Whether you’ve already booked holiday accommodation in Stanford or you’re simply passing through this December, you’re in for a huge treat … because Stanford is LIT!
Checkers, the major supermarket chain, has been instrumental in creating a town of sparkling, glittering joy; thanks to their installing a stunning light display for the Christmas festive season.
Spectacular lights are draped over shop fronts, curled around tree trunks, and flanking the main street.
Christmas in Stanford – it’s Magical
There’s an impressive Christmas tree, small farm animals and windmills made of wire, giant star lights, and life-sized sculptures of famous South African animals like giraffes and kudus (courtesy of the internationally acclaimed artist Michael Methven).
What an exquisite display to adorn the friendly little town of Stanford!
Checkers also proactively involved local Overberg artists in creating stunning picture windows within and amongst the lights.
In addition, the lights have been used to accentuate the unique architecture and design features of the town’s buildings.
There’s a photo booth that comprises a massive light feature of a gift and bow – perfect for unforgettable holiday snaps and Insta posts.
The Christmas Lights in Stanford
There are almost 7 kilometres of lights, comprising 70 000 bulbs. Almost all of the lights are solar-powered (LED), so this special display will even illuminate the load-shedding schedule!
This generous gesture comes in the wake of recent floods and hurricane-force winds, which left Stanford damaged and low in spirits.
Not only do these glittery globes help to bejewel the Overberg town, but they also help residents feel more optimistic and confident about their beautiful home as a holiday destination.
Penny van den Berg, owner of The Stanford Hotel says in response to this gift:
The crew from 7Films checked into the hotel during the last week of September and told us about the gift Checkers planned to give our village after the devastating floods of September.
We watched the light installations. So much care was taken not to damage the old gables by a team of solid professionals.
Checkers had embraced Stanford’s proclaimed heritage status and lit up every detail of these old buildings all the way down Queen Victoria Street.
From the first post we shared of the Christmas lights on social media, the crowds arrived in their hordes. No one went away disappointed. The lights are simply spectacular.
Our accommodation bookings have already doubled from the past four years and the morale of our community has never been higher. What an incredibly generous gift this has been for us all.
Checkers has made Stanford into the most popular Christmas Village. The rest is up to us. Thank you Checkers!
Penny van den Berg
The Stanford village is home to cute cafés and restaurants, antique stores, art galleries, wine farms, evening markets, curio spots, cheese farms, and more.
It has an endearing charm about it too, showcasing the Cape Overberg beautifully. It’s also close to Hermanus and Gansbaai, so make a weekend or holiday of it … explore Hermanus, Gansbaai and Stanford this festive season.
These beautiful lights will be on display until the first week of January 2024. So, be sure to include Stanford in your summer holiday itinerary and experience the magic and joy for yourself.
Go see it for yourselves! Take the kids, cousins, aunties and uncles and the grandparents too! They will love it!
