The December 1 Turning on the Lights event sees hundreds of Katherine residents show up to see the big unveil, although work has already begun. 

Coordinator of Kalano Flexible Aged Care Sue Pszkit said she has already begun to decorate the building with elaborate lights – most of which a solar powered. 

More reading: Find the reindeer to win $1000

“Just as it gets dark all the solar lights start to flicker on, the big reveal is always very exciting because even though we have started to hang the lights, no one will see anything until December 1,” Mrs Pszkit said. 

The lights will brighten Kalano every night over the Christmas period until they are taken down in the middle of January. 

“This is about the seventh year we have really gotten into the Christmas spirit and each year the lights get more elaborate. There are just too many to count,” Mrs Pszkit said. 

Each year hundreds of curious onlookers, in the festive spirit, drive by to look at the illuminated aged care facility. 

And it wasn’t until three years ago the decision was made to make Turning on the Lights into a community event. 

“We have the best set up in Katherine and it was something we had to share,” Mrs Pszkit said. 

“The [aged care facility] residents love it, they sit outside each night just to see it, and when people drive by they often stop and have a chat.

“The lights have a real welcoming warmth about them, and it is the perfect way to get into Christmas,” she said. 

The official event begins at 6.30pm with musical entertainment from Katherine's Cantarbillay Choir as well as a large spread of food for the community to enjoy. 

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.

What else is making the news?

Boundless Possible blasted into space​

Remote NT towns say goodbye to scrap metal