Christmas is not all about the bright lights, but it's a big part of the festive celebrations for a number of Whangarei homeowners who take part in the annual Barfoot and Thompson Christmas Lights Trail competition.
And after much public viewing and private judging, the winner of this year's competition is Jayne McKenzie for the outstanding display of Christmas lights at her home at 6 Memorial Drive, Riverside.
Ms McKenzie's home is covered all over in impressive Christmas lights, many of which depict traditional Christmas images such as Santa, trees and reindeer.
For several years the home has become a beacon for Christmas lights lovers and this year it also impressed the judges.
"I just love Christmas," Ms McKenzie said. She requires a shipping container-sized storage unit to store all her decorations each year until she pulls them out in November.