Nuthall Christmas Lights: An Incredible Legacy of Community Giving

The family behind the much-loved Nuthall Christmas Lights display have raised an incredible £41,824.20 during their final Christmas season, with funds split between When You Wish Upon a Star and Nottingham Hospitals Charity.

This remarkable donation means over £20,000 will help seven children with life-threatening illnesses across the UK to experience a magical Wish through When You Wish Upon a Star!

Tony, Wendy and Adam Swift, the family behind the iconic residential display, have dedicated more than two decades to spreading festive joy while supporting vital charitable causes. Over 25 years, Nuthall Christmas Lights have raised an extraordinary £300,000 and have left a lasting legacy of kindness, generosity and community spirit.

What began as a small local attraction grew into a major festive tradition. Tony said, “In our first year, we had just 17 visitors come and see the lights. We put out a few snacks on a table. By our final year – Christmas 2025 – we had a record-breaking 6,000 visitors on our opening night alone! We went to the bedroom window and looked down and saw thousands of people on our little street, it was quite unbelievable!” The family are out in the cold every single night welcoming visitors throughout the Christmas season, whether that’s selling drinks or manning their temporary Nuthall Lights gift shop. Tony believes that around one million people have visited the display since they started.

The 2025 season marked the family’s final year running the lights, as they now take a well-earned break and move into the next chapter of their lives.

Amy Buxton, Head of Income Generation, When You Wish Upon a Star said: “Tony, Wendy and Adam have created something truly special for our charity, Nottingham Hospitals Charity and the wider community. Their dedication over 22 years has helped bring joy, hope and magical memories to so many children and families. They should feel incredibly proud of everything they have achieved. We are beyond grateful for their unwavering support.”

When You Wish Upon a Star grants the Wishes of children aged 4–16 living with life-threatening illnesses, creating precious memories for families when they need them most.

The Nuthall Christmas Lights display may have reached its final chapter, but its impact will continue to brighten lives for years to come.