Santa, Rudolph and rock n’ roll: Could this be Melbourne’s best Christmas lights display?
Monica Azzopardi has spent almost two months transforming her Patterson Lakes home for Christmas. And she says this year’s display — her 14th — is the best yet. PICTURES: Take a look inside her magical electric wonderland.
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Melbourne’s very own Christmas lights queen is looking to outdo herself this December, injecting her living room with a dose of rock and Rudolph.
It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas three months ago for Patterson Lakes woman Monica Azzopardi, who was busy untangling lights and blowing the dust off prop boxes while people were still celebrating AFL Grand Final Day.
The Christmas novelty never wears off for the spirited retiree, who is spending her 14th year transforming her Schooner Bay Dr property into a magical electric wonderland.
“Thousands of people have come to see the house, it’s really special,” she said.
“There’s always a different theme in each room and everyone loves to take photos.”
This year, the ex-special needs teacher at Aspendale’s Yarrabah school has gone all out with a ‘Christmas rocks’ inspired display in her front room- which features a handmade, metre-high singing Elvis doll.
Another room will be decked out with twinkling white and gold snow, and one more with regal gold and burgundy themed decorations.
The handy craftswoman makes many of her props, and in previous years, she has dazzled crowds with fairytale and winter wonderland themes.
Her work-of-art can be viewed from the street but more brilliantly from the Patterson Lakes canals, where dozens of boaters drift by in awe on balmy summer nights each year.
“The water really makes all the difference, it’s beautiful to watch them go by,” Ms Azzopardi said.
“Some of the boaters even decorate their boats with lights.”
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PATTERSON LAKES CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TOUR
Patterson Lakes has quickly become one of Melbourne’s most dazzling Christmas light destinations, with more and more neighbours upping their game each year in friendly competition.
A local fishing charter even operates Christmas lights tours through the marina for those looking to sit back, relax and ditch the drive.
Ms Azzopardi’s display will come alive each night between December 1 and January 6, 2020.