Christmas is still a time of wonder and joy despite the best efforts of crass commercialism. If in doubt a visit to the fabulous Santa House built by John Hutchinson will renew your faith in the real Christmas spirit.
What began as Christmas lights seven years ago has blossomed into a magnificent walkthrough crib and magical wonderland drawing thousands of guests to the Hutchinson homestead in Clanabogan, three miles outside of Omagh.
Admission is absolutely free with an opportunity to donate to worthwhile charities at the conclusion of your visit.
Sadly this is the last year of the spectacle which has lit up the eyes of kids and restored belief among the older visitors. John takes up the Christmas story, "It began in 1999 as we had a swinging seat and a little porch at the front of the house and put lights on it at Christmas time. We also had Santa and reindeers climbing onto the roof. The next thing we knew the traffic was slowing up to have a look and some people stopped as they thought there was something inside the house and the garden shed. A lady suggested we put up a donation box but that is not what we are about."
John and his wife Marian then lost their dear friend Sean McMullan to cancer and as well as extending their display decided to accept donations which they forwarded to charity.
"The first year we lifted £3,000 and over the years it has totalled £54,000. Hopefully that will top the £60,000 this year and it will go to several cancer charities as well as the Association for helping people with Parkinson's disease."
John's father, Shay who died of cancer three years ago also helped to build the Santa House. John continued, "After my dad's death we were in turmoil whether to keep it going or not, but decided to continue in his memory. When he was sick we put in a show inside the Santa House, which is the television version of 'The Night before Christmas.' My father did the narration for it in November and died two months later in January. We will be putting on that show this year as well. An animated figure Mr Chippy, will narrate the story in sequence with the television images."
The reaction to the Santa House and amazing display has been astonishing with 35,000 people drawn to the site since 1999. John added, 'There have been massive crowds which have increased each year. People have described it as a Christmas Disneyland. The goodwill that has been shown to the enterprise has been inspiring. Our neighbours have been fantastic with all the crowds it draws. One man allows his property to be used for parking while a person in Omagh who wishes to remain anonymous has very kindly covered the electricity bill. It is totally good will from start to finish."
John has advised visitors to come to the Santa house early in the month as there is expected to be crowds coming from Donegal, Antrim, Fermanagh and across Tyrone.
It is located three miles out on the Omagh to Dromore Road, turning left at the Vivo Shop and taking a right turn at two subsequent crossroads. Don't worry-you will find it!
The Santa House opens tomorrow, Friday November 30. Opening hours: Mon-Frid 6.15pm to 9pm. Sat-Sun 5pm to 9pm.
It will remain open until Christmas Eve at 8pm when Santa then has to leave for a very busy night of distributing toys to the children all over the world.
next thing we knew the traffic was slowing up to have a look and some people stopped as they thought there was something inside the house and the garden shed. A lady suggested we put up a donation box but that is not what we are about."
John and his wife Marian then lost their dear friend Sean McMullan to cancer and as well as extending their display decided to accept donations which they forwarded to charity.
"The first year we lifted £3,000 and over the years it has totalled £54,000. Hopefully that will top the £60,000 this year and it will go to several cancer charities as well as the Association for helping people with Parkinson's disease."
John's father, Shay who died of cancer three years ago also helped to build the Santa House. John continued, "After my dad's death we were in turmoil whether to keep it going or not, but decided to continue in his memory. When he was sick we put in a show inside the Santa House, which is the television version of 'The Night before Christmas.' My father did the narration for it in November and died two months later in January. We will be putting on that show this year as well. An animated figure Mr Chippy, will narrate the story in sequence with the television images."
The reaction to the Santa House and amazing display has been astonishing with 35,000 people drawn to the site since 1999. John added, 'There have been massive crowds which have increased each year. People have described it as a Christmas Disneyland. The goodwill that has been shown to the enterprise has been inspiring. Our neighbours have been fantastic with all the crowds it draws. One man allows his property to be used for parking while a person in Omagh who wishes to remain anonymous has very kindly covered the electricity bill. It is totally good will from start to finish."
John has advised visitors to come to the Santa house early in the month as there is expected to be crowds coming from Donegal, Antrim, Fermanagh and across Tyrone.
It is located three miles out on the Omagh to Dromore Road, turning left at the Vivo Shop and taking a right turn at two subsequent crossroads. Don't worry-you will find it!
The Santa House opens tomorrow, Friday November 30. Opening hours: Mon-Frid 6.15pm to 9pm. Sat-Sun 5pm to 9pm.
It will remain open until Christmas Eve at 8pm when Santa then has to leave for a very busy night of distributing toys to the children all over the world.
