‘Every year I try to make it even more magical’: Luton grandad’s Christmas light spectacular marks a decade of festive cheer
A Luton grandfather has spent the past month decorating his house and garden with more than 20,000 Christmas lights to raise money for Dementia UK.
Nigel Bracey, 68, has been meticulously creating winter wonderlands every year for a decade.
And he’s gone even bigger for this milestone, adding life-size reindeer, Father Christmas’ sleigh, a magical ice tunnel, and a snow machine to delight children and families along Homerton Road.
The tradition began as something he did for his grandchildren, but it soon grew into a more complex operation, with more lights and donated decorations.
Nigel explained: “It started off just for my grandchildren… now I do it so other children can feel that magic too.”
His project has continued to grow, and for 2025, Nigel said he has “gone one step further.”
He has built his very own magical ice tunnel, complete with lights, motion-activated bubbles, and a throne-style chair ready for visitors to take pictures on.
Preparation began in the summer, with Nigel sketching out his latest ideas while sitting on a beach.
He said: “I started building the chair in mid-August, then disassembled it to put it away until November.”
Nigel has also installed a commercial snow machine, which his grandchildren made the most of during his official switch-on at the weekend.
He explained: “The kids were covered in snow, picking it up and throwing it. When you see the kids’ faces, that’s what it’s all about.”
Friends and family help him to install the decorations, and to ensure he can safely power the thousands of lights, Nigel had his garage specially rewired.
LED bulbs keep the costs down, but since Nigel has unplugged his smart meter, he does not have an exact figure for this month’s electricity bill. Last year’s was £350.
Nigel chooses a charity to support each year, and this time it is one close to his family’s hearts.
He explained: “This year I’m doing it for Dementia UK, because my wife lost her mum and dad to dementia. It felt right to do it for them.”
A QR code and a donation bucket are available in the garden for people who want to contribute to the cause.
Visitors can see the lights every day from 4.30pm to 10pm, right up until New Year’s Day.