10 Over-the-Top Christmas Decorations That Cost a Fortune
Elaborate and expensive Christmas light displays have become a hallmark of the holiday season, with enthusiasts all over the world pouring in time, effort, and tons of money to create these mesmerizing spectacles. The extravagant displays — which often feature thousands (or even millions) of lights synchronized to music, intricate decorations, and giant installations (hello, 40-foot Santa) — are known to captivate audiences and foster community spirit.
Wondering how much it costs to fund these lavish displays? We’ve got you covered with 10 of the most remarkable and expensive Christmas light displays across the world.
1. Dyker Heights: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Renowned for its lavish holiday decorations, homeowners in this affluent Brooklyn neighborhood have been known to spend upwards of $20,000 on their elaborate setups, complete with life-sized Santas, nutcrackers, sleighs, and millions of lights adorning their homes. The tradition, which began in the 1980s, has since attracted over 100,000 visitors to the Big Apple each year. The displays typically run from Thanksgiving all the way through New Year’s Eve.
2. The Gay Family’s Light Display: Lagrangeville, New York, U.S.
Holding a Guinness World Record for being the sparkliest home on the block, the Gay family’s display features over 601,736 lights that are synced to holiday music. The setup also includes giant heart and star decorations that attract visitors from far and wide every year. Naturally, operating such an extensive light display results in a monstrous electricity bill to the tune of $2,200 for the season (talk about a bill that will haunt you in your dreams).
3. The Richards Family’s Display: Canberra, Australia
The Richards family, who are Former Guinness World Record holders, adorned their property with over 502,165 lights before losing their title to the Gays. Their dazzling display not only spread holiday joy but also served a charitable purpose: The family raised over $80,000 for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) charities over three years. The Richards’ commitment to the festive season is evident in their hefty investment in decorations and energy costs that ran them about $2,291 per month.
4. Paul Bibby’s Tribute Display: Chelmsford, Essex, U.K.
In honor of his late partner, Lynda Cummings, Paul Bibby decorates his house with over 30,000 twinkling lights and 70,000 bulbs. The display includes inflatable festive figures and serves as a memorial to Cummings, who reportedly “adored Christmas.” Despite paying around $400 in electricity costs per month, Bibby’s dedication to the “late love of his life” brought much joy (and tears) to the community (and me). He also raised over $3,000 for the Essex Air Ambulance via donations.
5. Greg Zimmerman’s Houseboat: Newport Beach, California, U.S.
Every year, California resident Greg Zimmerman participates in the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade by decorating his houseboat with over 24,000 lights. The lights, which are synced to holiday classics like “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Sleigh Ride,” create a floating festive spectacle for both locals and visitors. Though operating the display costs him approximately $2,280 for the season, Zimmerman doesn’t seem to mind.
6. Long Island’s 42-Foot Inflatable Santa: New York, U.S.
A couple on Long Island installed a massive 42-foot inflatable Santa Claus on their front lawn in hopes of “making Christmas great again,” they said. The towering decoration naturally went on to attract hundreds of onlookers, including families with children coming to take photos. Secured with 24 lawn spikes and cords, the giant Santa cost a whopping $3,000 to set up.
7. ‘The Battle for the North Pole’: Highlands Ranch, Colorado, U.S.
This galactic display, which features over 20,000 lights and 40 inflatables, is a fan-favorite thanks to its Star Wars-themed main display. The setup features four inflatables that appear to be flying over the driveway. In addition to hefty energy costs, the family says they allot around $500 for “expansion and maintenance of the display.”
8. The Faucher Family’s Light Display: Delaware, U.S.
The Faucher family’s decked-out display, which featured over one million lights, gained national fame for its sheer grandeur and extravagance. The display cost over $82,000 each year; $7,000 of that was solely dedicated to the monthly electricity bill. After years of wowing visitors, the family decided to retire the display due to the insane cost and effort required to maintain it. Why, you don’t say.
9. Nat Nichols’ Grinch-Themed Display: Manchester, U.K.
Nat Nichols, a single mother living in a council house (a type of low-cost housing), told British newspaper “The Sun” that she spent £2,000 (around USD$2,538) on Christmas decorations. Those decorations included a Grinch-themed tree that cost her — wait for it — £400 ($507). Despite facing criticism for spending so much while receiving government help, she believes living in social housing shouldn’t limit her festive celebrations. Her extravagant display also included thousands of lights and specialized ornaments.
10. The Onstott Christmas Extravaganza: Commerce City, Colorado, U.S.
The Onstott family has created elaborate Christmas light displays for over 20 years. Their extravagant setup features a North Pole theme with a towering 18-foot Santa, a 16-foot mega tree, and four fire cannons. The family spends about 90 hours setting up the display every year, which includes more than 35,000 lights sequenced to over an hour of music.
The Onstotts use the yearly display to give back to local causes that provide basic necessities for refugees arriving in Denver through the Lutheran Family Services Refugee Resettlement Agency.