Franklin fantasia streets ahead

Christmas lights brighten up Franklin Rd in Ponsonby in the run up to Christmas. Pictures / Nick Reed

It's the street that comes to life at Christmas time, and once again swarms of people have been turning out to see the Franklin Rd lights.

The fine, hot weather over the past few evenings has drawn more onlookers to the Ponsonby street, which likes to put on a show every year. Most of the street's houses take part in the tradition. Many go for the all-white fairy lights while others opt for the colourful kind.

Among the traditional decorations - Christmas trees, wreaths, Santa Claus props, reindeer and snowmen - some of the houses have also gone with a more contemporary or Kiwiana feel for their decorations.

One house is dressed up as a Christmas present, complete with ribbon running around its middle. Another home has a snowman riding a bike on its roof.