy memories. Tomorrow is never promised to anyone.”
Adri Nicholas says the lights create the relaxed atmosphere to usher in Christmas.
For young siblings Mia (5) and Hanno (3) van der Merwe this was an outing that will linger in their memories.
Little Mia sums it up short and sweet, “I like it. Christmas is lekker!”
For another good cause the couple makes use of the display to raise goods for animal welfare charities.
Entry is for free every night from 20:00 to 23:00, but visitors may make a donation of pet food, blankets or old kennels.
“This is an important cause for us as animals can’t speak for themselves,” says Rick.
The display will light up the neighbourhood for the last time on 30 December … until next year the same time.
