Exploring neighborhoods to admire Christmas lights is a beloved tradition during the festive season. Behind these magical displays are everyday Australians who invest substantial money and countless hours each year to craft these enchanting experiences.

One such enthusiast, Andrew Walters, has poured over $30,000 into transforming his Adelaide home into a Christmas wonderland over the past 21 years.

His impressive setup features a staggering 250,000 lights, meticulously arranged to cover nearly every inch of his property.

In contrast, Scott Church is a newcomer to this festive hobby. Inspired by his partner’s spontaneous idea last year, they have already invested over $6,000 in lights and decorations to illuminate their front yard.

Church has also dedicated significant time to crafting his own unique decorations.

Surprisingly, Church discovered that the process of creating the display brought him immense joy, far beyond his expectations.

“It’s just amazing,” he said. 

He has received offers for donations to help fund the project, but said that was not what he was doing it for.

“I’d rather the community just come to my house, get a candy cane, have a sweet, enjoy my lights and talk about it with their family,” he said.

“That’s what gets me: just the enjoyment and the excitement that it brings to people.”