It's been a tradition for the Swift family for almost 20 years - lighting up their home for the whole community to enjoy. And despite rising electric bills, the family intends to create their winter wonderland once again.
As reported by Nottinghamshire Live, Tony Swift and his family have raised almost £200,000 for charity since 2003. During their special Santa nights they can see up to 1,500 spectators a night at the festive display.
And while many councils in the country have cancelled their Christmas lights switch-on events, the family are determined their display in Laurel Crescent in Nuthall, will continue to shine. Tony estimates that there will be around 120,000 light bulbs on the display this year which will include Christmas trees, a sleigh, grotto and reindeer.
Money raised will go to Haywood House Hospice, Nottingham City Hospital's palliative care unit, and When You Wish Upon a Star, which grants wishes to ill children. Tony, 63, said: "The two charities are still there, you are still getting poorly children and you're still getting people with cancer that need looking after.
"Over the last year we have been saving money towards the electric bill. I don't know what it's going to cost us but we will soon find out. We're in front by about £1,300, and we're not going to let people down."
Tony also pointed out that he wants families struggling this winter to still come along, even if they don't have money to spare for the charities. People can visit from November 20 until January 1 and the Siddiqui family from Gogglebox will be there to help start the event.
Tony said: "We say the more the merrier. If there is a Santa night, which is a Friday and Saturday night, then there will be queues but we'll have the shop open with donations for cakes, drinks, hot chocolate."
Tony says he is looking forward to creating a winter wonderland bigger and better than before now that Covid has settled down. "We've had two years of sheer hell really," said Tony.
"People have lost their lives and people have been poorly, so we all need something to cheer us up. If you come and see us, then for that period of time you can forget about things, and kids can walk around and see the lights."
