All is merry and bright during the holiday season, as families across the country are decking the halls with their over-the-top homemade displays.
Here’s The National Desk's list of some of the best homes in New England, which feature thousands of lights, blow molds, inflatables and more — with many accepting donations for charities across the region.
If you're in the area, please note several of the displays are weather-permitting.
If you know of a home that should be on this list, please email jabotelho@sbgtv.com.
RHODE ISLAND
Conway Christmas Lights Extravaganza, 265 Maple Valley Road, Coventry, R.I.
The Conway family has been decorating since 1992.
Joey Conway and his loved ones create a massive walk-through display.
This year, my dad made the path longer again," Conway told The National Desk. "We also have many new decorations, this year, too."
Their house is literally covered in lights!
It also features a handmade Polar Express train that’s 20 feet long and 12 feet tall, hundreds of blow molds and more.
The display is open Sunday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., as well as Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
______________
Giroux Family Christmas Display, 69 Outlook Avenue, East Providence, R.I.
Brian and Marsha Giroux, along with their four children, extended family and friends, love decorating during the holidays.
Their fantastical wonderland, which started about 12 years ago, features white and colored lights that "dance" to merry music.
Just tune in to 91.7 FM if you're in the area.
It takes about 20 hours of physical labor and 30 hours of computer work,” the family said.
Through the years, they’ve added a bunch of small evergreens that glow, twice as many sparkling candy canes and plenty more lights.
Their light show is about 30 minutes long, but they welcome guests to watch as long as their hearts desire.
The display will be lit Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
______________
The Lewis Family Christmas Light Show, 12 Shenandoah Road, Warwick, R.I.
The Lewis family has been inviting guests to their home at 12 Shenandoah Road in Warwick since 1996.
Everett and Kathy Lewis, along with their five children, said their lights "dance" to at least 30 Christmas songs broadcast on 106.9 FM.
We have four talking Christmas trees that will sing Christmas songs to you,” Everett said.
Everett said some of the most notable props in the display include their illuminated mega-tree, plus a 23-foot tall evergreen with 16 strands of lights, as well as leaping arches, starbursts and shooting stars.
There are also blow molds and inflatable Christmas characters, with classics like toy soldiers and teddy bears, as well as Disney characters such as Winnie the Pooh.
He credited his children for helping him set up.
“They do a great job helping me,” he said, noting the display usually takes about 120 hours to complete. “I couldn’t do it without them.”
The family is accepting donations on behalf of The Autism Project, with proceeds to benefit the non-profit organization’s summer camp, Camp WANNAGOAGAIN.
Everett said donations are also accepted on Venmo. Just search for @lewischristmas.
The display is lit Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:55 p.m., and Friday and Saturday nights from 5 p.m. to 9:25 p.m. through Dec. 31.
Visit the family's website for more information.
______________
Santa’s Magical Drive-Through Christmas Display, 106 Ten Rod Road, Exeter, R.I.
Anthony Gemma's drive-through Christmas display in Exeter helps raise funds for the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation, a non-profit organization that’s committed to helping people who have been impacted by cancer.
In 2020 alone, he and his loved ones raised more than $42,000 through the display.
This year, they hope to collect even more.
It’s really been so exciting to see everyone embrace it so much and it’s helping the foundation, so it’s really a win-win-win for everybody,” Anthony said, also noting his mother, Gloria, passed away from breast cancer in 2002.
The display features more than 120 inflatables that line the driveway, plus a musical light show.
Be on the lookout for many new additions to this year's show," the Gemmas said in a news release.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be giving toys and treats to all young children driving through on select Saturday nights, including Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Guests can also honor a loved one who is going through treatment, celebrating survivorship or remembering someone who has passed from cancer by dedicating an ornament on the display's "Tree of Life."
Admission is free but donations to @gloriagemmafoundation are encouraged.
The display is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting.
"Bring some joy to your family and support our local families touched by cancer!" the family said. "What a wonderful way to enjoy the holidays."
______________
The Picozzi Family Christmas Display, 75 Gristmill Road, Warwick, R.I.
