Kay and Roger Harrison decorate their Gowrie residence with Christmas lights in 2021 for Canberra charity

Kay and Roger Harrison start preparing for their annual festive extravaganza in January.

While this may seem early, it takes two months just to put the lights up.

While the couple have "always" lit up their home for Christmas, over the past seven years they seized the opportunity to raise money for cancer services in Canberra. In 2020 they managed to raise almost $12,000.

Located at 17 Middleton Circuit, Gowrie, the display is open every night until December 25. There are 13 different timers rigged to ensure the property lights up at exactly 7.30pm each night.

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In addition to an impressive Christmas light display, the couple sell handmade items, food and run raffles and games for children.

Mrs Harrison's passion for charity stems from her personal experience with cancer.

After losing friends from brain tumours she started volunteering at the Canberra Regional Cancer Centre. Her insights into the impact of the disease have fuelled her commitment to the fundraiser.

While Mrs Harrison donates money to the Cancer Council, she likes to share the money around smaller ACT-based charities.

"I work all through the year for the fundraiser," she said.

The committed woman makes quilts and other goods to sell. In fact, friends and family also dedicate their time to the festive fundraiser.

Mrs Harrison's 85-year-old aunt knits toys throughout the year and sends them from Sydney.

Mrs Harrison boasts she makes the "best rocky road in Canberra" with people travelling from all around the region to gobble up the chocolate treat.

She said she makes rocky road every single day in December to keep up with demand and sells a few different varieties including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, with or without macadamia nuts and even provides a halal option.

In fact, many people finish off their Christmas shopping at the fundraiser.

"People know us and come back every year," she said.

"I love meeting people, I'm very much a people person, it's all about the happy faces."

Children across Canberra know the pair as "the Christmas lady and the Christmas man".

While it's quieter on weeknights, hundreds of people visit the house every weekend in December.

The festive light display, stalls and games are complete with interactive toys for children to play with on the front verandah.

If you are worried you won't be able to find the property, Mrs Harrison says you can't miss it.

"The house is a mass of Christmas lights and decorations," she said.

Help us get Canberra's best Christmas lights map ready by letting us know when you spot a well-decorated home.

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