Winner revealed in the 2022 Gold Coast Christmas lights competition

A winner has been named in the 2022 Christmas lights competition, brought to you by the Bulletin, Seven News Gold Coast and 1029 Hot Tomato. See who won

A Pacific Pines cancer ward nurse has won the city’s Christmas lights competition for the second year in a row.

Reeju James said he felt “very proud” to have scored the most votes out of 33 entrants in this year’s contest, organised by the Bulletin, Seven News Gold Coast and 1029 Hot Tomato.

The Pacific Pines dad moved from India to Australia in 2008.

“Comparing 2008 to now – a lot more people are into Christmas lights and enjoying the festive season,” he said.

“I’m feeling very proud to have won.”

Christmas lights competition winner Reeju James at his Pacific Pines home. Picture Glenn Hampson

When he’s not preparing more than 20,000 LED lights for his annual Christmas show Mr James works as a cancer nurse at the Gold Coast University Hospital.

His display at Springwood Ave includes a collection box which is raising money for the hospital.

“It is a tough time for (my patients) because they’re going through a hard time during the festive season,” Mr James said.

“We’re trying to make our ward a lot more Christmassy by putting up fairly lights and decorations.”

Some patients even recognise Mr James for his incredible lights show and from his previous win in last year’s competition.

Reeju James’ winning Christmas lights display. Picture: supplied

“Some of my patients say to me, ‘you’re the Christmas lights guy’,” the Pacific Pines dad said.

Taking out second place in the competition was Marcio Dos Santos of 511 Gainsborough Dr, Pimpama and third place was Andrew Moss of 12 Mersey St, Upper Coomera.

This is the second year the Bulletin and Seven News Gold Coast have organised the city’s annual Christmas lights competition.

Both media organisations took over the contest last year after Gold Coast City Council announced it would no longer run it.

1029 Hot Tomato joined in on the fun this year.

See all the results below.

The prizes on offer this year were:

(1st place)

Village Roadshow Theme Parks prize

- A family White Christmas pass (4 people)

- A family Australian Outback Spectacular pass (4 people)

- 4 x Village Roadshow Locals One Passes

- 3 night stay at Sea World Resort with entry into 3 parks for a family of 4

(2nd place)

The Star Gold Coast prize

Family dining voucher to Cucino Viva for up to 6 people

Value $500

(3rd place)

The Langham Gold Coast prize

Champagne afternoon tea for two in Palm Court

Reeju James setting up lights at his home. Picture: Richard Gosling