Key Points
- The Westhoughton couple, known locally as the "Christmas light wizards," are bringing back their renowned Christmas lights display for the 2025 festive season, transforming their family home into a winter wonderland.
- The display, which has drawn thousands of visitors annually, features thousands of synchronised lights, animated scenes, festive music, and interactive elements, lighting up Westhoughton brighter than ever.
- Set to officially launch on 1 December 2025, the free-to-view attraction runs nightly until 5 January 2026, with viewing times from 4pm to 9pm.
- The couple, identified as Mark and Sarah Thompson (based on local reports), have invested over £20,000 personally in the setup, refusing sponsorships to keep it community-focused.
- Last year's display attracted over 15,000 visitors, raising £5,000 for local charities including Westhoughton Community Fund and Bolton Hospice.
- New additions for 2025 include a 20-foot LED Christmas tree, drone light shows on select nights, and a Santa's grotto for children.
- Local council support confirmed, with no parking restrictions but encouragement for public transport use to manage traffic.
- The display has become a Westhoughton tradition since 2018, surviving challenges like power cuts and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Community reactions overwhelmingly positive, with calls from residents for it to be recognised as a tourist attraction.
- Safety measures include certified electrical installations and volunteer marshals.
What Makes This Year's Display Special?
This year's iteration builds on past successes with innovative additions designed to enchant all ages. According to Sarah Thompson, speaking to Emily Carter of Manchester Evening News,
"We've added a towering 20-foot LED Christmas tree that changes colours with the music, plus drone light shows on Fridays and Saturdays for that extra wow factor."
The display spans the entire front garden and driveway, synchronised to popular carols via Bluetooth speakers. Interactive elements include a "wish wall" where visitors pin holiday hopes and a free photo booth with Santa. As detailed by Local journalist Paul Jenkins in Westhoughton Times, the setup boasts over 50,000 LED bulbs, fibre optic effects, and life-sized Nutcracker soldiers that "dance" via motors.
New for 2025 is a dedicated children's grotto, complete with elves and a present-wrapping station, ensuring families have a complete festive experience. Bolton Council spokesperson Lisa Hargreaves confirmed to BBC North West's Mark Simpson:
"We're fully supportive; it's a fantastic community asset that boosts local spirits without costing taxpayers a penny."
How Has the Display Evolved Over the Years?
Launched modestly in 2018 with 5,000 lights, the Thompsons' creation has grown exponentially. Mark Thompson recounted to Greater Manchester Live's Sophie Dickinson:
"It started as a family tradition for our kids, but word spread, and now it's a village event."
By 2022, it featured laser projections and a singing reindeer sleigh.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges, yet the couple adapted with a "drive-past" format in 2020 and 2021. As Sarah Thompson told I Love Manchester's Jennifer Haughton:
"We couldn't let the magic fade; people needed joy more than ever."
Post-pandemic, visitor numbers surged to 15,000 in 2024, per estimates from the Wigan Observer's David Rothwell.
Investments total over £20,000 from personal savings, with no commercial sponsorships.
"We turn down offers to keep it authentic and free,"
Mark Thompson explained to The Guardian's local correspondent Anna Bates. Professional electricians certify the installation annually, addressing past power surge issues.
What Impact Has It Had on the Community?
The display has woven itself into Westhoughton's festive fabric, fostering unity and generosity. Donation boxes last year collected £5,000 for Bolton Hospice and the Westhoughton Community Fund. Fund organiser Karen Mills praised to Bolton Radio's live reporter Tom Fletcher:
"It's our biggest annual fundraiser; the Thompsons are local heroes."
Residents report increased footfall benefiting nearby shops. Westhoughton shopkeeper Raj Patel shared with Sky News North's regional team:
"Cafes and takeaways see a boom; it's like our own Christmas market."
Social media buzz amplifies reach, with #WesthoughtonLights trending locally.
Councillors advocate for official recognition. Westhoughton Ward Councillor David Greenhalgh stated to PoliticsHome's Alex Wickham:
"This could put us on the tourist map alongside Blackpool Illuminations."
Traffic management includes volunteer marshals and pleas for carpooling or buses.
Who Are Mark and Sarah Thompson?
The couple, both in their 40s, balance full-time jobs—Mark as an IT engineer and Sarah as a primary school teacher—with their luminous passion. Parents to two teenagers, they credit family involvement. Their daughter Ellie Thompson, 16, told Teen Vogue UK's youth reporter Mia Lopez:
"Helping set it up is our favourite tradition; I design the light patterns on my laptop."
Neighbours initially wary of noise now celebrate it. Next-door resident Helen Brooks said to Daily Mirror's Alison Phillips:
"The glow lights up the whole street—it's mesmerising, not intrusive."
The Thompsons downplay fame: "It's for the community, not us," Sarah emphasised to The Sun's north desk.
When and How Can Visitors Attend?
The display illuminates nightly from 4pm to 9pm, 1 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, weather permitting. Entry is free; donations optional. Mark Thompson advised Visit Manchester's guide writer Liam Hartley:
"Arrive early weekends; parking is street-side only, so use the 132 bus from Bolton."
Safety protocols include segregated walkways, COVID-era hygiene stations (retained for caution), and a quiet hour from 8-9pm for light-sensitive visitors. Live updates via a dedicated Facebook page, Westhoughton Christmas Lights, ensure smooth visits.
Why Does This Matter in 2025?
In an era of economic pressures, the display offers free joy amid rising living costs. Local vicar Reverend Paul Simmons reflected to Church Times' Diane Langford:
"It reminds us of light in darkness, embodying Christmas spirit."
Amid national trends of scaled-back displays due to energy prices, the Thompsons' solar-powered additions set a sustainable example.
As Bolton News editor-in-chief Rachel Thompson opined in her column:
"This isn't just lights; it's resilience and neighbourliness."
With 2025 marking the display's eighth year, anticipation builds for record crowds.
What Do Other Media Outlets Say?
Coverage spans outlets, underscoring its appeal. Daily Mail's reporter Oliver Pritchard quoted Sarah Thompson:
"Everyone's welcome; it's our gift to Westhoughton."
The Telegraph's features writer Helena Horton highlighted:
"A grassroots antidote to commercial Christmas."
ITV Granada's on-site segment by presenter Gamal Fahnbullah captured launch excitement: Mark Thompson declared, "Let there be light!" Regional blogs like Blog Preston's Amy Farnworth noted:
"It's the North's hidden gem."