Every Scottish town likes to think they have the best Christmas lights, but Newburgh in Fife definitely has a very strong claim to that title.
Their adorable illuminations have gone majorly viral on TikTok, meaning that they’re now officially world-famous – and its all because people absolutely love the story behind them.
In a tradition dating back two decades, every year one local primary school pupil’s festive drawing is been selected to be brought to life as a beautiful and truly unique Christmas illumination.
Some of the cute designs on offer include a smiling blue angel, a fabulous turkey and a triangular robin, amongst many others.
This year’s Newburgh light switch-on took place on Sunday, November 17, and this year’s winning entry was a fabulous goose wearing a jaunty Christmas hat, created by Lochlan Aitken, aged 10.
Scotch whisky manufacturers Lindores Abbey Distillery are based in Newburgh. They uploaded footage of the local event to their TikTok page, where it went staggeringly viral, clocking up over 860,000 views so far.
It was captioned: “Almost as wholesome as the John Lewis Christmas advert,” referring to the popular retailer’s 2024 festive ad, which is titled The Gifting Hour and tells the heartwarming story of two siblings.
The clip shows the brand-new goose design, as well as favourites from years gone by, like a goldfish in a Santa hat, a dancing Christmas cracker and a festive rainbow.
Hundreds of people flocked to comment on the video, with many people explaining how much it had brightened their day.
One person wrote: “That’s adorable and also make them feel as an important part of their community, which they are. I love this!!
Another said: “Why am I SOBBING right now!! This is what Christmas is all about!!”
One overseas viewer added: “I’m Canadian but somehow this was on my fyp (for you page) and it’s adorable!! Imagine the pride of those kids seeing their little lights.”
There were also lots of other comments from people who wanted to congratulate whoever originally came up with the idea.
Unfortunately, no one can actually remember who started the tradition. In 2020, Shona Gray, head of Newburgh Action Group, who organise the lights, told BBC Scotland: “It might have been that there was a teacher from the local school on the committee that year, but no-one remembers.
“All we know is it became an annual competition and all the schoolchildren entered their drawings, with one being chosen to turn into a light.”
Whoever it was, they deserve a big pat on the back for spreading so much Christmas cheer, year after year. We can’t wait to see which design wins the contest in 2025!
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