America's Wackiest Christmas Light Displays

Image: PHOTO: Christmas light displays can draw crowds from miles around (photo via Wikimedia Commons/Anthony92931)
Image: PHOTO: Christmas light displays can draw crowds from miles around (photo via Wikimedia Commons/Anthony92931)
Scott Hartbeck
by Scott Hartbeck
Last updated: 6:00 PM ET, Tue December 5, 2017

Christmas is a time for trimming the tree and hanging up the Christmas lights.

But in some parts of the country, this means a whole lot more than just stringing up a few blinking bulbs.

The following displays are a Christmassy cacophony of light and sound that would put even Clark Griswold to shame. They are especially great if you want to get into the festive spirit (and be thankful for your small electricity bill).

Jeater Bend: Celebration, Florida

Jeater Bend is locally known as "Christmas Street" due to the fact that not one but 11 houses all take part in a simultaneously choreographed display of lights and music, meaning that you can experience the full effect in 360-degrees.

The show-which includes fireworks, water displays, projections and movie scenes-has become such a draw with visitors that the street now provides a children's train to transport them up and down the street, along with live performances from movie characters and Santa Claus himself.

[READMORE]READ MORE: America's Best Christmas Markets for 2017[/READMORE]

The Johnson Family Residence: San Antonio, Texas

The Johnson Family have only been decorating the exterior of their house for the last four years, but after being featured on a Christmas light showdown feature on national television, they found they had to move house to accommodate the volume of people who were coming to watch their festive displays.

Their "show" isn't a traditional Christmas setup: They use a mix of dubstep and electronic dance music to choreograph state-of-the-art LED lighting to create an experience that lasts for around 10 minutes.

Christmas on Wendhurst: Glen Allen, Virginia

The Thompson Family have been decorating the exterior of their home since 2004, and their display now features over 170,000 lights and more than 1,300 homemade decorations.

The light display is such a draw for visitors that the family have even introduced a mistletoe kissing station, photo opportunity and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

[READMORE]READ MORE: Why Not Skip Christmas and Travel Instead?[/READMORE]

Piper Lights: Wake Forest, North Carolina

This drive-through light display stretches over one family's 7-acre estate and visiting it is the perfect way to get yourself ready for the festive season.

There's a free train ride through the lights for those without their own vehicle, a specially-designed candy store-selling popcorn, hot drinks, ornaments and memorabilia-and even special visits from Santa Claus himself.

Waikele Christmas Lights: Waipahu, Hawaii

The whole street (Anapau Place) takes part in this Christmas light extravaganza, which features two different displays that play on alternating days-providing an excuse to visit on multiple occasions.

Each light show lasts for around 40 minutes and features around 80,000 lights spread over five miles that are choreographed to some of your favorite Christmas songs. The street is closed off to traffic during the light displays to avoid congestion, so make sure you have some comfy shoes on to walk the route and take it all in.


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Scott Hartbeck

Scott Hartbeck

Editor true scotthartbeck 9309 14744 Born and raised in the USA but now based in the UK, Scott is a Europe travel expert who has been exploring the continent for over 20 years. He specializes in European rail and discovering underrated destinations & experiences

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