Voting open for Ipswich’s best Christmas lights display
30 November 2021
After months of preparation and meticulous positioning of festive lights and radiant North Pole characters, the city’s merriest homes, streets and shopfronts are now vying for votes in the 2021 City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said it was fantastic to see so many homes and businesses bring cheer to the city with their unmissable Christmas lights displays.
“Many Ipswich residents and business owners have gone to great lengths to create uplifting light displays that transform front yards and shopfronts into merry wonderlands,” Mayor Harding said.
“It is always a wonderful experience visiting neighbourhoods across our city and seeing the joy on people’s faces as they explore our suburbs to enjoy the displays.”
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee chair Councillor Andrew Fechner said more than 80 homes, businesses and streets are lighting up the city with festive displays as part of the competition.
“Christmas starts at home, where we gather with family and friends, and by decorating our houses, yards, and fences we help share the season’s sparkle and spirit with our community,” Cr Fechner said.
“Across Ipswich, families will be able to enjoy some of South East Queensland’s most creative and colourful Christmas lights displays in their streets and suburbs.”
Online voting is open 2 to 6 December, with a full list of addresses for voting available on ChristmasInIpswich.com.au.
Categories include Best Residential, Best Business/Organisation, Best Street, People’s Choice, Best New Entry and Best Sustainable Display. Winners will share in over $8,000 worth of cash and prizes.
First time entrant in the competition, Sharvarne Packer says her favourite part of their Flinders View display is the giant kangaroo, which has been their largest ‘investment’.
“We wanted a ‘wow’ factor, and when we saw it we just had to have it. It's an ode to the Aussie Christmas, whether you’re in the city or outback,” Ms Packer said.
“This is our first year, and we started buying and planning in July. I asked my husband if I could buy a few lights, and this is now where we're at!
“It's just an awesome feeling seeing young and old smiling, and you're never too old to sit on Santa's knee.”
The giant Christmas tree in d’Arcy Doyle Place is also a must see when its lights are switched on after 6pm on Friday 3 December.
The 2021 City of Ipswich Christmas Lights Competition is presented by Ipswich City Council in partnership with Slater and Gordon Lawyers and is supported by Energex, River 94.9, Nine News Queensland, NGU Real Estate Ipswich, Events Cinemas Springfield, Choices Flooring by Mallets, Ipswich, Harvey Norman Booval, Premier Queensland and Pocket Retreats.