Warwick's mayor loves Christmas and he said his duties as an elected official haven't gotten in the way of him decorating.
Mayor Frank Picozzi's animated light show is synchronized to at least 20 holiday hits.
He works on his display all year long. His goal is to share as much magic with as many people as possible.
People enjoy it. They bring their kids and tell me it’s a family tradition,” Picozzi said.
There’s also a donation bin outside the display accepting donations for The Tomorrow Fund, a non-profit organization that provides emotional and financial support to children with cancer who are being treated at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island.
The hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The display runs through New Year's Eve.
______________
The Frisina Family Lights, 283 Massasoit Avenue, East Providence, R.I.
The Frisina family has been decorating for 14 years now.
Their animated display features 32 programmable channels and more than 20,000 lights that "dance" to merry music.
Guests can tune their car radios to 89.9 FM and listen along.
The lights are on Monday through Thursday, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. until Jan. 2.
There's also a donation bin outside, as the family is collecting contributions for Type 1 diabetes in honor of Hannah Guevremont, as Hannah and the Frisina’s daughter, Emma, have been friends since pre-K.
Learn more about their display on Facebook.
______________
Sullivan Family Christmas Lights, 11 Laudone Dr., Westerly, R.I.
Jay and Robin Sullivan said their 2022 display has more lights than ever, with a grand total of at least 30,000.
Plus, they added a few other new elements, including a "Merry Christmas" sign and lights that line the woods in their backyard.
They decorated their swing set for the first time this year and incorporated a new "Star Wars" inflatable, C-3PO, which accompanies a blow-up AT-AT.
They said their loved ones helped decorate, spending about two weeks setting up.
The Sullivans also have several shooting stars and multiple evergreens covered in lights.
There’s one tree that stands out, as it was featured at their wedding reception on Dec. 11, 2004, and later planted in their yard.
“It was about 5-and-a-half feet tall when we got it,” Jay said. “It’s over 20 feet tall now.”
The display will be lit nightly from 5-10 p.m. through New Year’s Day.
Check out their display on Facebook.
______________
The Silcox Family's Crazy Christmas House, 74 Vera Street, Warwick, R.I.
Christine and Gil Silcox love decorating for the holidays.
They have been decking the halls for years and have added thousands more lights and plenty of cute new festive figures.
We started with a small blow-up Mickey and Pooh bear back in 2004," Christine said.
The centerpiece for the display is new this year: a singing reindeer.
The roof is adorned with colorful lights, while snowflakes and icicles glisten on the house.
There are adorable snowmen, penguins and polar bears on the lawn, plus loveable characters from "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and Snoopy and Woodstock from “Peanuts” greeting guests.
The family said they enjoy seeing all the cars that stop by to check out the lights.
“We can hear all the kids squealing in excitement pointing out the different figures and seeing the adults smile in awe with the kid inside them coming out. Happy to put a smile on so many faces this year," Christine said.
"It makes all the work absolutely worth it," she added.
The display is lit nightly from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. until Christmas.
______________
Boucher Family Christmas Display, 6 Hilton Ave., East Providence, R.I.
A man in East Providence honors his late grandmother in a special way every holiday season.
Paul Boucher said his grandmother, Lily, died in 2018.
Since then, he and his loved ones have been decorating their home at 6 Hilton Ave. in her memory.
“Ever since I was a little boy, she loved decorating and I think that’s where I get most of it from,” Boucher said.
The display features thousands of lights, as well as handcrafted props, including a pair of 8-foot-tall nutcrackers.
We’ve added hundreds of more lights," Boucher told The National Desk.
Boucher also said they added new props for 2022, including several new scenes.
Now, there's a Christmas Teddy Bear Hot Cocoa Lodge with new animatronics, life-size flying reindeer and sleigh, "and a few other special attractions."
Plus, there's a "Letters to Santa" mailbox that's "displayed with a music playlist that can’t be beat."
There's also Santa’s Workshop, with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and a baby reindeer, as well as a reindeer barn, complete with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, adorned with a handmade sleigh bell harness.
