Finalists announced: Reeju James named the best Chrissie Lights display on the Gold Coast
A finalist in the Gold Coast Christmas lights competition says he will be back “bigger and better” next year after a Grinch caused $1000 of damage to his display
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A finalist in the Gold Coast Christmas lights competition says he will be back “bigger and better” next year after a Grinch caused $1000 of damage to his display.
The Skok family’s “tech-based 12 days of Christmas” at Hentdale Crt, Labrador, came third in this year’s competition.
But last week, Martin Skok found some wires cut and connections unscrewed.
It meant he was forced to call off the family’s light show on Christmas Eve and Christmas night.
“There were a lot of disappointed kids,” Mr Skok said.
“My five-year-old was very upset about the whole thing. It was a bit of a kick in the guts.”
The vandals also hampered the family’s opportunity to raise extra donations for the Southport Special School, which they usually collect on Christmas Eve.
Mr Skok said he had not reported the incident to police because he did not capture the incident on his security cameras.
“Next year the display is going to be so bloody big, it’s not funny,” he said.
“There’s going to be that many cameras I’m going to be able to see a fly go past.”
DECEMBER 15
Pacific Pines father Reeju James has the best Christmas lights display on the Gold Coast – all 15,000 bulbs synchronised to 25 songs. And he hasn’t had one complaint from the neighbours.
Gold Coast Bulletin readers voted Mr James’ 21 Springwood Ave as the city’s best. The Bulletin and media outlets Seven News Gold Coast, 92.5 Triple M and 90.9 Sea FM decided to run the competition after the council pulled out.
Mr James said his home light show was best experienced while bopping along to the beat of the music.
“Christmas lights have always been my hobby,” the cancer department nurse said. “Come and take the kids down to enjoy the music and the lights show.”
Fellow Pacific Pines resident Marlon Pritchard was runner-up with his “random-themed” display at Salvado Drive. He has been decorating his home for the past seven Christmases.
“My next-door neighbours were putting up decorations so I basically joined in with them and then it sort of snowballed,” Mr Pritchard said.
The Skok family finished third with their display at Hentdale Court, Labrador. They graciously offered to donate any winnings to Southport Special School. Sally McWilliams, of Carnoustie Court, Arundel, was fourth. Sam Bourke, of Mountain Ash Circuit, Robina, and Andrew Moss, of Mersey St, Upper Coomera, tied for fifth.
Prizes donated by Village Roadshow included a five-night stay for a family of four, valued at $2425; a dinner and show for four at Outback Spectacular, valued at $400; two hours’ game play for six guests with lifetime membership, valued at $220; family dolphin aqua adventure for four quests, valued at $769; family seal aqua adventure, $676; meerkats up-close experience for four at Paradise Country, valued at $2403.
DECEMBER 14:
TIME is running out to vote in the Gold Coast’s Chrissie Lights Competition 2021.
The Gold Coast Bulletin, Seven News Gold Coast, 92.5 Triple M and 90.9 Sea FM are running the competition this year.
We’ve selected the best lights displays from Facebook and 32 homes are battling it out for the title, with voting open until 9am Wednesday December 15.
The winner will be announced shortly after.
Finalist Kirsty Harrison Skok said described her family’s display at Hentdale Crt, Labrador, as a “tech-based 12 days of Christmas”.
“(It’s) my husband’s favourite hobby,” she said.
“It kicks off at 7pm every night, we have candy canes and the audio streams through 88.1FM.”
Fellow finalist Margaret Roux Campbell said her display at 13 Trevino Pl, Parkwood, was all about getting in the festive spirit.
“I’m lighting up the hill for all to see and spreading a little bit of Christmas magic,” she said.
SEE OUR FULL MAP OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS + WHAT’S ON HERE
Finalist Sally McWilliams said her display at 3 Carnoustie Court, Arundel was titled ‘Joeys Christmas Joy’.
“This is my dad’s display and is in honour and memory of his wife Joanne who sadly passed away this July,” Ms McWilliams said.
“We all put in extra this year for her and to get heaps of visitors.”
Jane Johnson from 3 Merion Court, Robina said her 16-year-old son Nic put up all their lights and funded it himself.
“He has been doing this for about seven years. Each year it gets bigger and better,” Ms Johnson said.
“Nic loves doing this for the kids and families at Christmas.”
Danielle Edwards’ display at 4 Olivia Close, Coomera was about bringing smiles and joy to kids and adults.
“This year is finally the year that we can start decorating as we now have a house that is able to be seen from the street,” she said.
“We are looking forward to growing our collection each year to bring joy to the street.”
Shanae Lee said her son’s love of Christmas inflatables inspired her display at 20 Mirinae Circuit, Pimpama.
“We are very festive and love Christmas as a family. We decided to get into Christmas lights this year for the first time,” she said.
“Growing up I always wanted to have the brightest house in the street and I’m so proud to call that mine.
“I find so much joy in seeing the kids’ faces light up when they see our inflatable display.”
The prizes on offer for this year’s competition include:
- 5 night stay in a premium view room for family of 4 value $2425
- Dinner and show at Outback Spectacular for family of 4 value $400
- 2 hrs of game play for 6 guests with life time membership value $220
- Family Dolphin Aqua Adventure experience for 4 guests’ value $769
- Family Seal Aqua Adventure experience $676
- Meerkats up close and personal experience at Paradise Country for 4 Value $2403
Voting closes on December 15. The Bulletin will announce the winner and runner up shortly after. Full terms and conditions can be found here.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TAKE OVER SON’S BEDROOM
A Gold Coast dad’s obsession with Christmas has seen his young son’s bedroom transformed into an incredible festive display.
Jason Surch moved his boy to another bedroom so he could turn the space into a ‘Christmas Room’, complete with a miniature Disney castle, train and carnival.
The Pacific Pines dad spends three weeks setting up the room before he starts decorating the outside of the home.
“I had been putting lights on my parents’ house since I was 16,” Mr Surch said. “Then when I got my own house, I took the lights with me.”
The family’s display is a reflection of their two great loves – Christmas and Disney.
“We have just always loved Christmas,” Mr Surch said.
Those visiting the display at 4 Beaumont Cres are encouraged to get out of the car and take a peek at the Christmas Room, marvel at the nativity scene and take a selfie in the sleigh.
The Surch family are one of dozens set to enter the Coast’s Christmas Lights Competition.
The Gold Coast Bulletin, Seven News Gold Coast, 92.5 Triple M and 90.9 Sea FM are running the competition this year.
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