Being the ultimate Christmas decorator isn’t just about putting up a few lights or adding a Santa to your lawn—it’s about creating something that can bring joy and holiday cheer to an entire community. For people like Logan Moore, Mitch Faas, and others, decking out their homes with holiday lights is an art form, a passion, and a community-building activity that takes months of planning, hard work, and investment.
What started as a simple hobby has evolved into a full-blown spectacle, with elaborate light shows, synced music, and even animatronic displays. But the rewards are worth it. The effort, the costs, the long hours of installation, and the commitment to upgrading each year are all driven by one singular goal: spreading holiday cheer.
The Evolution of Christmas Light Shows
Logan Moore, based in Southside, Alabama, has spent the last 25 years perfecting his holiday displays. He began his Christmas journey in the early 2000s by syncing colour-changing lights to a playlist of Christmas songs, a revolutionary idea back then. His shows quickly gained attention, drawing so many visitors that local authorities had to step in to manage traffic.
Today, Moore runs the Moore Family Lights, a stunning 10- to 12-song light show that evolves year after year. His shows are interactive—visitors can tune into the radio frequency to hear the music, which includes personal favourites like tracks by cinematic producer Tommee Profitt.
In addition to Moore, the rise of social media has given a platform to other Christmas light enthusiasts who also put months of effort into their displays. For them, sharing their light shows online is not just about showing off; it’s about connecting with others who share their passion. This community is growing, and many of them now participate in holiday competitions like The Great Christmas Light Fight, a popular ABC reality show that showcases extravagant home displays.
The Dedication Behind the Decorations
Being a Christmas light superfan requires a level of dedication and passion that goes beyond what most people can imagine. Take Mitch and Shenan Faas, for example. This duo from Saratoga Springs, Utah, has crafted a holiday light show that has gained over 120,000 YouTube views. Their show includes creative moments like a “Wicked” medley, a Deadpool tribute, and the more traditional songs like “Mary Did You Know?” and “Carol of the Bells.”
Every year, the Faas family aims to outdo themselves, pushing the limits of their creativity and their light setups. One of the most popular segments is the “Defying Gravity” performance set to a song from Wicked, which always elicits an emotional response from viewers, especially kids who go crazy over it.
Challenges and Considerations for the Ultimate Display
Setting up these massive holiday light displays isn’t a walk in the park. Many decorators, like Tim Mays of South Elgin, Illinois, who has an impressive 120,000-light show, take months to plan and set everything up. Mays even goes the extra mile by sending out letters to neighbours, letting them know what to expect during the installation process. This heads-up is essential to prevent issues like blocked driveways or traffic disruptions.
The display itself is just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the scenes, decorators are working tirelessly on the technical aspects: syncing music, configuring lights, and even troubleshooting when things go wrong. In fact, many decorators, like Lucas Tran in Apalachin, New York, spend hours rigging up thousands of lights and managing the technical side of things. But the results speak for themselves.
Cost and Power Bills: Are They Worth It?
One of the common questions people have about these elaborate Christmas displays is the cost—both in terms of installation and electricity. It’s no secret that running thousands of lights for hours every night can rack up a hefty bill. However, decorators like Moore and Mays report only moderate increases in their electricity costs, thanks to the energy efficiency of LED lights.
Generally, decorators find that their monthly electric bills increase by $50 to $150, which is a small price to pay for a display that runs for several weeks. For many, the joy they bring to their communities makes it all worthwhile. As Lucas Tran puts it, “My mom hasn’t complained about the electric bill”—a sentiment that resonates with many decorators who consider their holiday display an investment in happiness.
Bigger and Better Each Year
As with any creative project, the goal is always to get bigger and better. Logan Moore added a 5,200-light roof decoration to his display this year, as well as an animatronic snowman. He also rigged a large present with a “Christmas Spirit Meter”, complete with theatrical fog for extra flair.
For Tim Mays, the addition of four moving spotlights on the roof was a major upgrade. While he initially hesitated, knowing that the new lights would attract more traffic, he soon realised that the upgrade was well worth it. Now, his lights can be seen from miles away, attracting even more visitors and spreading holiday cheer.
Each year, these super-decorators invest significant time and resources into upgrading their displays. Whether it’s adding new lighting effects, creating intricate animations, or building props like light-up presents, there’s always something new to see.
Bringing Joy During Difficult Times
For some decorators, like Peter Schorsch in St. Petersburg, Florida, their holiday light shows take on even greater meaning in the face of adversity. After his neighbourhood was devastated by back-to-back hurricanes, Schorsch debated whether or not to put up his annual Disney-themed display, which includes Santa Mickeys and light-studded palm trees.
Initially hesitant, Schorsch asked his local Facebook group for input. The response was overwhelmingly supportive: people wanted the lights, especially for their children. Schorsch realised that his display was more than just a tradition—it was a beacon of hope during a difficult time.
Conclusion: The True Spirit of Christmas Decorating
For the dedicated Christmas light decorators, the ultimate reward is not in the electricity bill or the crowds that flock to their homes. It’s in the joy they bring to others, the sense of community they foster, and the memories they create. Every string of lights, every song synced to perfection, and every creative addition is part of a larger effort to spread holiday cheer.
Being a super Christmas decorator isn’t easy, but the magic they create is what truly makes the holiday season special for countless families. If you’ve ever driven by a house decked out with thousands of twinkling lights and felt your heart swell with holiday spirit, you know exactly what these decorators are striving for.
Relevant links for further reading
- Moore Family Lights
- The Great Christmas Light Fight
- LED Christmas Lights
- Christmas Light Decorations
- The History of Christmas Lights
Photo credit: Families Magazine