He transformed a few children’s playhouses he found at yard sales to achieve the look.
The display is lit nightly from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. through New Year’s Day.
______________
“Corsilette,” 467 Seven Mile Road, Cranston, R.I.
Playing on the name La Salette, which hosts a massive Christmas display in Massachusetts each year, “Corsilette” is aglow at 467 Seven Mile Road in Cranston.
Derek Corsi said his family always decorated when he was growing up, so he wanted to continue the tradition at his own home.
White icicles hang from the trim of the house, and red and green lights shimmer on the shutters, windows and doors.
There's also something new this year, Corsi said.
"(The) music is up and running and the lights are dancing!" Corsi told The National Desk.
The display also includes toy soldiers and candle blow molds.
The blow molds are sort of the signature thing with this display,” Corsi. “These I’ve had since I was a little kid, and this is what I kind of brought along with me.”
He said it takes him about a week to set up, working on it for a few hours each night.
The display is lit nightly from dusk through 10 p.m., weather permitting.
The family also hosts an annual Halloween display. Learn more on Facebook.
______________
Souza Family Christmas, 8 North St., Warwick, R.I.
Pete and Nancy Souza, along with their daughter, Alexandria, love decorating their home for the holidays.
Alexandria said almost all of their props are handmade, including her favorite items: two massive nutcrackers that stand at the top of their driveway.
The nutcrackers are 9 feet tall and made out of styrofoam, linoleum and PVC piping.
Pete is partial to the manger he made, which features blow molds of the Holy Family, along with the Angel Gabriel and more.
He also made the Ferris wheel and carousel out of plywood, which both spin in time to nearly 20 instrumental holiday hits.
The Souza family said they are happy to spread peace, love and joy to the neighborhood, which they’ve been doing through their display since 2009.
The display is lit Monday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
______________
Lights for Lives, 84 Hayden Ave., Tiverton, R.I.
Colleen and Larry St. Onge opened their display to the public more than 10 years ago after a few neighbors asked them if their children could walk around their yard to see the lights.
“At that time, we didn't have nearly as much as we do now. But we thought, ‘If we grow the show and invite people to come and enjoy it, maybe we can bring joy to people,’” Colleen said.
Through the years, the St. Onge family has more than tripled the number of lights in their computer-animated show. They have thousands of lights that “dance” to music on 91.7 FM.
While you can listen from your car, you can also stroll around the walkways.
When asked what she likes best about the display, Colleen said she doesn’t have a favorite part “because every time someone comes and gets excited about a display piece, I see it through their eyes, and I fall in love with the memory.”
The display is lit from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Santa will visit each Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with monetary donations to benefit Make-A-Wish, and non-perishable food donations will be donated to the Tiverton Food Pantry.
______________
Rick and Leslie's Merry Mansion, 149 Rowe Ave., Pawtucket, R.I.
Each December, Rick and Leslie said they go from horror to Hallmark, as they often decorate for Halloween and then get decked out for the holidays.
Glowing evergreens and illuminated candy canes sparkle on the lawn of their drive-by display at 149 Rowe Ave. in Pawtucket.
"We also have music playing at night," Leslie said.
The display features Santa’s Village, inflatables, as well as a visit from The Grinch, including Dec. 17.
He will be handing out candy canes and taking pictures with anyone who wants one," Leslie said, with Rick adding they will also pass out free hot chocolate.
Rick said there are a few new props this year, including playful penguins on a slide and two giant glistening candy canes.
There’s also a reindeer leading a sleigh, a gingerbread man, plus wreaths and bows on every window and door.
The couple is collecting letters to Santa, with children asked to leave a return address on the envelopes.
They are also encouraging the public to make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, which supports military veterans who have been injured while serving the country.
"I am from a military family, with my son stationed in Hawaii in the U.S. Army," Rick told The National Desk. "I am starting a GoFundMe page to promote."
The lights are on nightly from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"We will keep them on longer, depending on the traffic in front of the house," Leslie said.
______________
Tucker Family Christmas Display, 5 Vista Dr., Lincoln, R.I.
