There have been plenty of houses join up for The Central App’s Light Up Central festive season, but we’d love to see more from the surrounding towns of Clyde, Cromwell, Roxburgh and Ranfurly.

Now in its third year, Light Up Central is a festive way for people to create a Christmas atmosphere at their properties for others to enjoy.

After the self guided tour, locals are encouraged to vote online for their favourites, and the top three will claim a prize, thanks to our generous sponsors.

First Prize – A $1,000 Goodie Hamper from Paper Plus Alexandra

Second Prize – A $500 gift from Jamies Jewellers

Third Prize – A luxurious pamper experience at Harmony valued at $250

Tracey and Trevor Washington were last year’s winners, decorating their Alexandra property in solar lights, blow up features, candy canes, flags and of course a Santa.

Second place in last year’s competition went to Jackson Hill of Clyde with his Hazlett Street creation. Photo: Lisa Hill

Christmas is important to Cromwell based Central Otago district councillor Sarah Browne and her four children, with their English heritage.

Back home they would drive around the snowy streets and drink hot chocolate, marvelling at all of the decorations and lights.

Her parents live in Staffordshire, a small rural village that decorates its town hall for Christmas.  

Back in Cromwell, Sarah’s hoping she and the kids might see some people making the effort for Christmas like they do at Halloween.  

“I just think people should stop and celebrate Christmas,” she said.

Sarah’s kids have a tonne of lights to put up, but they live in a back section so it doesn’t have the same appeal without street frontage.

She’s been hoping there might be a Christmas trail available in the community so they can drive around and look at others, to keep the family tradition going.

The Central App’s Light Up Central has that covered. Last we looked there were two houses from Cromwell on the button.

Want to let locals know to drive past your house on the tour? It's easy, just click on our button Light Up Central and go to Light Up Central Houses and add to the "Add your home here"

Light Up Central

We already have 28 houses around Central Otago registered for the Light Up Central competition, with one each in Ranfurly and Omakau - but we would love more!

So don’t miss the chance to showcase your creativity and spread the holiday spirit.