It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Canberra, particularly in those suburbs where residents have gone above and beyond – up some very steep ladders – to craft brilliant Christmas light displays!

With only 14 sleeps until the big day, hundreds of thousands of LEDs are working the night shift to bring light and joy to local communities, after a year with its fair share of dim moments.

There will be plenty of bells and whistles, with inflatable Santas, prancing reindeer, snow machines, window displays, train sets, fancy dress, lollies and even synchronised music to listen to via radio!

Go for a stroll or hop in the car to spend time with loved ones any night over the next fortnight, and be sure to bring a pocket full of cash to drop in charity collection buckets.

To take the guesswork out of it, Canberra Daily compiled a list of some standout displays, and there are sure to be plenty more beaming gems waiting to be discovered in a neighbourhood near you.

Southside

Stirling
Check out Crowder Circuit in Stirling. You’ll want to hop out of your car for this one – various aspects of this display will react to movement and claps! There’ll be music and a wishing well with proceeds going to Camp Quality.

Fisher
There are three key streets sparkling in Fisher this year. You’ll find handmade decorations on Kalgoorlie Crescent,  and two displays on Kambalda Crescent.

Finish the night off on Ballarat Street, which boasts a house with every square inch covered in something special for the season, raising money for the Starlight Foundation.

And there are plenty of displays further south …

Gowrie
In Gowrie, Middleton Circuit hosts a marvellous display with a circular driveway which allows visitors to walk through and check out the details. There will be items for sale, including some very special handmade rocky road bars. Several other houses in the street have joined in the fun, raising funds for a few charities between them!

Gordon
There are two standouts in Gordon this year. Mcgrowdie Place has a small but very clever display – the owner has synced lights to music! Tune your car radio to 95.1fm and enjoy the show!

Then head to Harry Hopman Circuit where there is a huge display across multiple homes. Snow machines will be running on weekend nights, as well!

Robert Lewis Court down the road has amazing displays, too.

And while you’re in the area, why not swing past the Richardson Community Street Pantry to drop off some festive food items for those less fortunate?

Oxley
There’s something close to a drive-in musical going on at Newman-Morris Circuit. With lights synchronised with a 50-minute mix of Christmas songs, revellers are encouraged to pack a portable radio, sit in the park across the road and watch the lights come alive to the music.

Northside

Ngunnawal
In a stunning group effort, Burraly Court has about a dozen houses decked out with displays this year! The whole cul-de-sac lights up come nightfall, with colours beaming from houses, strung across trees and oozing down lampposts. Very impressive!

Lawson
In Cooee Rise, one spot has become known locally as The Gingerbread House, with white lights trickling like icing down every corner. If you park your car, have a peek at the miniature Christmas village and train set in the front window.

Forde
Heaps of houses on Huddy Street have joined in the fun, decorating their properties to spread cheer. Another awesome community effort that rivals the teamwork put in by the residents of Burraly Court.

Dunlop
Dunlop might take the crown for most densely decorated suburb in the ACT! Strap in for an extensive rundown …

Scurry Street multiple houses decorated on the short but sweet side street. One has 13 inflatable Santas positioned around the property. Can you spot them all?

A fancy LED lighting tunnel offers a fun photo opportunity on Elischer Street.

Triton Street is out to preserve Dunlop’s glittering reputation as a go-to suburb for Christmas cheer! This one was made for foot traffic, with the majority of houses decorated in one way or another.

Kids will be desperate to get amongst the action at Hobday Place, which has a garden full of statues and inflatable friends – snowmen, reindeer, toy soldiers, Santas and plenty of stars. As with all displays, please socially distance to keep things COVID-safe.

Mckellar
These dedicated homeowners in Tipping Place go to the effort every year to spread joy in their community. A schoolhouse for elves is a spectacular addition to this year’s display!

Across the border

Queanbeyan
This well-known display on Donald Road will have Santa and his reindeer on the roof. Raising money for charity, the family behind this beautiful set-up will be out the front in costume handing out lollies for kids whenever they can. 

Jerrabomberra
Boree Place made good use of colour this year – simple, but effective. And Birubi Place has created a tropical moment with decorated palm trees!

That’s it for the Canberra Christmas Light Guide 2020. We’re sure you’ll enjoy this selection and more! Happy hunting, be merry and bright!

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