The Mercury is looking for the best dressed houses in the Illawarra as part of the annual Christmas lights competition, which kicks off on Saturday.

Last year’s winners, the Mackay family, were encouraged to put Christmas lights up by their neighbours when they first moved to their Albion Park home as newlyweds. 

Their street, Stubbs Road, is a popular hot spot for Christmas light enthusiasts.

‘‘It’s a nice community feeling and everyone’s really supportive,’’ Elleni Mackay said.

‘‘It’s a nice time, you’ve got your lights on at night so everyone’s out there socialising.

‘‘It’s nice for the kids and we get a kick out of it too.’’

Mrs Mackay joked that their prize money was spent on their electricity bill.

‘‘We are happy to pay it if so many kids come and enjoy it, that’s what we do it for,’’ she said.

Entries for this year’s competition close on Monday, December 22.

Just send the Mercury a photo of your Christmas lights and you will be in the running to win some great prizes.

Email your photos to competitions@illawarramercury.com.au. Images must be between 1MB and 3MB and sent as jpeg. Nominations are to be made by the home owner and only one entry per residence. Include your full name, address, contact number and email.

All photos will be added to an online gallery, with competitors vying for a top prize of a $500 gift card, and two runners-up prizes of $250 gift cards, to Greater Union cinemas Wollongong and Shellharbour.

More information here.