A home on Vista Drive in Lincoln is lit for the 2022 holiday season.
Keith Tucker said "The Tucker Family Christmas Display" is a walk-through display, which features three paths and inflatables like Frosty the Snowman, Mickey Mouse and Minions.
There are also wooden cutouts of characters from "Peanuts" and "Garfield," as well as leaping arches on the lawn and snowflakes on the house.
Tucker said there are plenty of photo opportunities across the path, a bin for "Letters to Santa," and clues for guests to participate in a scavenger hunt.
The family is also collecting food for no-kill animal shelters across the area.
The display is open nightly from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
______________
Knobel's Kozy Christmas, 22 Candlewood Dr., Smithfield. R.I.
Jessica Knobel sets up her display with help from her 17-year-old son, Jeremy.
"He does all the heavy lifting," Knobel said.
The light show is synchronized to nine holiday songs. Guests can tune in to 88.1 FM to follow along.
There are also several big inflatables, including an 18-foot mega-tree, a 12-foot inflatable Santa Claus, a 12-foot inflatable snowman, a 10-foot inflatable of Carl the Minion and more.
Four big singing Christmas bulbs are the centerpiece of the display.
Knobel said they are popular with children.
“Parents love it because they can come and park for a good 12 minutes,15 minutes, and their kids are entertained for a while,” she said.
The lights are on each evening from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., rain or shine, through Jan. 15.
______________
Derrick Leveilee's Christmas Display, 52 Swan St., North Providence, R.I.
It's the 12th year Derrick Leveilee has decorated his home along Swan St. in North Providence.
He said he had to scale back a bit this year, but it's still merry and bright.
His display features lights that "dance" to music, as well as a candy cane walkway, blow molds and more.
I love seeing the excitement of the kids and the expressions," he said. "Kids in my neighborhood have sat in their windows to watch me build it. When I hear their excitement, it really warms my heart."
He said his parents always decorated when he was growing up and he wanted to keep the tradition going.
The display is lit nightly from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. through Jan. 1.
______________
Spadoni Family Christmas, 105 Northampton St., Warwick, R.I.
It’s been a rough holiday season for Art and Donna Spadoni and his loved ones, as their daughter, Jennifer Wheeler died on Dec. 11 after a battle with leukemia.
Donna was recently diagnosed with liver cancer.
Still, Art continues his annual Christmas tradition of decorating their yard.
He has been putting up the display for at least 12 years. It features hand-carved and hand-painted wood carvings, including multiple reindeer, Olaf the snowman, and more.
I make everything myself,” Art told The National Desk.
He also said there are a few new additions to the display this year: an orange ribbon and a green ribbon.
The two ribbons out there are four leukemia and liver cancer,” he said, noting that he made the ribbons just a few days before Jennifer’s death. “When I set it up and showed her the ribbon, she loved it.”
He later added her name, her birthday, as well as the date she passed away.
“It just means something more this year,” he said. “It’s been a whirlwind, but the support is really good. The support from work, family, and friends – it’s immense.”
Art also sets up an annual Halloween display, as well as enjoys creating sand sculptures at a few beaches not far from his home. He said the hobbies help him cope with the loss of his daughter, as well as his wife’s diagnosis.
“It’s a major release,” he said.
The display will be lit nightly from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Jan. 1.
______________
MASSACHUSETTS
Kut Family Christmas Light Display, 10 Sycamore Lane, Westport, Mass.
The Kut family's drive-by display gets bigger and better every year.
But there are a few things that are still the same, as the house is still decked out in thousands of lights.
It also features nearly 20 sparkling snowflakes on the front of the house, strings of colored lights on the roof, at least 30 blow molds and a shimmering star that hangs high in a tree.
The star has a special meaning, as it’s dedicated to Steve Kut's late father.
“When I was a kid, one of the most important things in my life was looking at Christmas lights with my family,” Kut said. “We were time rich. We didn’t have a lot of money, so basically, we didn’t go to Disney or do super expensive stuff like that. We drove around and looked at big displays in the area. My father was kind of a crazy decorator himself, so I think it got passed down in the blood. That’s kind of what I do for him.”
