The villages of Talafo’ou and Makaunga on the eastern side of Tongatapu raised over $100,000 during the Lapaha District Christmas lighting event this year.
The communities continued their tradition of displaying festive lights along the village coastline, attracting visitors to food stalls, boat cruises and various entertainment booths.
Lapaha District Officer Siosifa Lamipeti told Tonga Broadcasting that both villages raised the same amount in 2023, but this year, they achieved the total in just two weeks.
“Last year’s expenses, about $10,000, dropped to $7,000 this year as some of the costs were carried over,” Lamipeti explained.

This year’s event saw the addition of the villages of Nautoka and Manuka to the display but have yet to tally the total income raised by their vendors.
The event, which ends this Sunday, is expected to grow next year.
Lamipeti said that the Christmas lighting event will expand to other villages in the district, with town officers in charge of organizing the festivities.
More villages are anticipated to join the celebration in 2025.