Murray Bridge Christmas lights competition winners named for 2025
Here’s where you’ll find the best displays around the district.
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For decades now, Des and Mim Warner have been a fixture on one of Murray Bridge’s most brightly lit streets every Christmas.
Turn down Robinia Court after sunset and you’ll see a blaze of light and colour.
At the heart of it all is a couple who have been inviting visitors to spend a few moments out the front of their home since the turn of the century.
They’ve done it again this year, and in more ways than one – theirs was named the best traditional display at the 2025 Murray Bridge Christmas Lights Awards, for the second time in three years.
“We really spend quite a bit of time outside every night, just to see the joy on the children’s faces and even the adults come around and compliment,” Mr Warner said.
“It shows pride in your town – it makes it a much nicer place to live.
“I’d compliment all the people that have contributed to that … you bring hope and joy to people.”
The judges commended the Warners’ use of light, colour and sound, and their inclusion of Australian elements like a kangaroo and emu.
They had won the same award in 2023.
Only one other winner was present at a short ceremony at the Murray Bridge council office on December 18.
Jiron Blacket of Gardiner Crescent – another veteran of the yuletide scene – won the large display category for his “thoughtful and impressive” showing, featuring a CFS fire truck, greyhounds on the roof and thousands of individual lights.
The best small display award went to Michael Swansson of Ridge Road for his use of light and colour.
Given honourable mentions were:
- Samantha Warner, of Jervois
- Samantha Giles, of Robin Street
- Deb Blake, of Homburg Drive
- Sydney Radcliff, of Chaucer Terrace
- Brayden Heineke, of Swan Road – another former winner
Nominated or victorious in this year's awards are properties on Ridge Road, Robin Street, Homburg Drive, Gardiner Crescent, Chaucer Terrace and Swan Road. Photos: Peri Strathearn.
Judging the awards had been really tough, said Councillor Lisa Courtney, who did the rounds with Mayor Wayne Thorley and Cr Tom Haig a few nights earlier.
“You see all the work that goes into the displays, the creativity and the time and the money, so it’s always a tough decision … but a pretty enjoyable way to spend a Monday night, too,” she said.
The winners in each category received a voucher worth $200, to be spent at any business in the Murray Bridge district.
No award was given out in the business category, as there were no nominations.
Of course, dozens more families around Murray Bridge and beyond have gone to great lengths to get into the spirit of the season.
You’ll find lights around almost every corner, from a faint glow along the gutters to gardens full of glowing spectacle.
- Find more Christmas lights: See the map above or search for Murray Bridge Christmas Lights on Facebook.
