Charmaine Lights Up Knysna with a Magical 'Underwater Christmas' Wonderland!

Photo Credit: Supplied

In Knysna, the spirit of Christmas shines with extraordinary brilliance, thanks to the commitment and heart of a remarkable woman named Charmaine Botha.

Knysna, South Africa (01 December 2025) – In the suburb of Paradise in Knysna is a home whose lights not only shine so brightly they are hard to miss, but are also delivering the magic of Christmas!

Good Things Guy got in touch with Charmaine Botha, the remarkable woman behind this festive spectacle, which she started as her way of giving back to her community and bringing joy to the children.

Charmaine worked as a teacher before moving into the private sector, where she worked in the mining industry until her health took an unexpected turn. After various doctor’s visits, appointments, scans and checks, Charmaine eventually received an MSA Parkinson’s diagnosis (a rare neurological disorder with symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, but with a faster progression).

“There’s no medication for MSA yet in South Africa. I was put on medication for regular Parkinson’s, and eventually, I couldn’t go to work anymore. I became very sick, and I knew I was going to get retrenched,” she says.

“When I got into business years ago, I made a promise to myself that I would do something special for the community.”

Her house, which she lovingly rebuilt after a devastating fire years ago, has become the stage for this spectacular act of generosity.

Last year, she and a few women who worked for her at the mine got together to create a stunning rose garden at her home, boasting elaborate features like painted stones and coloured sand and bright lights – creating a fairyland that amazed many neighbours and community members.

This year, Charmaine decided to go even bigger and brighter, working through most of the year to turn her yard and home into a “Christmas Wonderland with a Twist”.

With the help of the women and a local carpenter, she has created a breathtaking escape with a fusion of the traditional and the unique. Alongside classic nativity scenes and festive characters, her home features a fantastical underwater Christmas theme, complete with colourful fish, shells, pirates, and marine features, all illuminated by countless bright lights. As the theme suggests, it’s like stepping into an underwater Christmas wonderland!

When the sun goes down, her home shines brightest across the street and is open to the public to take pictures and enjoy in all its magnificent marvel – free of charge on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the festive season.

Appreciating all the work that has gone into the project, Charmaine expresses immense gratitude to her helpers for bringing her ambitious vision to life, especially given her illness, which has affected her ability to manage things independently.

“I couldn’t have done it without my girls. This is hard work. It costs a lot, but this is my donation towards Knysna and the people of Knysna. It makes the children happy, and that’s what matters most.”

Charmaine’s lights are not just decorations; they are a beacon of hope and joy. The unmissable attraction is on Campbell Drive, Knysna, and everyone is welcome to take all the magic in!