A much-loved Worcestershire Christmas attraction is beginning to take shape as preparations get underway for this year’s festive lights display.
Mick and Norma Gale have revealed work has started on assembling the famous Santa’s Garden display at their home at 66 Christine Avenue, Rushwick, ahead of its annual switch-on in December.
Posting an update to supporters, Mr Gale said: “Good morning all, well we have now started to put up the Xmas lights for 2026. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us, and you can all come to see us again.
“This year is our last year of doing the full display. After this year we will not be doing the rear garden, but we will be carrying on doing the front to keep up Christmas traditions in the village.
“This year’s switch-on is Saturday, December 12, at 5.30pm and Santa will be making a visit to see you all again. He’s taken time from his busy schedule to make sure the Christmas lights are to his liking.”
Santa’s Garden in 2025 (Image: Daniel Kelly/NQ)
The display has become a festive fixture in the village, attracting thousands of visitors over the years and raising vital funds for the Midlands Air Ambulance.
Last year marked the 24th consecutive year that Mr Gale and his wife, Norma Gale, opened their back garden to the public, transforming it into a winter wonderland complete with illuminated displays, festive characters and a visit from Father Christmas.
Crowds flocked to the attraction in December 2025, with visitors describing the display as “breathtaking” and “magical”.
The couple has supported the Midlands Air Ambulance for almost two decades through the fundraiser, raising more than £2,000 last year alone, and more than £17,000 in total.
Speaking at last year’s opening, Mr Gale said one of the biggest rewards was seeing families return year after year.
“It’s fantastic to see the joy on children’s faces as they walk into the garden each year,” he said. “We’ve got four generations coming in with their children now; it’s amazing.”
While this year’s display will be the final full-scale version of Santa’s Garden, visitors will still have one last chance to experience the much-loved festive attraction when the lights are switched on at 5.30pm on December 12. After that, the Gales plan to continue decorating the front of their home to ensure the Christmas tradition lives on in the village.
