Charlton fans have not had much to cheer at The Valley recently - but this cracker of a match must have left them thinking Christmas had come early.
With just one victory in their six previous home games, the Addicks put in a first-half performance boss Alan Pardew described as "sublime" as they tore the visitors apart to go three up before half-time.
Then came a determined Ipswich fightback, Alan Lee seeing his penalty saved by Nicky Weaver, referee Neil Swarbrick changing his mind about awarding the home team a spot-kick, a stunning back-heeled goal for Ipswich's Pablo Counago, finally topped off by a scuffle and red card for Jonathan Fortune after the final whistle.
If the south Londoners enjoying a spectacular 4pm firework display on the hill behind the stands could have waited until full time before lighting the touchpaper it would have been a fitting ending.
Former Ipswich man Darren Ambrose was the Charlton hero, heading the Addicks in front after five minutes then lashing in a 20-yard strike six minutes before half-time, with Chris Iwelumo's eighth of the season sandwiched in between.
Relishing playing in the hole behind Iwelumo, Ambrose made full use of his licence to roam - and was just disappointed not to have the match ball as a souvenir.
Pardew insisted Andy Reid would have been taking the penalty if the referee's assistant had not convinced Swarbrick that Fabian Wilnis cleared Ambrose's cross legally - but his players had other ideas.
"He wouldn't have had a choice - he was on the sideline," said Ambrose. "The referee pointed to the spot - I don't think it was handball as it hit him on the chest - and Andy Reid said: 'Go on, get your hat-trick', and I was delighted.
"I've never scored a hat-trick before. I've never scored two in a game before, so I was begging for my hat-trick. But it wasn't to be.
"Matt Holland and I were both delighted to be in the starting line-up against our old club. They looked a very good side - you can see why they win so many games at home by the way they played in the second half.
"It was hard. It was an emotional day.
"They had given me a chance at such a young age. But I was delighted with the goals."
Ipswich are the Championship's home masters and away disasters, dropping only two points at Portman Road so far this season but without a win on the road since March 17.
Boss Jim Magilton was furious with his side's first-half display, sending on the lively Counago after just 36 minutes and then making a double substitution at half-time.
Afterwards he declared he would be open to offers for some of his flops and will be shopping heavily if Marcus Evans's proposed takeover goes through.
Magilton said: "Being manager of this football club is the proudest thing I've ever done and I'm under no illusions of expectation levels.
"I was embarrassed by the first half. Come January, if the investment comes, I'm going to use it to inspire me rather than intimidate me.
"I want to strengthen all over the park.
"We have to go and have a little look at how we get better.
"I don't know how much money I'll get but if it is £12million that would be extremely nice - for £12m you'd start getting a few players."