Bill and Peg’s excellent adventure. They’re featured on The Advertiser / Sunday Mail 2020 Christmas lights map — and you can be too

Bill and Peg Chartres’ Lobethal stunning lights display is among dozens featured on The Advertiser’s 2020 Christmas lights map, launching today.

Bill and Peg Chartres may be the closest couple you’ll find to Mr and Mrs Claus this side of the North pole.

The Lobethal couple has brought joy and cheer to Hills residents for 37 years with their magical Christmas lights display - an annual highlight for young and old.

Their extensive display at - where else but 5 Christmas Lane - features, well over 50,000 lights, illuminated wooden cut-outs and delightful indoor displays and Christmas scenes, which can be viewed through the large windows of their home.

Their spectacular display is one of dozens featured on The Advertiser’s 2020 Christmas lights map, which launches today. Scroll below for tips on how to use the map.

Mrs Chartres said their ritual first started in 1983 with a few strings of light and handmade decorations.

“In those days, you couldn’t buy anything so we made a lot of things ourselves,” she said.

“It became a bit of a hobby and gave us something to do throughout the year.”

Indeed, the couple generally spends around six months of the year working on designing and building new display items, as well as maintaining, updating and repairing the old ones.

BROWSE THE SA CHRISTMAS LIGHTS MAP AND SUBMIT YOUR DISPLAY DETAILS

Peg and Bill Chartres at their home in Lobethal with hundreds of Christmas lights and displays in their front yard. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Getting into the Christmas spirit. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“It’s quite extensive now ,so you can imagine it takes quite a bit of time to set up,” Mrs Chartres said.

“So we generally start over the October long weekend as that gives us a good eight weeks till the start of Christmas.

“It’s become a bit of a tradition now and we look forward to seeing people enjoy our display.

“We even have quite a few generations that come and see us each year.”

Peg and Bill’s spectacular lights display. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

While each year is special in its own right, Mrs Chartres said this year had a special meaning.

“First we had the fires, then COVID and now the Lobethal Lights have been cancelled,” she said.

“Everyone is on edge and there is a lot of uncertainty.

“So the aim of this year’s display is to offer some normality and to bring some simple joy, even if it’s just for one night.

“We’d love for others to come on board and to do the same.”

Lights are switched on at dusk each evening and will remain on until 11.30pm throughout December. COVID restrictions apply.

START EXPLORING THE ADVERTISER’S 2020 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS MAP

See below for some simple tips on how to use the map and submit the details of your own Christmas lights display.