Every year the Christmas houses shine in Baden-Württemberg. Countless little lights ensure festive splendor and are intended to please children in particular - despite the high energy costs.

Reutlingen (dpa / lsw) - Christmas houses in the southwest should shine again this Advent. After the pandemic break, the Christmas house in Lichtenstein (Reutlingen district) should shine on Saturday (5 p.m.). No one less than Santa should pull the lever. "Despite high energy prices, we want to do this primarily for the children," said Jörg Meißel, who has been decorating his house for Christmas for around ten years. The little ones were disappointed that the lights stayed out for two years. He also accepts a corresponding electricity bill for this. "I don't care."

This year, a polar bear landscape, a nativity scene and a Christmas forest in front of the house should provide enthusiasm. More than 80 figures shine. More than 50,000 lights are needed for this, according to Christmas fan Meißel. The Christmas house in Pliezhausen, a few kilometers away, traditionally only shines around the 3rd and 4th of Advent.

“The Corona period was long enough and you had to do without a lot,” said Josef Glogger from Balzhausen in Swabia in the Günzburg district. The children should have some fun at Christmas time too. "It's an old custom and customs should be continued." Glogger has been decorating his house for more than a decade and a half, raising money for the University Hospital in Ulm, where his wife was being treated for cancer. Last year he was able to donate more than 5000 euros.

As announced in October, the Christmas house in Karlsruhe-Neureut is not taking part in the tradition due to the energy crisis. "We'll definitely be there again next year," said Thorsten Grüger.