It’s that time of year again as the chilly weather really sets in, students finish up papers and finals before returning home again, and the holidays are upon us, bringing with them that special Christmas spirit. Sadly, most of the time Christmas spirit comes with bundle of stress. Though Christmas is supposed to be the time of good tidings, what many of us find are nasty shoppers bustling about stores, and even worse, parking lots, trying to get their last minute shopping done. After a long day at work who really wants to deal with that? Unfortunately, we have to, but what better way to de-stress and still enjoy the holiday season than taking a drive around the island to check out the beautiful decorations that Long Island families put so much effort into. Personally, I remember the sheer joy my family felt as we stood outside of the homes of our neighbors marveling at the displays. This here is a list of the top 10 light displays that we here at longisland.com feel are must sees this holiday season.
- 1027 Woodcliff Drive, Franklin Square
The Gangi family understands that sometimes, less is more. Moderately decorated, the Gangi home is trimmed in traditional Christmas bulbs with a snowflake display on their roof and trees wrapped in strings of lights. Plastic toy soldiers line their walkway as Santa, Frosty, some teddy bears and a gingerbread man rest on the lawn. Though this home may not be as exorbitant as others it certainly succeeds is stirring up that warm, Christmas cheer.
- 186 N. Syracuse Ave, North Massapequa
The Oemcke residence in North Massapequa has a wealth of inflatable displays on their property include an area devoted to Santa’s workshop. Larger than life penguins, snowmen and soldiers greet drivers-by as large snowflakes hang overhead and a miniature ferris wheel spins on the lawn.
- 117 Rimlet Drive, Commack
The Pfeiffer home in Commack is one of the most festive in the area. Miniature trees dot the property as a hot air balloon descends from the sky with Christmas present offerings, which are also strewn about the lawn. Snowman and penguins wave “hello” and a tiny Santa wishes all visitors a happy holiday.
- 33 Harlem Avenue, Medford
Light-gazers are in for a treat at the Parrillo home in Medford. The Parrillo’s light display includes their own FM radio station that visitors can tune into while staying warm and cozy in their cars. Lights decorating the house and trees on the property are synchronized with the music giving fans a unique Christmas light show experience.
- 98 Camille Lane, East Patchogue
Ed Dougherty and wife, Deborah, decorated their home in East Patchogue with more than 10,000 individual holiday lights. 6,000 of these lights are strung on a 21-foot tree that Ed erected their front lawn.120 figures decorate the lawn and this year Ed is participating in the ever growing trend of synchronizing lights with music for an extravagant light show.
- Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show, 600 Lakeview Ave, Bayport
For the entire month of December the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County hold a drive-through Holiday light show. Wandering down a mile-long woodland trail drivers will be surrounded by holiday vignettes and spectacular light displays. This year will mark their 8th successful year as Long Island’s largest drive-through display. This holiday event also gives children a chance to have their pictures taken with Santa and get in any last minute gift requests. The trail is open 5pm-9pm and tickets are $12 per car, Monday through Thursday, and $15 per car on weekends.
- The Lindy Christmas House, 405 North Broadway, Lindenhurst
Having been in the Christmas lights display game for over a decade, the residents of this Lindenhurst home are no joke. Their home and property is decked with over 32,000 strings of lights including a 21-foot tall Christmas tree made entirely of lights and a New Year’s Ever ball that drops down a 20-foot pole. This house comes equipped with its very own radio station with a one-block radius creating lights that blink along in concert with music. Donations are accepted at the home on behalf of a local childhood cancer foundation.
- Celebration in Lights, 2 Chet Swezey Road, Center Moriches (Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck)
This year will mark Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck’s second annual light holiday light show. It is the only holiday lights show offered on the East End of Long Island. Visitors will drive through the grounds of the camp surrounded by dazzling displays, with the light count reaching over one million. The light show is will be open December 16-18 and again on December 27-30, 6pm-9pm. Tickets are $15 per car and proceeds will support Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck’s special-needs children’s programs.
- Newsday Holiday Lights Festival, 235 Pinelawn Road, Melville
This will be the first year Newsday holds its Holiday Lights Festival. Visitors are warmly welcomes to walk around 625 feet of light displays. The Festival will also feature a full-sized ice skating rink and a holiday marketplace for shoppers. There are only 7 days left to catch this display. Times are as follows: Friday 12/16 6-11pm, Saturday 12/17 5-11pm, Sunday 12/18 5-10pm, Thursday 12/22 6-10pm, Friday 11/23 6-11pm, Thursday 12/29 6-10, and Friday 12/30 6-11pm. Tickets prices range from $5-$10.
- 98 Fenimore Street, Lynbrook
The Padilla Family spends about 3 week decorating their home for the Christmas season. Most of the decorations are handmade because, as Ken Pedilla puts it, they “want to have the stuff no one else has, [they] want to stand out.” A homemade teddy bear ferris wheel is one of the main attractions on Fenimore Street and each year the family tries to add something new to their collection. This year a sign that reads “Merry Christmas” was moved from Ken’s father home in Brooklyn to the Lynbrook home’s front lawn.