Two self-proclaimed “Christmas fanatics” are the women behind a magical Reindeer Village created in the Lake Hāwea Community Centre.

The Christmas-themed village, which opened on Friday evening (December 4), is open for just two more public sessions before it must be dismantled for another year.

Barbara Mackenzie and Elizabeth Horrell of Lake Hāwea came up with the idea for the village two years ago.

“We’re Christmas fanatics, and our Christmas things don’t fit in our houses anymore,” Barbara told the Wanaka App.

Last year the two women, with the help of a group of volunteers, decorated a Christmas house, but this year’s village is “about 300 per cent more”, Barbara said.

The village includes Dasher’s Den, Vixen’s Air BnB, the 12 Days of Christmas, a forest and snowy mountains, and much more, with lots of crafted and handmade items.

Teddy bears have a picnic in the forest.

The village was a community project: Ninety-three-year-old Dick Cotter made a sleigh and a stable for the nativity scene, and the Wardell family made a miniature train. About 12 volunteers helped create the village and showed people around.

The village attracted approximately 300 people during the weekend, Barbara said, and yesterday (Monday December 7) two local kindergartens visited the village. 

Even special guest Santa Claus visited on both Saturday and Sunday.

One local parent who took her children to the village during the weekend, Leean Morton, described the village as “really, really lovely”, and said she could not believe the amount of work that had gone into it.

Leeann’s daughter Grace, 10, thought it was creative and beautiful. “My favourite part was the teddy bears who were having a snowfight.”

“I thought it was amazing,” said Daniel, 8. “We went through twice. I really liked Blitzen's Den the most.”

Barbara said the organisers had received praise from visitors from around the district and beyond.

The village will be open today (Tuesday) and Thursday this week, from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Organisers will also open the village for large private groups. 

PHOTOS: Supplied