Where to Find the Best Xmas Lights in 2016

It’s tradition for many Australian families to take a drive during the Christmas period to see the extravagant light displays set up by keen holiday enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for the most exciting light (and sound!) displays near you this Christmas, we’ve put together the best of the best for 2016 right here. So bundle up the kids, pack the cherries and pretzels, and get ready for the best Christmas drive ever!

Sydney

Starting in Australia’s biggest city of Sydney, you’ll find the spectacular Lights of Christmas at St Mary’s Cathedral from 8-25th December.

The theme for this year is Joy to the World, each evening starts around 7.30pm with a choir performance, then the light show takes you on a journey through real and fantasy nature scenes celebrating the festive season and incorporating the Nutcracker story and images of the Madonna and child.

If you’re rushing to find those last minute gifts, head down Pitt St Mall to combine the last minute retail with the magic of thousands of LED lights suspended above the shopping space.

Lilyfield Road, Lilyfield is another must-see, with over 90, 000 lights set up over 550 hours, and even a snow and a bubble machine.

The display supports the Movement Sydney Homeless Outreach, an organisation of volunteers who help with home cooked meals, toiletries, food and clothing. You can donate small change or bring along items such as toiletries, small women’s or medium men’s underwear, socks, torches and non-perishable foods.

It’s open from 1st-24th December, from 8-11pm.

Melbourne

Right in the centre of Melbourne, the Town Hall features iconic light projections. You’ll see an overhead star installation on the banks of the Yarra River and a collection of decorations made by school groups at Birrarun Marr.

If you can get to Glen Waverley, be sure to drive by 10 Joyce Avenue. The lights are on until midnight each evening until the 2nd of January. You’re welcome to walk through the garden and verandah, and if you can spare some change, there’s a Wishing Well and a Raffle to raise money for Loving Autism (an organisation helping families directly).

If you’re towards Mornington, we recommend checking out 6 Tennis Court from 8.30pm-10.30pm through to 25th December. The owners take pride creating their fairytale display, adding and changing the features each year.

At 33 Breens Road in Cranburne West, you’ll find a magical moving light display. Last year they were even featured in the Masketta Falls Top 10 Lights video.

Banyule Council area hosts another irresistible display. Fundraising for the Make a Wish Foundation, one Allumba Drive St Helena resident goes the extra mile with an opening night including a coffee van, doughnut truck, a carols service, Harley Davidsons and performers. He’s been planning the musically synchronised light display since May, so you’re in for a treat.

Brisbane

At Paladin Place in Bald Hills you can get your name in lights by connecting your phone or tablet to the wifi portal - type in your name and it will appear on the roof in real time, in sequence with the light show. 7-9pm each day until 24th December.

11 Lucy Drive, Edens Landing is another must see destinations - they won best lights for 2015. You can check out a preview of their preparations and the final results here.

In Ipswich the best of the lights is at Hillier Court where the property owner has created an amazing imaginative display using over 2000 recycled materials and 30,000 lights. There’s a 4m puffing steam train and a Winter Wonderland display across several houses on the street, so well worth the drive.

If you don’t feel like driving you can get the Christmas Lights Bus Tour run by Brisbane City Council from 19th to 23rd December.

Perth

Barrack Street in Perth will be lit up this year with tree-shapes made from tiny lights. There will be giant Christmas trees lining Forrest Place and Council house, and new animated projections on the historic GPO building.

Millendon Street promises something never seen in Australia - to find out what you’ll have to check it out! They have a special fundraising event on 17th December for the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Star Wars Night on the 10th December. You can find out about the events this year on their Facebook page.

Samson Court in Duncraig has a whole street filled with lights until 5th of January, you can park your car and wander down the street anytime from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

For a Christmas Eve event head to Ferndale on the 24th to find a Tudor-style home adorned with lights, and join the street party with ice-cream truck, sausage sizzle, and special guests.

For lots more events and lights near your home, check out Kids Around Perth to plan your festive drive.

Adelaide

If you’re looking to stay close to town be sure to head to Hindmarsh Square and Light Square where the main decorations are. The Adelaide Town Hall also has new images for the holiday season projections this year.

If you’re in Adelaide you’ll probably make the pilgrimage out to Lobethal to see the Christmas lights.

If you’re not up for the inevitable traffic jam at Lobethal, check out 1 Boston Court, Craigmore.

Karingal Road, Dernancourt is an amazing walk-in display with music, inflatables, and interaction for the kids.

At Huntfield Heights you’ll want to get the kids out of the car and take some photos - there’s big Disney cutouts you can put your face into and a giant sleigh.

Townsville

Use this map to navigate the Christmas lights of Townsville. Many families will create their displays to support a cause, so talk to people, find out what their passions are.

There might be an Everyday Hero page or tins for the charity closest to the locals hearts - embrace the giving season and reward the efforts of the families who generously rack up huge power bills just to entertain us!

Did we miss you? Try this Christmas Lights Search website to find the best Christmas lights where you are.

Want to get your car ready for the big festive drive? Here's some tips to spruce up your ride for under $100 before you add the tinsel and reindeer horns.