Ho ho ho, Santa Claus is giving out sweets in Brackenfell

Rick van der Galien and Paulo Rodrigues have lit up their Protea Heights home.

Santa Claus has travelled all the way from the northern hemisphere to the northern suburbs and is dishing out sweets to children at a Brackenfell home today, Thursday December 23, and tomorrow, Christmas eve, Friday December 24.

Children are welcome to collect sweets accompanied by their parents, from 8pm to 10pm.

Rick van der Galien and Paulo Rodrigues, a couple living in Dennegeur Street, Protea Heights, are hosting the Christmas-themed party for children and have also decked their house out in Christmas lights.

They’ve hosted the party since 2019.

The children will be treated to the whole Christmas theme including Mr Claus, his two elves and lit up reindeer.

But there won’t be any grinch this year, Mr Van der Galien said.

Santa and his two elves have been dishing out sweets since Tuesday December 21 at the Brackenfell home but the Brackenfell couple say they have given out 3 000 sweets to children since they opened on November 22. “And we still have some more sweets left,” Mr Van der Galien says.

In an interview with Northern News, Mr Van der Galien said: “We love Christmas and we love lights. It’s one of the most festive times in the year.”

The couple started out only buying festive lights but switched it up to include a Christmas lights display party.

They have been running a toy shop for three years with proceeds going towards an animal shelter.

“Support wise we have had a lot so far from some of our neighbours. Friends and family also helped out during this time in need,” Mr Van der Galien says.

Families who wish to enjoy the Christmas festivities may visit 16 Dennegeur Street, Protea Heights.

There is no entry fee, but any donations are welcome and will be sent to an animal shelter, Mr Van der Galien said.