It’s the lightest, brightest and most wonderful time of the year and the Illawarra is celebrating Christmas in style. From houses adorned in lights to elaborate Christmas window displays, here are some of the most festive sights to see in and around our region.

1. Fairy Meadow Musical Light Show Extravaganza

12 Brian Street, Fairy Meadow

If you plan on taking the family to see the lights before Christmas, this is one house you can’t miss. In production since April, tens of thousands of synced LED lights have been programmed to illuminate 12 Brian Street to the tunes of Christmas classics, pop hits and movie scores. Scan the QR code on the letterbox for a choice of 30 songs with synchronised light displays or to change the colourway of the newly installed light-up angel wings for a fantastic photo opportunity.

2. Barrack Heights Christmas Maze

9 Brisbane Place, Barrack Heights

Always a crowd pleaser, the Christmas Maze at 9 Brisbane Place in Barrack Heights features a huge collection of Christmas mementos, lights and inflatables. Explore dozens of displays in the front yard before heading up to the cabana to check out the impressive collection of singing, dancing and gleaming collectibles.

3. Horizon Bank Window Winter Wonderland

277a Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul

This year Horizon Bank’s Thirroul branch has celebrated the festive season by setting up its annual winter wonderland display, complete with a steam train (because what Christmas village doesn’t need transport?), on show in the window. Stop by to check it out next time you’re passing through Thirroul.

4. North Gong Hotel Giant Santa Claus

3 Flinders Street, North Wollongong

This inflatable man-in-the-big-red-suit at North Gong Hotel has to be one of the biggest Santas in the Illawarra. Standing more than two storeys high, he is sure to impress every visitor and makes for a great selfie opportunity – if you can fit him in the shot.

5. Crown Street Mall Christmas Tree and Bouncing Elves

200 Crown Street, Wollongong

Crown Street Mall’s Christmas Tree is the largest in the Illawarra and glistens after the sun goes down. On Thursday, December 22, Bouncing Elves on stilts will also be visiting Crown Street from 6pm to 8pm, bringing loads of cheeky Christmas fun.

6. Dapto Light-Up Christmas Walkway

St James Crescent, Dapto

The light-up walkway at Dapto’s St James Crescent is the epitome of a true neighbourly collaboration. Walk between homes through laneways of stringed lights to see hundreds of inflatable and illuminated displays for a show of some of the best teamwork in the Illawarra.

7. Kembla Grange Light Tunnel

Rosina Street, Kembla Grange

Made of more than 40 light-up archways, this light tunnel of red, green and white takes you on a festive stroll along Rosina Street in Kembla Grange. This light display is easily one of the most impressive in our region, with every house on the tunnel-side of the street going above and beyond with their festive lights. 

8. Mount Warrigal Aussie Christmas Spectacle

5 Dickson Avenue, Mount Warrigal

See the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Centrepoint Tower and Luna Park lit up in all their glory without going into the city at 5 Dickson Avenue in Mount Warrigal. This Australian-themed light display features an array of exciting Christmas light fixtures and also has Santa, his elves and the Grinch pop by on Friday and Saturday evenings (weather permitting).

9. Sustainable Santa

Wollongong Botanic Garden, Keiraville

Thanks to the Botanic Garden's education and volunteer team, you can escape the commercialisation of Christmas and enjoy a quiet selfie in the garden with Recycled Santa and his rockin' reindeer. This creative work is made entirely from old household items, highly commended for its use of an old mop as Santa's beard. 

10. Family fun

48 Parkes Street, Helensburgh

And finally, a friendly elf reports that last year's 2508 District News cover stars have added new lights to their annual display in Helensburgh. Can you spot the difference? Read more about the family who like to bring Joy to the Burgh each Christmas.

Safety note: Please do not come to a full stop with your car right after the bend, as cars behind you cannot see you have stopped. Please don’t let children walk into the yard as it is hard to see all the wires in the dark.