Where to find the best Christmas houses 2017

One of our favourite cheap activities to do at Christmas is to walk around looking at all the houses which have put up decorations to raise money for charity. But who wants to drive around aimlessly in a search for the best ones? We certainly don’t. So this year we’ve put together the Milton Keynes Kids guide to the most Christmassy houses in and around the local area. The residents will have gone to great effort to put up the lights, and I do this blog for free, so please promise me one thing if you go to any of them, take lots of spare change with you to donate to all the good causes. Don’t just drive by. Park on a nearby road, stop and donate some cash. Below you’ll find a map of all the ones we know about. If you know of others please send photos and information to laura@miltonkeyneskids.com. Do bear in mind that these are just tips, apologies if for whatever reason the lights aren’t on when you get there, I’ve put in as much information as I have been provided with or know from previously visiting. Below you’ll find a useful map so you can plot your route! Do share this article with anyone who’ll find it useful. Some of the pictures featured are from 2016.

Summerhayes, Great Linford, Milton Keynes, MK14 5EX

Known as Christmas street, this is one of the most popular places locally to see fabulous houses. In 2016 there were 13 houses on the road and decorations included a giant inflatable Santa. All the money raised goes to Willen Hospice. Last year they raised just over £11,000. Don’t attempt to drive around the cul-de-sac, park nearby and walk. Lights generally go on when it’s dark and stay on until about 10pm. Lights go on 2nd December and stay on throughout December. You can read more about the actual switch on in this article.

Kennington Close, Newport Pagnell, MK16 0NJ

We loved the effort made by lots of the people living in Kennington Close in Newport Pagnell last year. The lights were really pretty on many of the houses and definitely worth a visit if you’re that end of town. Not all the houses in the close do put up decorations so they’re slightly more spread out than Summerhayes. We found it easy to park, but do be courteous to those living there if it gets busier, there are plenty of other roads to park on. There are collection boxes to put your money in. The best postcode is MK16 0NJ. Apparently the lights should be on by the weekend of 2/3 December. The charities they’re raising money for are Willen Hospice and Age UK Milton Keynes.

Melrose Avenue, Bletchley, MK3 6PW

There are three houses all in a row in Bletchley that decorate their houses in aid of Willen Hospice. They are located in Melrose Avenue and the postcode is MK3 6PW. When we visited on 6th December 2016, two of the three had their lights on. Bill who lives at number 63 said his were being switched on the following week. We haven’t seen them yet but last year they were absolutely stunning and would be well worth going out of your way to visit them. We found it easy to park on the road.

Bedford Road, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0XB

The lights on the house in Bedford Road in Marston Moretaine are brilliant and great fun. We liked how you could walk up and down the path to see them. The Knight family have been putting up lights for years and are raising money for Emily’s Star. The post code MK43 0XB gets you there, they’re a few houses away from the post office. They’re about 20-30 mins from Milton Keynes depending on where you live and worth a visit if you’re heading up the A421 or are in the area. The lights go on 5.30pm, 3rd December.

31 Lime Street, Olney, MK46 5BA

One of the prettiest houses we’ve come across, this house in Olney looks just as good in the day as it does at night It is just the one house but is lovely. The owners are raising money for Willen Hospice. Last year owner Jim Bridge matched the amount raised with the same donation from his business so there’s an even bigger incentive to give generously. If it’s a bit out of the way then you could combine it with a visit to Emberton Country Park where winter parking is only £2.60. The lights have already been switched on.

9 Readshill, Clophill, MK45 4AG

Is this one of the best Christmas houses in Bedfordshire? It’s at 9 Readshill, Clophill, MK45 4AG. Lights switched on 1st December at 6:30pm. On every night in Dec. Mulled wine for adults & sweets for children on Switch on night. Raising money for charity ‘Dreams Come True’. We haven’t been to this one but it looks good. 

15 Torrington Road, Wellingborough, NN8 5AF

We haven’t been to this one, but it’s come recommended. One house owned by the Beetsons. Raising money for Glamis hall day centre & Ups ‘n’ Downs – Down syndrome support for families in Northamptonshire. Lights go on Sat 2nd December starting at 4pm. More information on their facebook event and for updates they also have a group for updates.

30 Hadley Place, Bradwell Common, Milton Keynes, MK13 8RL

Not one we’ve been to yet, but looks nice from the pictures and there is a singing Santa. Collecting for Harry’s Rainbow.