Just as reliable as Santa’s annual commute from the North Pole are Haslemere's Christmas lights. They appear as if by magic every year – but how much does that magic cost?

Haslemere Town Council extended its Christmas lighting contract for another three years for £69,600, or £23,200 per year. This includes installation, maintenance, testing, repairs, and eventual removal, all managed by the specialist company Light Angel. The lights illuminate Haslemere, Wey Hill, and Hindhead.

Broken down, the cost is roughly £1.36 per person annually, based on Haslemere’s estimated population of 17,000, according to the 2021 census.

I took to Haslemere High Street to hear residents' opinions about the lights.

For Catriona Tremlett, a lifelong Haslemere resident, the answer was clear: “I love them. They lift the spirits and are very tasteful. Haslemere looks lovely this time of year. It would be so sad if we didn’t have them.”

Another resident had never thought about the cost before. “They delight my four-year-old daughter,” she said. “If it’s only about £1 per person, that’s fine by me.”

The cost sparked some debate among one couple. Edward Digby felt that if the council was struggling financially, the lights could be cut. His wife strongly disagreed.

“I think we need the lights,” Valerie Digby said. “They bring joy to people’s lives.”

The council said the lights benefit the town by attracting visitors and supporting local businesses, with the Chamber of Trade contributing annually to the costs. Extending the contract also avoids waste and aligns with climate goals.

The lights will continue to shine on to the delight of many, with one resident summing up opinions nicely.

“At Christmas, the town needs cheering up. It would be a sorry state of affairs if we couldn’t afford them. I just hope the council is getting good value.”