Holly's Tacky Christmas Lights

Light Viewing Tips

STAY OUT OF THE DISPLAYS - YARDS!!!

An overwhelming concern of display owners is people walking through their displays.
Many use very high electrical current.
No only could you break electric connections affecting the display but you could be killed!
PLEASE, enjoy the view from outside the display/yard. Thanks!

Be Considerate

Not everyone likes these extravagant light displays, especially some of their neighbors, so....Be quiet.
For animated displays, KEEP YOUR CAR RADIO VOLUME DOWN.
TURN OFF YOUR HEADLIGHTS and engines for extended viewing.
Don't hold up traffic, park and view as long as you wish.
Do not block neighbor's driveways.
Be aware of other light viewers and do not stop in front of them.
Don't walk or drive on neighbors yards.
Watch out for pedestrians and pets.
DO NOT LITTER / leave behind trash or half-eaten food/drinks.
When leaving, please go to the end of the road/culdesac/next intersection to safely turn around.
Please respect the neighbors and DO NOT use their driveways to turn around.
Observe the posted speed limit on all neighborhood roads.

Best of Days, Worst of Days

Most displays don't come on nightly until mid-December.
The best dates for viewing lights are between December 10th and December 25th.
Some homes may turn on their display Thanksgiving weekend and on the weekends preceding December 10th.
Many displays are turned off and taken down immediately after Christmas.
Some stay on until New Years or until the Epiphany (Jan. 6).
If known, this info will be included on the the Display Detail page, reached by clicking on the display's small photo.
Some displays have their own Facebook page/website, these links will be included on the Display Detail page.
Note; You may find some displays off on Christmas eve and Christmas day due to holiday traveling.

Right Time, Right Place

There's nothing worse than driving some distance to see lights and finding them off.
The overall best viewing times are from 6pm to 8pm.
Some are on until 9pm or later.
Check the hours, if listed, for the homes you're planning to visit to avoid disappointment.
Do not honk or knock on the door to ask an owner to turn on their display. You can ask if you see them in the yard.

Rain, Rain Go Away

Big displays are typically OFF for Rain, High Wind.
Bad weather can have a disastrous effect on these displays.
Some owners do not turn on their lights when it's raining or too windy.
Snow is usually not a factor and even adds to the display but, beware of untreated neighborhood roads
Please join the companion Facebook group for the latest on weather closings.

Have a Plan

To make the most of your viewing time, plan your route in advance by using the ROUTES page.
Holly has made the effort to create Routes by Major Roads and by City.
Choose displays that are close together and bring maps in case you get lost.
If you have a GPS, even better.... Holly has also created a Google Map to all the displays.

Exit the Vehicle

Get out of your car to get the displays' full effects.
Most of us have dirty windshields and our view is limited by the car's dimensions.
Also, crowds outside will draw out the owner.

Get the Christmas Spirit

Tune to a local channel playing Christmas music while riding around or sing carols.
Some displays include an FM broadcast. They usually have signs telling you where to tune-in.

Look but, Don't Touch

Do not enter a display unless invited by the owner.
Keep a close eye on your children and DO NOT let them touch the decorations.
These displays require a lot of electrical cords all over the place.
You or your child might inadvertently break a connection or worse, seriously injury yourself.

Meet the Owner

Your experience will be more fulfilling if you get to talk to the homeowner.
But DO NOT knock on the door.
If you see someone in the yard, strike up a conversation.
Most homeowners love to talk about their displays.
Some have private displays they may be willing to show you.

No Tacky House Stands Alone

Where there is one, there are probably more so, drive around the neighboring streets.
Some neighborhoods have decorating contests.

Limit Viewing Time

Limit your viewing time to 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
After more than 2 hours, fatigue sets in and viewing enjoyment diminishes.
Also, you probably need a bathroom break.

Say Thank You

Consider sending a Christmas card to the addresses of your favorite displays thanking them for their efforts.
Please consider bring non-perishable foods to donate to Food Banks collection boxes.
Some displays accept cash/checks for various charities.
If a display is collecting food/funds, it will be noted on the Display Detail page, reached by clicking on the Display Thumbnail Photo.



And one last thing...

PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE DISPLAYS - YARDS!!!


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