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World-Record Christmas Lights Display Raises Money For Charity

Remember that scene in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation where Clark Griswold finally gets the Christmas lights to work? Well, there’s a couple in New York who have turned fiction into…

Santa Claus and Snow White statues brightly lit

Santa Claus and Snow White statues brightly lit

byakkaya via Getty Images

Remember that scene in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation where Clark Griswold finally gets the Christmas lights to work? Well, there's a couple in New York who have turned fiction into reality. Their names are Tim and Grace Gay. They've made their house into the brightest spot on the block during Christmas! Like, really bright! Here's a video from a few nights ago.

It's a holiday tradition that started back in 2012. Tim and Grace decked out their place with more than 346,000 Christmas lights. Fast forward a few years and Tim and Grace's display smashed their own record by hitting over 600,000 lights! Can you imagine what that electric bill looks like?

A Christmas Light Spectacle You Must See In New York

Their house in Lagrangeville, New York, becomes quite the tourist attraction. Each year, thousands of folks come over there just to see the lights! According to ABC News, Tim and Grace's display gets anywhere between fifty and one hundred thousand visitors each holiday season!

But the coolest part about what Tim and Grace do is, they're not just showing off their love for Christmas—they always donate to a good cause! The couple raises money for local charities and raised almost $700,000 over the years! With a lot of the organizations being those that specialize in children's needs, according to the ABC article.

This year, Tim and Grace have gone even bigger! They’ve topped themselves yet again with over 720,000 lights, 1,700 strobes, and a playlist that's jam-packed with 255 songs! Their annual show started right after Thanksgiving and will continue to run till December 28th of this year.

This last part is great news for any of their neighbors who aren't a fan of the lights, noise, and traffic the display generates each year. Tim and Grace are not doing this forever. They say they plan on hitting the brakes when they've raised one million dollars for charity. That's when they'll finally dim those festive lights for good!

5 Awesome, And Free, Holiday Events In Las Vegas

Sometimes it seems like getting yourself or your family into the Christmas spirit means spending a small fortune. But there are lots of free things you can do in Las Vegas to put you in a holiday mood.

One thing about Las Vegas is that there is always something to do, at all hours of the day, every day. In fact, those of us who have lived in Sin City for a long time sometimes don't know how to function when traveling somewhere else. Stores that close at 10pm? Stores that close AT ALL? What's that about? Furthermore, what do those residents do when they're bored at 3 o'clock in the morning? Sleep? Boring.

And when it comes to the holidays in Las Vegas, there are plenty of activities, but most are not free. And actually things have gotten more expensive this year with recent inflation. A trip to Enchant at the Las Vegas ballpark, for example, is absolutely breathtaking. But it will also cost you almost $150 for a family of four to enjoy. Not a horrible price tag if that's your only holiday outing this year. But is one activity enough to get you into the Christmas spirit?

There are lots of things to do on the Strip at Christmas as well. However, if there are any that are free, you're still looking at paying for parking at almost every hotel and casino. So what's a family to do when they want to experience a lot of holiday cheer on a reasonable budget?

Well, there are many options for things to do around town that are free, or mostly free. You just have to know where to look and be a little savvy about getting your name on a list. Here are our favorite free (or nearly free) activities in Las Vegas for lots of holiday fun. -Wendy Rush, 96.3KKLZ

Downtown Summerlin's Holiday Parade

Free to the public and dripping with holiday spirit. You'll see some seriously talented local high school kids dancing, acting, riding on floats, and more. It goes every Friday and Saturday at 5:30 until December 16.

Ethel M's Cactus Garden Lights

A local staple at Christmastime in Southern Nevada is at Ethel M's Chocolates. Every holiday season, their famous cactus garden is lit up for Christmas. With over 500,000 holiday lights and other decor, it's a must-see for every family. Especially those on a budget because it's nearly free. Only $2 per person. You really should splurge for the hot chocolate though. And don't forget to keep an eye out for Santa!

Santa's Workshop At Bass Pro Shops

Santa must be a fisherman, because he's always at Bass Pro Shops during the holidays. His workshop is decked out with all the Christmas cheer your little one can stand. There's a mailbox for your little to send their letter to Santa. And Santa is there for free photos. Just make sure you reserve a time for your visit. You can do that here.

Mystic Falls Park Winter Wonderland At Sam's Town

If you think it doesn't snow at Christmastime in Vegas, think again. The forecast calls for snow every night through January 1, 2024 at Sam's Town. You'll also see a Christmas laser light show every hour on the hour. Plus pictures with Santa are available at the Gazebo until December 23. Get more information about updated times here.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden

Anyone who hasn't been to the Bellagio during the holidays is really missing out. A 40-foot Christmas tree, huge snow globe, red and white roses and tons of holiday decor. And this is just in the Conservatory. Which is open 24 hours a day and decked out for Christmas through January 7, 2024. And make sure you stop by the Fountains as well for their water show set to Christmas music.

If you're looking for a truly free experience and don't mind walking a bit, Treasure Island offers free parking and is three hotels up the street from Bellagio. Tropicana is a block down the street and also offers free parking, while it's still standing.

Ransom Garcia is the music director and afternoon host on 1079 Coyote Country. He’s been with the station since 2017, but he’s been on the Las Vegas airwaves since 2003. Although he's Vegas Born AND Raised, Ransom also has on-air duties on sister station Kiss 95.1 in Charlotte, NC. He is also set to be inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame in September of 2024. Ransom writes articles about pop culture, human interests, technology, video games and anything affecting Las Vegas.