The once-dazzling sight of brightly-lit houses along Friendship Dr has dimmed this Christmas, with residents attributing the muted offering to changes within the street.
Some long-standing residents have moved, taking their lights with them, while others have decided to call it a day after years of effort.
The Otago Daily Times counted 13 homes with outdoor lighting during a visit this week, but two of the street's highlights - houses at 1 and 14 Friendship Dr - were among those devoid of decorations.
The owner of 14 Friendship Dr, who declined to be named, said he wanted a break this year.
He had lived in the street for 10 years and decorated his home over "seven or eight" Christmases.
"It takes weeks to set up and weeks to take down. It's just a lot of work," he said.
The street was "definitely the quietest it's been" in years.
"I think it's one of those things. A fad reaches its peak and then dies out."
Bob Schoester, who owns the house at 1 Friendship Dr, had a different explanation for the absence of lights from his home - his former partner took the lights with her when she left.
He was considering replacing his lights in time, but believed others moving into the street were put off by the expense - estimated at several thousand dollars - and the hours of work involved each Christmas.
"There's still quite a bit of light . . . but it's not like it used to be," he said.
"It's a shame. It looked good, didn't it?"
One new resident, Natalie Barnett (31), was sad to see the tradition in decline.
She bought her house in the street three months ago, aware of the street's reputation and looking forward to Christmas.
She was given some lights as chattels with the house.
"I was quite disappointed," she said.
However, there could yet be some hope - Mr Schoester said several former residents were building in an area of new homes at the end of Friendship Dr, and could return with their lights, in time.
"I think it will happen, just not like it used to," he said.
