For most of the year, the house at 12 Brian Street in Fairy Meadow blends quietly into its suburban surroundings. But from the first of December, it transforms into a dazzling, musical spectacle that has become a must-see on any Illawarra Christmas lights tour.
The Interactive Jukebox Lights Up Again
Nick Triantafillou, the creative mind behind the display, has once again activated his famous jukebox light show. The installation boasts an impressive 80,000 LEDs and powerful spotlights visible from neighbouring suburbs. The real magic, however, lies in its interactivity.
Visitors can use their smartphones to scan a QR code and select songs, causing the lights to dance in perfect sync with the music. This year, the playlist is getting a major update to include the viral sounds of K-Pop Demon Hunters.
"Kpop Demon Hunters is what everybody wants this year, but there's lots of other stuff too, to keep us sane," Mr Triantafillou said. He has already programmed three of the film's hit songs and is considering adding more to satisfy young fans.
A Final Hurrah Before a Two-Year Break
This marks the seventh consecutive year the Fairy Meadow dad has lit up his home, attracting thousands of visitors each December. However, 2025 will be the last chance to see the display for a while.
Mr Triantafillou revealed he initially planned to skip this year due to a family Disney cruise booked over Christmas. When the cruise was cancelled and rescheduled for next year, he decided to proceed with what will now be a final season before a two-year hiatus.
"This means 2025 will be the last time for a while that people can experience 12 Brian Street's spectacle," he said, noting the intense commitment required. "You can't really go out anywhere, and I have to stay up to 10 or 11 o'clock to keep an eye on it."
What's New on the Playlist?
While K-Pop dominates requests, the 2025 show offers something for everyone. The playlist features new tracks from Taylor Swift, fresh light sequences for classic Christmas carols, and a broad mix of metal, rock, and pop genres.
Setting up the elaborate display remains a significant undertaking. Mr Triantafillou, who has refined the process to an art, spent about 14 hours straight on a recent Sunday to complete the installation after working on it part-time for weeks.
The lights at 12 Brian Street, Fairy Meadow, will shine daily from 7pm. For the best viewing experience, Mr Triantafillou recommends arriving after 8.30pm. The show ends at 10pm on weekdays and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
