One of the most heartwarming aspects of Newburgh’s Christmas lights display is the involvement of the town’s youth. Every year, local schoolchildren play a key role in the creation of the festive illuminations. The town’s Christmas lights aren’t just a decoration—they’re a reflection of the creativity, imagination, and community spirit of Newburgh’s youngest residents.
For many years now, local schoolchildren have been invited to contribute their designs for the Christmas lights that brighten up the town. The process begins in the weeks leading up to the festive season, when children at Newburgh Primary School are encouraged to submit their ideas for the Christmas lights display. These designs are often inspired by the children’s favourite aspects of Christmas—whether it’s snowflakes, reindeer, Christmas trees, or Santa Claus himself.
Their designs are then reviewed, and the winning ideas are selected to be turned into actual light displays. What makes this collaboration even more special is that many of the lights themselves are hand-crafted by local artisans, further cementing the connection between the town’s schools and its festive decorations.
Once the winning designs are chosen, local artists and craftspeople work closely with the children and the town’s event organisers to bring the designs to life. This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to see their own creativity transformed into beautiful public art. In some cases, the children might even be invited to help with the installation of the lights, giving them a hands-on experience of how their designs are realised and the chance to feel a sense of pride as their work lights up the town.
The collaboration between schoolchildren and local artisans is a perfect example of how Newburgh’s community spirit shines brightest at Christmas time. It’s not just about putting up decorations—it’s about bringing together all generations of the town to create something beautiful and meaningful.
For the children of Newburgh, seeing their designs on display during the Christmas season instils a sense of ownership and pride. When the lights are switched on, the entire town gathers together to admire the glowing creations. The children’s excitement and joy as their designs are illuminated is palpable, and the sense of community is heightened by their direct contribution to the town’s festive celebrations.
It also creates lasting memories for the children involved. As they grow up, they can look back on their time designing the Christmas lights with pride, knowing that they played a role in making their hometown feel magical during the holiday season. For parents and residents, it’s a heartwarming reminder of the creativity and energy that the next generation brings to the community.