This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Canberra Smashes World Record For Most Lights On A Christmas Tree

Canberra Smashes World Record For Most Lights On A Christmas Tree
Fifth Lane Photography

Are you feeling the Christmas spirit yet?

You certainly will be after taking a look at this display of Christmas cheer in the form of 518,838 LED lights strung up on a Christmas tree in Canberra.

That’s the magic number that has netted Canberra dad David Richards a new world record for the highest number of lights on an artificial Christmas tree, blowing Universal Studios Japan -- the previous record holder, with an effort this year of 374,280 lights -- right out of the water.

The display is part of Christmas Lights in the City, a fundraiser for SIDS and Kids ACT.

Richards is no stranger to glowing records -- in 2013, he decorated his home with more than 500,000 Christmas lights to claim a Guinness World Record.

"This has been an enormous undertaking involving architects, electrical and civil engineers, designers, and an army of SIDS and Kids ACT volunteers all donating their time and goods and services,” he said in a statement.

SIDS and Kids ACT raised almost $140,000 during that event to go towards bereavement support and counselling for those affected by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It is hoping to more than double that target this year.

"We provide bereavement support services and counselling to anyone who is affected by the loss of a little one, no matter what the cause," she said.

“To get this kind of support, in an event like this, goes a long way to help us provide services to the community, free of charge."

Further south, Melburnians were treated to their own unique Christmas experience, when the southern hemisphere's largest LEGO Christmas tree was switched on.

The tree is made of half a million LEGO bricks and took more than 1,200 hours to make.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.