Elaborate Holiday Light Displays Illuminate the Season with Joy

CONCORD, N.H. — As the holiday season approaches, neighborhoods across the country are transformed into spectacles of light and cheer, offering a reprieve from the stresses of everyday life.

In Mesa, Arizona, residents of a cul-de-sac have maintained a beloved tradition for 30 years, pooling their efforts to create a stunning holiday display. New homeowners often find decorations left by previous residents, highlighting the community’s warm spirit. Stephanie Castillo Price speaks to this unity, noting, “There’s not somebody that’s going to walk down the street and not feel included.”

Meanwhile, in Santa Clarita, California, the Wakefield Court neighborhood has come together to celebrate the holiday season following an earthquake. Their 30-year tradition, known as the Wakefield Winter Wonderland, features an array of inflatable figures and whimsical characters, uniting the community in a festive display.

Bryan Cobb recalls his wife’s emotional response when they considered moving to the neighborhood, exclaiming, “This is the Christmas street! I want to live there!” The couple now relishes the connections they’ve forged with their neighbors through this celebration.

In Edmond, Oklahoma, the Miranda family’s holiday display has evolved dramatically since its inception in 2015. Combining intricate light programming with music from the musical “Wicked,” the show draws admiration and traffic. Elisabeth Miranda details the elaborate setup, emphasizing, “Every single bulb has a spot, a place, a number.” After some initial backlash, they refined their approach to include better traffic management while donating proceeds to local police initiatives.

Across the country in Las Vegas, Laura Walters and Lenny Standish have turned their holiday display into a charitable effort. This year, they aim to collect 10,000 pairs of socks and underwear for the homeless. Originally started during the COVID-19 pandemic, their display has grown from a simple Christmas tree to an expansive spectacle complete with snow machines.

Richard Taylor, based in Kennesaw, Georgia, shares that his extravagant display, featuring 1.2 million lights, attracts around 40,000 visitors annually. “We bring joy to a lot of people,” he affirms, as spectators enjoy a temporary escape from their worries.