CONCORD, N.H. — This holiday season, little ones with bright eyes may light up homes across the nation, but others are adorned with elaborate light displays synchronized to festive music, drawing in visitors and enhancing both holiday cheer and community engagement.
In a cul-de-sac in Mesa, Arizona, a group of 14 homeowners has been showcasing vibrant holiday lights for 30 years, a beloved tradition that prevails despite ongoing real estate changes. New residents frequently discover attics brimming with decorative items left behind by former owners, fostering a sense of community spirit. According to resident Stephanie Castillo Price, despite various cultural and religious backgrounds, everyone joins in unison to celebrate the season. “Everyone has been able to adopt their own expression of the holidays, and it creates a welcoming environment for all,” she explained. “There’s no chance that anyone walking down the street will feel left out.”
In Santa Clarita, California, Wakefield Court’s residents coordinated their holiday light displays to uplift their community following an earthquake. Now in its third decade, the annual Wakefield Winter Wonderland features inflatable decorations and wooden cutouts of beloved characters, ranging from Mickey Mouse to Homer Simpson. Bryan Cobb recalls his hesitations when he and his wife first visited the neighborhood but affirms that a heartfelt plea from her about living there won him over. “She started crying and said, ‘But this is the Christmas street! I want to live there!’” Cobb recounted. “We live here now, and we absolutely love it. The neighborhood truly bonds together.”
In Edmond, Oklahoma, the Miranda family has crafted a stunning holiday light display inspired by the musical “Wicked,” utilizing the rooftop to shoot spotlights in a theatrical fashion while presenting a singing witch’s visage displayed on a tall tree. “It felt like the ideal backdrop for a light show because it allows for dramatic effects,” said Elisabeth Miranda. She oversees the programming while her husband, Mark, manages the setup. “The process is labor-intensive; every single bulb has an assigned spot and number to ensure everything operates precisely at the right moment.” Since they began their light display in 2015, traffic surged after their feature on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” Though they faced some complaints, the Mirandas returned with improved traffic management strategies this year and have begun collecting donations for the Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police. “They contribute so much to our community, so this is our way of expressing our gratitude,” Miranda added.
In Las Vegas, Laura Walters and Lenny Standish are approaching their four-year objective of gathering 10,000 pairs of socks and underwear for local organizations aiding the homeless. Their endeavor began during the COVID-19 pandemic with a solitary Christmas tree, inviting community members to contribute ornaments. This season, their display boasts three snow machines in addition to dazzling lights and music. “People crave joy,” Walters observed. “Our world can be challenging, so providing an experience filled with love and happiness — it’s truly uplifting. We’ve never encountered any issues, and everyone has been respectful and grateful.”
In Kennesaw, Georgia, Richard Taylor estimates that his spectacular display featuring 1.2 million lights attracts over 40,000 visitors annually. “We spread joy to many,” he noted. “They wander through and forget their worries, taking time to simply enjoy themselves.”
