Bissenberger Crescent Christmas lights in Canberra return, more magical than ever

Children and families have a special Christmas treat this year - the famous Bissenberger Crescent Christmas lights in Kambah have returned.

Phil and Jennifer Jensen have again festooned their home with hundreds of thousands of lights and created a winter wonderland that is a magical mix of Disney characters, Star Wars references, an underwater land and playful toys.

A detail from the Jensens' Christmas lights in Kambah. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

What's more, they have been joined by two of their neighbours, including Nigel and Mary-Ann Bignell.

Mr Jensen, a bricklayer, has been putting up the lights in Bissenberger Crescent for more than 30 years, creating such a drawcard that traffic controllers are used.

Jessica and Antony Michaelson with one-year-old Sophia under the famous Christmas lights in Bissenberger Crescent in Kambah.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

But he and his wife took a break from the lights last year following the death of Mr Jensen's brother Mark, and Mrs Jensen recovering from surgery.

"It was unusual, terribly unusual," Mrs Jensen said, of not having the lights up in 2016.

"But with me having surgery and my brother-in-law passing away, there's no way we could do it."

But the Jensens were determined to return in 2017, Mr Jensen starting to put up the lights in September.

A magical scene in Bissenberger Crescent, Kambah. The lights will be on until december 27.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

The recent rain slowed him down a little but the cul-de-sac is again ablaze in the Christmas spirit, aglow with lights and shining with artificial snow floating in the air.

The couple is again raising funds for The Cancer Support Group ACT Eden Monaro's Own, requesting a gold coin donation from visitors. There are also sausage sizzles on the weekend to support the fundraising.

Nigel and Mary-Ann Biginell have also transformed their house into a Christmas wonderland in Bissenberger Crescent.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

The Jensens expect big crowds this weekend, as school holidays start.

"We can't really turn the lights on until eight o'clock because it's too light and that's a bit late for the little tackers during school time, so once the holidays start, the crowds will hit with a vengeance," Mrs Jensen said, with a laugh.

Phil Jensen started putting up his Christmas display in December, something he has done in Bissenberger Crescent for more than 30 years.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

"The fact it's a cul-de-sac means it's very safe for the kids. People have to park away from the street and then walk up. No cars are allowed inside the cul-de-sac."

Mrs Jensen said she was happy to sacrifice her home to see a smile on so many people's face. And to satisfy her husband's passion.

The Jensens are raising money for The Cancer Support Group ACT Eden Monaro's Own through a gold coin donation from visitors.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

"I tell everyone he's my Chevy Chase," she said, referencing Chase's Christmas-lights-obsessed character Clark Griswold.

"Everyone knows us. When I go to the supermarket, I'm known as the lady from the Christmas house and everyone always asks me, 'Is Phil doing the lights this year?'."

The lights are expected to be up until December 27.