THE countdown to Christmas is on, and people across Sunraysia are being urged to light up their homes, workplaces and businesses to spread festive cheer.

Mildura Rural City Council has again partnered with the Sunraysia Daily to run its annual Christmas Lights Map and Competition - an initiative aimed at sparking joy and celebrating all that is great about our community.

Mildura Mayor Liam Wood and Santa Claus officially launched the competition on Friday evening, switching on Christmas lights in the Langtree Mall at Mildura City Heart’s Twilight Christmas Market.

“Every year it’s wonderful to see locals celebrate the festive season by decorating their homes and businesses with Christmas lights,” Cr Wood said.

“This tradition not only adds a touch of magic to our streets but also contributes significantly to fostering a sense of community spirit.”

All property owners that decorate their homes or businesses are invited to register their address on Council’s online Christmas Lights Map. The Map will be updated daily and published in the Sunraysia Daily in the lead-up to the New Year, giving everyone the chance to plan a tour of local light displays.

All registered addresses will also be in the running to win a $500 Mildura City Heart Gift card, with prizes for Best Decorated House and Best Decorated Business up for grabs.

The Best Decorated House prize will be awarded to the residential address that receives the most public votes via Council’s website, while the best Decorated Business will be chosen by the Mayor.

Around 100 addresses were registered on the Map in 2022, and Cr Wood said he hoped even more would get on board this year.

“I am really looking forward to seeing the creative and unique designs people come up with, and the genuine smiles this brings to others,” he said.

Sunraysia Daily General Manager Glenn Robinson said the newspaper had been publishing an annual Christmas Lights Map for more than a decade and was excited to partner with Mildura Rural City Council to make it happen again this year.

“We will publish the map every Wednesday and Saturday in our print edition from now until the New Year, and look forward to seeing many addresses added to it in the coming days,” he said.

“This is more than just a map and a competition; it’s about supporting the local community and showcasing the genuine joy the festive season generates."

For more information, to register your address and vote for the Best Decorated House go to www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Lights