Plover Place turned on its Christmas lights last week and has been welcoming thousands nightly to come view the sight of a whole street lit up.

As we rocket along towards Christmas, there's nothing better than to take a moment, escape the craziness of festive shopping and end-of-year parties, and just wander along a cul-de-sac appreciating the magic of Christmas lights.

On Saturday night, a perfectly fine balmy evening with a clear sky and full moon brought an estimated 3,000 people into nearby Maungatapu streets, where people parked and then walked the remaining distance to Plover Place.

Shane Putan, who runs The Coffee Wagon, is set up at one end of the street. He and partner Karen are kept busy providing hot drinks as people wander by.

David Van Gooswilligen, a friend of Shane's, is a resident at 1 Plover Place, and has his tripod set up further along the street.

He takes photos of visitors stopping to greet Santa Claus who is listening to last minute wishes and distributing sweets. He's been known to give away a few kilograms of sugars each night, often running out by about 9.30pm.

Aria Lawson 9, Zara Crockford 8 with John Shakespeare as Santa Claus. (photo by David Van Gooswilligen)

About nine years ago, David started the 'free hug campaign' in the street, and switched to photography three years ago when he set up his OakLight Studio in late 2015. He posts the photos to his Facebook page, so that people can download them free to their own social media profiles.

David thinks there's an average of 30-40,000 people each year coming to view the Christmas lights in Plover Place. The figure is based on the neighbours having a natter afterwards, comparing their own estimates.

John Shakespeare, who used to live in Plover Place, grows his beard especially for the Christmas Light trail, arriving each night as Santa Claus from December 16 to sit in the driveway outside the house he used to live in.

In recent years John moved into a retirement village, but that hasn't dampened his enthusiasm for returning each Christmas season to play Santa. Of course he is only present until the night of December 23, as on December 24 he will be off delivering presents around the world.

A Plover Place property.

The street continues their light display after Christmas. David says it will probably continue up until about December 28, giving those who missed out before Christmas an opportunity to still come and enjoy the magical spectacle. A couple of the houses are not lit, but the remainder are so well-lit, that the dark houses are barely noticeable.

Why do the majority of Plover Place residents illuminate their street with this spectacular display?

'About 15 years back, a few neighbours got together,” says David. 'Gordon Barnett is our unofficial ‘king of the street'. We all come from different varying backgrounds, and it's all about bringing Christmas joy to people. You add some lights when you can.”

David says during some years, one of the residents, who performed music nationally would put on a street performance, with music and singing.

A Plover Place property.

Visitors were entertained by a band, and fireworks. These days it's a quieter event. A snow machine in someone's carport was the main catalyst for bursts of laughter and yelps of delight.

”The whole idea is to bring Christmas to everyone, having a lot of fun and enjoying themselves. And if we can raise funds for Waipuna Hospice as well then that's great. That's why we have the collection bucket at the end of the street.

'Everyone has needed the services of Waipuna Hospice at some point in their lives, whether for themselves, family or friends.”

The Christmas spirit is high in the Western Bay. Homeowners can spend weeks – even months – decorating their homes and gardens to brighten the night with dazzling displays of Christmas lights. The amount of effort that goes in to these displays is truly incredible.

Welcome Bay Vet Clinic Christmas lights.

The Welcome Bay Vet Clinic has also been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. The change in the nearby road this year with the introduction of the Maungatapu Underpass seems to make it somewhat easier for cars to pull over or into the vet clinic's driveway, providing a safer opportunity to get out and wander up to the building.

Christmas lights at the vet clinic are rather entertaining, with the pet theme incorporating a dog ‘decorating' a fire hydrant, as well as flashing lights and Christmas music playing.

If you missed seeing the Plover Place lights before Christmas, don't fear – grab your favourite Christmas CD, Santa hats, the kids and grandma – and go enjoy a lovely family time one evening before New Year. And remember to take along any space cash to put into the Waipuna Hospice Collection box at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Welcome Bay Vet Clinic Christmas lights.