Lights display always popular (+photos)

Dianna and Mike Cork, of Exmoor St, Havelock North, have gone all out with their decorations this year.

The Tremains Christmas Lights are back and better than ever.

For more than 13 years, homes, businesses, gardens, letterboxes and trees have been decorated for people in the region to visit and enjoy.

From December 1 to 24, 46 entrants turn on their lighting displays and transform their properties throughout Hawke's Bay into dazzling Christmas wonderlands under the cover of darkness.

Tremains managing director Simon Tremain is right behind the event, and loves seeing his children and other families enjoying the lights.

Image 1 of 5: Braxton Jones (left), 2, and Tiana Jones, 11, from Napier saw a special visitor - Santa, aka Ian Cullen - while visiting Kauri St, Taradale.

"There are some absolutely fantastic lighting displays again this year and it is amazing to see the effort people put in," said Mr Tremain.

"The Christmas lights always give people a real buzz, especially for families with children and retired folk.

"It's all about the community and it is quite a simple thing to do to spread some Christmas cheer, which is why Tremains and our sponsors - More FM, Hawke's Bay Today, Unison and Branded - continue to get behind it every year."

Olivia Scammell, communications manager at Tremains Real Estate, said there were always people out viewing the lights although it was more popular during the last half of December as an increasing number of people entered into the Christmas mindset.

"It is a great community event and we are proud to be a part of it and organise the event each year," she said.

While the Art Deco bus trips are all sold out, people can still download a map from the Tremains website or grab one from any Tremains branch, and take a self-guided tour to enjoy the magic of Christmas.