Christmas lights a Rochester institution

It has become an annual pilgrimage during the festive season since Mr Hocking built his first display in 2006.

“I got crook a few years ago. That’s when I decided to start the annual decorations and it grew from there,” Mr Hocking said.

“I plan on doing this for as long as possible. I’m only 52 and look forward to doing it next year.”

Mr Hocking, who formerly ran a successful transport business, shared the numbers behind the Christmas favourite.

“Some displays have as many as 32,000 lights or even 7000 lights on poles. So many different displays,” Mr Hocking said.

“It’s a collection of things collected over the past 17 years.

“Many of the lights take months and months of work. Right now, I have 90,000 globes. By the end, I’ll have 150,000.”

According to Mr Hocking, his home is a menagerie with lots of different animals.

“The yard is full of different animals. Crocodiles, penguins, goats, wombats, cows. If Noah had (them) on the ark, I’ve got it,” Mr Hocking said.

The trains the children would typically ride won’t be available this year due to last year’s floods that disturbed the ground they would usually travel across.

Fortunately, Santa’s sleigh will be on display and available for family photos.

From December 22 to 24 (6pm onwards), fairy floss and marshmallows will be available for the young and young at heart.

The annual event is free, but a gold coin donation is appreciated on the night.