Visit amazing Peter’s Garden of Lights in Van Riebeeck Park
As you walk in, you are welcomed by a foam machine most people use as a photo booth
Peter Cherryholme has converted his home into Peter’s Garden of Lights.
The Van Riebeeck resident is passionate about Christmas and the decorations, particularly the lights.
Cherryholme’s house is well-lit with Christmas lights and decorations and is open to the public to view.
“I have for years decorated my house and allowed the community to come and view,” he said. “Collecting and creating these decorations and lights is a hobby and passion of mine.”
The display of the lights is a tour. An arch at the gate serves as the entrance to the magical garden of lights. Whether you turn left or right, you are met by different kinds of lights that are well placed in the garden.
As you walk in, you are welcomed by a foam machine most people use as a photo booth, maybe because it appears as snow in the photos. Popcorn and juice are available for the children, and this year he added a special touch.
“We organised an overhead projector and screen where the children can watch Christmas-inspired movies and videos,” he explained.
“I worked on getting the lights ready from Thursday to Sunday for eight weeks and this started at the beginning of October. The garden of lights has been open for two weeks now and will be until the first week of January.”
There is no entrance fee but people are welcome to give a donation which is what people usually ask to do after the tour.
“I have never charged people to come and view the lights but they have always asked how they could donate as they wanted to make this a worthy cause,” said Cherryholme.
“Last year, we donated the money to the Van Riebeeck Park Community Crime Forum. I have decided to do the same this year with the light tour.”
Renee Erasmus, chairman of the forum, said the funds greatly helped them.
“We are truly grateful for what Cherryholme is doing. There aren’t many people like him around. “We use the funds for the patrollers which go a long way in helping the forum,” said Erasmus.
Erasmus also said they planned to invite a local children’s home to come to enjoy the magical lights.
Koos Coetzee is among the people who are humbled by what Cherryholme has done with his home.
“I sold this house to him in 2006 and when I saw the post about the tour on Facebook, I couldn’t believe this is the house I used to live in,” said Coetzee.
“He has done an amazing job and has certainly taken good care of the house. I am glad that I sold it to him.”
Peter’s Garden of Lights is situated on 8 Aronskelk Road, Van Riebeeck Park, and is open every day from 7pm to 10pm.
