Vote for Your Favourite Christmas Lights in Rangiora and Kaiapoi

Residents of Rangiora and Kaiapoi are invited to participate in the annual Christmas lights competition, which encourages community spirit and festive cheer. This year, the event features a new People’s Choice award, allowing visitors to vote for their favourite display starting from December 1. The initiative is sponsored by One Agency Your Place, enhancing the festive atmosphere in both towns.

Community Displays Brighten the Season

One of the standout displays is located at 82 West Belt in Rangiora, where local couple Margaret and Bill Scott have created an elaborate showcase. “We started it five years ago, and it’s got bigger and bigger each year,” Margaret explained. Their display features over 50 inflatable decorations, including a variety of Santas engaged in playful activities.

The couple encourages visitors to explore their yard, which has expanded to include themed decorations that now reach from the front of the house to the backyard. Bill noted, “We change it every year. We are already planning to hit the post-Christmas sales to find the bargains to show next year.” This commitment to continuous improvement has made their display a local favourite.

Festive Activities and Community Engagement

On December 15, visitors will have the opportunity to meet Santa himself, as the Scotts will host a barbecue from 18:00. Free sausages will be offered to guests, weather permitting, with donations accepted to support local causes. The couple’s festive spirit is evident as they recall their childhood traditions; Bill’s mother was known for her impressive Christmas decorations in Redwood, while Margaret remembers her mother’s playful Santa legs display hidden in a bush on Kippenberger Ave.

The couple’s vibrant displays have drawn significant attention from the community. Last year, they took a break from decorating while vacationing in Australia, only to find many locals expressing their disappointment on social media. “We promised to come back bigger and better this year — and we did,” Margaret said, reflecting the enthusiasm for their festive contributions.

As the Christmas season approaches, the lights in Rangiora and Kaiapoi not only brighten the streets but also bring the community together in celebration. Residents are encouraged to vote for their favourite displays and enjoy the festive spirit that the Scotts and many others have worked hard to create.