The Christmas celebrations in the village of Lobethal, located 65 km from Adelaide, South Australia, are remarkable. The region is renowned for its Christmas lights display in its main streets and front gardens of the residents. The tradition began in the 1950s and is known as 'Lobethal Lights' and this year, it is from December 9 to 29. The lights are set up in the shapes of elves, dragons, penguins, Santa Claus on a motorbike, a snowman, and more. Local people say that the fest began as a humble tradition of business owners hand-painting light bulbs to decorate their shops. Eventually, it grew to the current stage with even homes in the region taking part in the activity.
One of the most renowned spots in Lobethal during Christmas is the home of residents Bill and Peg, who live in '5 Christmas Lane'. They have a stunning display of over 50,000 lights. Many people visit the place to witness the decorations, including the colourful lights prepared over three months by the couple. Both of them warmly welcome tourists who come to see the sights of their house until midnight. The couple, who have been decorating their house extensively for Christmas for the past 30 years, named their driveway '5 Christmas Lane,' to honour their tradition. They started decorating the house for Christmas celebrations in 1984. Now, a spectacular show is being prepared on half an acre of land with half a lakh lights, as part of the Lights of Lobethal Festival. Lakhs of tourists also visit every year to witness these Christmas celebrations.
