Haines' residence in Cape Town decorated with more than 2 lakh Christmas lights

"Awww ... My sweet kids," said Haines, smiling as he sorted through dozens of cards that children have posted in a box at his house, many with hand-drawn pictures of Santa Claus.

Published on: Dec 13, 2022 5:15 PM IST

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Matthew Haines, a resident of Fish Hoek, Cape Town, South Africa has decorated his home with thousands of twinkling bulbs, aiming to bring some festive cheer into people's lives for free after a tough few years.  (REUTERS)

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Matthew Haines welcomes visitors to his home in Fish Hoek decorated with colourful and glittering Christmas lights. (REUTERS)

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People of all age groups come in droves to Haines's home in the coastal town of Fish Hoek to see the house that has been decked with more than 2,00,000 lights for Christmas.  (REUTERS)

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Children made hand-drawn pictures of Santa Claus and posted them in a box at his house. (REUTERS)

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"I fell in love with Christmas lights when I was very young... It’s always brought me joy," Haines told news agency Reuters.  (REUTERS)

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Children put letters in Santa's letter box during their visit to the Haines residence. (REUTERS)

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"You can bring your kids, you can bring your spouse, you can bring your parents, you can bring your pets, and just come and enjoy the lights ... and just have fun," Haines added.  (REUTERS)

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Haines wants to share the experience with those who cannot afford to go out and spend a lot of money.  (REUTERS)

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Haines and his wife are taking care of the cost of the lights and the electricity.  (REUTERS)

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Local resident Matthew Samuels said he found the lights happy and exciting. "Just makes you feel the Christmas spirit", said Samuels.  (REUTERS)