Melas family’s three decade Christmas tradition lights up Stuart Park

For three decades the Melas family has spread Christmas cheer in Stuart Park and are fundraising to feed Territory families in need.

The Melas family of Stuart Park has spent the past three decades spreading Christmas spirit in their community with their extravagant light displays.

Strati Melas, 23, began helping his father who started the tradition in 1993, “as soon as he could walk” and has since taken over the obsession.

“When I started helping I was Dad’s little helper from probably about five holding the cable ties and everything for him,” he said.

“Ever since I could walk, I’ve been helping out and then seven years ago, I took over and just made it bigger and bigger and bigger each year.

“I love it and I’m grateful that I’ve grown up with an awesome father and family and being able to be part of a tradition that he set so many years ago.

“We’ve set our footprint in stone now and there’s no going back.”

This year marks three decades since the Melas family began their Christmas light tradition in 1993. Picture: Supplied

The Melas family’s 30th Christmas display in Stuart Park. Picture: Supplied

This year’s display features more lights than ever before with a gingerbread lane walkway and room where you can take a picture in Santa’s sleigh.

The big man himself also stops by nightly to catch all the action, offering candy canes to lucky visitors.

For Strati and his family, creating Christmas displays is a way to bring the community together and share their love of the holidays.

“It’s our way of giving back to the community, spreading Christmas cheer around and putting smiles on people’s faces,” he said.

“It’s nice to see a lot of the community come through, yesterday it got packed you know, like I’ve averaged about 1000 people a night, which is a lot and I’m grateful and blessed for everyone that’s come past and enjoyed the display because you know, that’s what it’s there for, it’s for everyone to enjoy.

“This is the Christmas that I grew up with and this is a Christmas that I want to give to others so they can grow up with it as well and it’s awesome having people come along and be part of our tradition.”

This year’s display features Santa’s sleigh where visitors can take photos. Picture: Supplied

Putting up Christmas lights and interactive displays has become a Melas family tradition. Picture: Supplied

Last year the family raised more than $1800 for Foodbank NT through gold coin donations and hopes to raise even more this year.

“It’s an awesome charity, it’s great to know that they’ll be feeding families over this festive season and it’s just a way of giving back,” he said.

“The good thing is it stays in the Territory to help out Territorians and that was a main thing for me because Christmas... yes, it is the time of giving, but it’s also the time of helping.

“We appreciate absolutely everyone that’s put money in and we’re beyond thankful for what they’ve done, none of it would be possible without them.”

Lights at 14 Charles Street will be on for the final time this year from 6.30pm-10.30pm on Sunday, Christmas Eve.