An Upwey couple have opened the gates of their home to neighbours, friends and the wider community, allowing visitors to wander through a backyard transformed into a festive Christmas wonderland, all in the spirit of togetherness and giving.
Joel Montgomery and Kelly Montgomery have spent more than a decade building their Christmas light display, which began as a simple gesture for their children and has grown into a walk-through experience filled with lights, inflatables and seasonal surprises.
This year marks their first Christmas opening the display to the public in Upwey, after moving to the area in February.
Mr Montgomery said the idea began more than 10 years ago, inspired by memories from his own childhood.
“My father used to put on a large display that the whole neighbourhood would walk through, and a lot of those lights are actually part of what we’re using now,” he said.
“It was something that always stayed with me.”
The couple started modestly, with a single rope light and a handful of decorations, slowly adding to the collection each year.
Over time, the display expanded across multiple homes and suburbs, including several years in Ferntree Gully and later in Vermont, before arriving in Upwey.
“This has always been about creating a sense of wonder,” Mr Montgomery said.
“You start small, and each year you add a little more, until suddenly it becomes something people look forward to.”
The display now doubles as a fundraiser, with all donations going to Very Special Kids, an organisation that provides palliative care and support for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
Mr Montgomery said the decision to support the organisation came naturally.
“Christmas lights are about kids, but they’re also about the community,” he said.
“Supporting Very Special Kids felt like the right fit, it aligns with why we do this in the first place.”
Entry to the display is free, with visitors welcome to donate whatever they can via cash tins or QR codes.
Mr Montgomery said there was no pressure to contribute.
“We never want it to feel transactional,” he said.
“People are welcome to come, enjoy the space and celebrate together. If they choose to donate, that’s wonderful, but the experience comes first.”
The gates are open from 7pm on Friday and Saturday nights, with families arriving early and crowds growing once darkness falls.
Children run through the garden paths, guided by lights, smoke effects and projected images, while adults linger to take in the atmosphere.
Ms Montgomery said the response from the community has been overwhelming.
“It’s been incredibly emotional and socially exhausting in the best possible way,” she said.
“You meet so many people, and the warmth you receive in return is really special.”
The couple’s youngest child, Sam, has embraced the role of host, he eagerly welcomes visitors and proudly guides other children through the display.
“Watching the kids’ faces light up makes all the hard work worth it,” Ms Montgomery said.
“It reminds you what Christmas is really about – that sense of magic.”
Parents have shared positive feedback, with many returning for a second visit to see the display fully illuminated after dark.
The couple have also welcomed families with special needs, something Mr Montgomery said had been particularly moving.
“Seeing the joy on their faces stays with you,” he said.
“That alone motivates us to keep going.”
Building the display has not come without challenges.
Weeks of wet weather delayed installation, and long nights of work stretched well past 11pm as Mr Montgomery balanced the project with his job.
“I definitely took on more than I should have in such a short timeframe,” he said.
“But once you see people gasping, laughing and stopping to take photos, it puts everything into perspective.”
After just a handful of open nights, the display has already raised around $500, with the couple hopeful of reaching $1000 as Christmas approaches.
“We’re really happy with how it’s tracking,” Mr Montgomery said.
“If it keeps bringing people together and supporting a good cause, then we’re doing something right.”
For the Montgomerys, the display is less about lights and more about connection.
“In a world where everyone is glued to their phones, this gives people a reason to slow down, talk to one another and share a moment,” Ms Montgomery said.
“That’s the magic we’re trying to hold onto.”
For more details and updates, visit the Montgomerys’ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584552645600
