Peter Withey shows passion for Christmas

Peter Withey spends the year planning and talking about Christmas, such is his passion for the festive lights display he and his team of helpers create at the end of November each year.

Last weekend, Peter and his volunteers set about installing hundreds of sets of twinkling lights and dozens of other Christmas decorations. His lawn and beautifully manicured garden will become home to reindeer, trains, giant Santas and dozens of Christmas trees.

His preoccupation with festive decorations began when he used to decorate the garden bar of the pub he owned in Whitianga.

His collection has grown exponentially and this year it'll be Peter's largest display.

His sister used to decorate her home but she gave Peter her lights earlier this year so his set has grown from 260 sets to more than 500.

Peter's Peacockes Rd property draws people of all ages from the region. And it's not just his decorated garden they travel to see.

Peter opens up his home too.

Each morning, from December 1 to January 7, the former chef bakes a batch of cookies to give to well-behaved children who venture inside with their parents to see the little steam train that runs through Peter's lounge and listen to Christmas carols on the pianola and wind-up gramophone.

His dining table is set, ready for Christmas dinner. Everything is decorated especially for the season.

Peter switches on the lights from 8pm until midnight daily.

His home is at 84A Peacockes Rd - you won't miss it come tomorrow.