Christmas lights in Cloverdale end this year

A couple from Cloverdale, Surrey, admit they have lost track of the number of Christmas lights, decorations and inflatables on their property.

But when the sun goes down and they flip a switch, their home on Jersey Drive transforms into a winter wonderland.

After more than 20 years of putting the neighborhood in the spotlight and raising money for charity, the couple said this will be the last time.

“Sad that this is the last year,” said Andrea Bonneteau. “It really breaks my heart.”

Performing such a spectacular show requires an enormous amount of work.

It takes at least a month to set up the scenery and the decorations need to be maintained and repaired, plus there is a hefty electricity bill to pay.

“My husband, Dan, said it had gotten too big and I guess he was getting too old,” Andrea said.

She said her husband knew it was time to break up when the couple was up on the roof setting up the lights.

“My ankles hurt like hell and I thought, 'OK, I'm done, that's it,'” Dan admitted.

Her house has become a holiday tradition in the neighborhood. The lights stay on until 11 p.m. and visitors are invited to walk down the driveway to get a good look.

Dan said many families make an entire evening out of it.

“They have people over for dinner, and after dinner they dress up, put on their coats and walk out of here with a purpose,” he explained.

There is a collection box out front, and over the years the couple has raised more than $20,000 for charity.

“We just want to help our small community because there are a lot of people who can’t afford to buy groceries all month long,” Andrea said.

Next year, the couple plans to decorate on a much smaller scale and donate the rest of the decorations to friends and family.