The house at 24 Kipling Crescent in Ōwhata won the most public votes in the 2024 Eves Christmas Lights Trail.
The house at 24 Kipling Crescent in Ōwhata won the most public votes in the 2024 Eves Christmas Lights Trail.
The residents of 20 Rotorua homes are inviting locals to check out their Christmas displays, one of which will be crowned the city’s most festive address.
Properties from Ngongotahā to Ōwhata are taking part in this year’s Eves Christmas Lights Trail.
Eves marketing and media specialist DanFergusson said switching on the festive setups had become an annual tradition in Rotorua.
The trail runs from December 1 to 22. The public can vote for their favourite displays via QR codes displayed outside each participating home.
One long-time entrant standing out for Fergusson is 36 Barnard Rd in Fairy Springs, whose residents he dubbed “Christmas light addicts”.
Last year’s Eves Christmas Lights Trail third-place getter, 36 Barnard Rd in Fairy Springs.
The property placed third last year and has built a reputation for raising the bar, the owner adding something new each season.
Fergusson said past displays have featured a hot rod parked in the driveway and a sleigh where children could sit and take photos.
The home displays were spread across the city, making the trail something families could enjoy over several nights rather than all at once if they wished, Fergusson said.
Homeowners often spent weeks preparing their displays, so Fergusson hoped the community would take the time to visit and support them.
On December 11, Eves is teaming up with The Hits for a “festive community takeover” at the Rotorua Night Market.
The Hits crew will be on-site with interactive games and giveaways.
The Eves team will also have its “signature” activities, including a cornhole setup and a custom Instagram frame designed to encourage shareable moments.
Visitors can collect the official Christmas Lights Map before heading off to explore the city’s brightest homes and displays.
Lights will be on each night between 7.30pm and 10.30pm for locals to enjoy their self-guided tour.
Annabel Reid is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post, based in Rotorua. Originally from Hawke’s Bay, she has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canterbury.
