Now, Christmas On Acacia is a fund-raising neighbourhood spectacle that attracts hundreds of people throughout December.

The popular annual Christmas lights display, held at Aaren and Melissa Bower's home at 99 Acacia Avenue, North Lambton, was almost cancelled this year.

In July, Aaren and his brothers, Shane and Peter, lost their father to melanoma.

However, they decided to forge ahead in his memory.

In light of their father's diagnosis two years ago, the Bower brothers chose to raise money for the Cancer Council last year, collecting almost $5000.

This year they hope to raise $7000 for the charity, which supports cancer patients and their carers.

Each year, the display, which the brothers start to assemble in October, grows bigger, and by the end of December they have already planned next year's.

Youngest brother Peter said their father loved helping with the display, and it would be tough without him this year.

"Dad was really into the lights. Last year he was out there helping and collecting money, despite the fact he was going through treatment at the time," Mr Bower said.

"We just had to keep going and do something bigger and better this year to make dad proud."

Donations can be made in person or online at www.christmasonacacia.com. Click on the Cancer Council's logo and follow the prompts.

You can also give to the cause by having a photo taken with Santa outside the house this Saturday night, December 14.

■ Christmas On Acacia is open 8pm to 10pm Monday through Thursday, and 8pm to 11pm Friday to Sunday. The display will be up until New Year's Eve.