‘To bring joy to everyone’: East London, Ont. diner embraces extreme Christmas theme

The owners of this decorated diner want their customers to feel the joy surrounding Christmas. CTV's Brent Lale has the story.

Walking into Voula’s Diner on Clarke Road, you are immediately hit with a blast of Christmas.

“I wanted to make everyone feel happy,” said Voula Lerikos, the diner’s owner.

Since the pandemic, Lerikos felt like she wanted to brighten the day of her customers and provide the ultimate festive atmosphere.

“The reason why Voula and her husband and all of us chip in and do this is for, obviously, the people,” said Athanasia Lerikos, Voula’s sister-in-law who works at the diner.

“Whether you celebrate Christmas joy or you’re struggling, this is a happy place and that’s all we want to bring is happiness to everyone.”

There are pictures online, but they do not do it justice.

“You have to come into experience at full throttle,” said Athanasia.

“Wrapping paper on the ceiling, the chairs are covered, the tables have stick-ons that look like presents. There is quotes on the walls and you get customers - especially the kids - their faces just light up and they are so happy to be here. It is a very positive thing. They’ve not had like the greatest day, and they leave here happy and just ready to face the day. It’s wonderful.”