Holiday magic - Dazzling light displays draw visitors to Mandeville community

As you turn onto Fairbanks Drive in Mandeville, Manchester, the festive spirit of Christmas comes alive in a dazzling display adorning two houses. Lit trees, angels, golden dogs, playful inflatable Santas and snowmen nod in the evening breeze, creating a magical scene that draws in visitors from both near and far.

Marcelle Fenton, one of the homeowners, delights in spreading this Christmas cheer. Alongside her husband, the Fentons take it upon themselves to turn their home into a radiant spectacle, attracting crowds during the holiday season.

"Year after year, we have hundreds of people coming," shared Fenton. "By October they say to you, 'Lights this year miss, lights this year?' Because they are really enthralled by what they see," she highlighted.

Her passion for Christmas traces back to her Jamaican roots, where the tradition wasn't just about decorations, but also a community-wide effort to beautify surroundings. "This is when people clean up their environment, paint kerb walls and whitewashed stones to make the place look good," she said.

The Fentons started this tradition years ago and have witnessed, year after year, the joy it brings, especially to children.

"The church also joins in and come with the choir and sing Christmas carols and just bring good cheers," she added.

Their enthusiasm has inspired others, like the Harrisons, who've been contributing to this festive ambiance for over 12 years. Gilbert Harrison shared, "We do it for the children," highlighting that the dogs and the dancing lady are favourite decorations that enchant passers-by.

"Knowing that our display brings happiness during Christmas is what makes us happy."

The nightly displays run from 6 to 10 p.m., but remain lit for longer on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, dazzling viewers until 3 a.m.

"On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, it's unbelievable the number of people who are here, just having a great time. Police have to come and direct traffic," Fenton remarked.

Despite the associated electricity costs, both families consider their vibrant displays to be valuable investments in spreading Christmas cheer. They embody the spirit of giving back, sharing their blessings with a community that eagerly embraces the holiday magic.

"I don't let the bill bother me. I'm here to bring joy, and I'll pay it happily for the grand time we'll have," Fenton said.

And the community is thankful. Amid Fairbanks Drive's radiant wonderland, children's laughter blends with the Christmas songs and the sparkling lights, creating something truly magical. Families like the Smiths make it an annual tradition. Nine-year-old Suraya and four-year-old Shaun-John Smith were awestruck by the display earlier this week.

"We love seeing the lights! There are only a few houses like these; they really go all out," exclaimed Suraya.