The organisers behind one of Stafford’s best-known seasonal charity displays have announced they are taking a break this year, with both their Halloween scare maze and Christmas lights paused for 2026.
Oxford Gardens Lights, run from a residential property on Oxford Gardens in Stafford, has become a regular fixture for local families, drawing hundreds of visitors each autumn and winter while raising thousands of pounds for local charities.
The team confirmed this week that major home renovations mean neither event can go ahead safely this year.
Building work pauses annual displays
In an update shared with visitors, the organisers explained that ongoing renovation work has temporarily turned the house and garden into a building site.
“For the first time in a few years, we won’t be opening our garden for our Halloween scare maze or our Christmas lights and decorations,” the organisers announced.
“As some of you may know, or may have seen, we’re currently in the middle of house renovations, and unfortunately the garden (and the house!) are currently very much a building site. It just isn’t possible for us to put everything together this year.”
The team noted that while they share the disappointment of local residents who look forward to visiting, taking the year out will allow them to get the building work finished properly.
Returning in 2027
The hiatus is strictly temporary, with the organisers confirming plans to bring both displays back next year once the property is completed.
“We’re taking 2026 off, getting the building work finished, and then we’ll be back in 2027 bigger, better and hopefully slightly less covered in dust,” the update said.
Over recent years, the walkthrough Halloween maze and festive garden have raised thousands of pounds for local causes, including Katharine House Hospice, Childhood Cancer Parents Alliance, and Pet Welfare Stafford, through visitor donations and community raffles.
Treats on Halloween night
While the full walkthrough scare maze will not be running this autumn, the organisers still plan to offer a small festive gesture for neighbourhood trick-or-treaters.
A small selection of decorations will be put up outside the front of the house, and the team confirmed they will have treats ready for anyone passing by on Halloween night, Friday 31 October.
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