News Story — 16 November 2012

Mormons Prepare to Turn on Christmas Lights

Members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are preparing to visit Temple View this Christmas season, to view Christmas lights that will be displayed in the grounds of the faith’s Hamilton New Zealand Temple.

The annual display of approximately 150,000 Christmas lights will run from Saturday 8 December through to Monday 31 December 2012. The lights will be turned on at 9.15pm each evening.

“On the opening night, members of the Church from Temple View are hosting a community carol night prior to the turning on of the lights,” says Hamilton-based Latter-day Saint leader, Elder David Thomson.

In addition to viewing the lights, visitors to Temple View will also be able to visit the Church’s visitors’ centre situated in the temple grounds. Features in the visitors’ centre include a Christus statue, artwork depicting the life of Jesus Christ, and interactive videos about the gospel of Jesus Christ and ways to strengthen families.

“This is a wonderful time of the year as we remember the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ,” Elder Thomson said. “Every year we have thousands of visitors, young and old, who come to enjoy the beautiful sights to be seen, and warm feelings to be felt, in the sacred grounds of the temple.”

Similar lighting programs take place each year in other locations such as Salt Lake City, United States and Sydney, Australia.

For more information on the Christmas lights program, call the visitors’ centre on 64-7-846-1780, or visit this website.

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