The family is collecting new, unwrapped gifts to benefit Toys for Tots, a non-profit organization that donates toys to children in need during the holidays.
The display is lit nightly starting at dusk through Jan. 1.
Learn more about the Kut Family Christmas Display on Facebook.
______________
Rubin Drive's "Light to Fight" Breast Cancer, Norton, Mass.
A group of neighbors in Norton, Massachusetts, come together to create one big magical winter wonderland during the holiday season — and it's for a good cause that's "near and dear" to their hearts.
Rubin Drive's "Light To Fight" Breast Cancer Fundraiser helps raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research in honor of their friend who was diagnosed and underwent a double mastectomy.
“In a show of support, all her neighbors added a special lighted pink ribbon to their lawns or homes,” said Lori Hill, noting her husband Steve helped her start the initiative.
"2022 marks our ninth annual 'Light to Fight' fundraiser and is also (our friend's) 8-year milestone," Hill also said. "She is strong and brave. And she has all of us behind her!"
Contributions go toward The Ellie Fund. In 2021 alone, they raised more than $16,000 for the nonprofit.
"We chose The Ellie Fund again because they offer FREE assistance to patients in Massachusetts," Hill said. "YOUR DONATIONS GO TO REAL PEOPLE, possibly even someone you know and love!! So thank you for your continued generosity and support!!"
All five participating homes are adorned with lights, with many featuring glowing pink ribbons.
Their annual fundraising night is on Dec. 10 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"Santa will be making a special appearance and have candy canes for his little friends," Hill said. "Also, the East Providence Police Department will be showcasing their breast cancer awareness cruiser. You won’t want to miss it!!"
The lights will be on from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
______________
The Sachs Family Lights Extravaganza, 21 Mann St., Bellingham, Mass.
Justin and Amanda Sachs love inviting guests to their holiday extravaganza.
They are up to more than 20,000 pixels, which allows the family to control the color of each bulb.
This year, a few hundred new lights were added to the house, adding to the many visual effects that are utilized in every song!" Sachs told The National Desk.
The pixels "dance" to music, with guests following along on 101.7 FM.
"The new songs so far this year include 'Feliz Navidad' and 'Sweet Child of Mine,'" Sachs said. "And, of course, some old favorites are still shining bright every night. Right now, the entire show runs 69 minutes although this is anticipated to expand in the coming weeks!"
There are at least 20 shimmering snowflakes on the house, as well as four singing Christmas trees, a mega-tree, three large video matrixes, eight mini trees, leaping arches and more.
On Dec. 17, Santa will be at the display to offer a once-a-year photo opportunity with the lights.
The family is collecting donations for the Diabetes Foundation, Inc.
"Whether you are living with diabetes, pre-diabetes or at risk, their free Guidance, Education, Support Groups and Financial Assistance offer you opportunities to get on track or stay on track with your health," the Sachses noted on social media. "Please help us this year in raising awareness and funds for this amazing charity!"
The show runs nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Learn more about the family's displays on Facebook.
______________
Steven Knight's Very Merry Christmas, 217 Globe St., Fall River, Mass.
Steven Knight said he and his loved ones have been decorating "for quite some time now."
He said he and his parents started the tradition more than 15 years ago.
In fact, he said they still have some of the original decorations.
"I also have some antique blow molds that I have collected off of eBay, and some new ones that they did a remake on this year!" Knight added.
The house also features colored lights around each window, while there's a sign that says, "Merry Christmas," on the lawn.
"I love doing this for everyone to be able to enjoy!" Knight said.
His aunt, Debbi, said "Steven has so much Christmas Spirit and he shares it with his community. He does a wonderful job decorating his entire yard and his parents' home."
"I’m one proud Aunt," Debbi said.
The display is lit nightly from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
______________
CONNECTICUT
Amarante's Winter Wonderland, 8 Pratt Road, Dayville, Conn.
Photos and videos don't do justice to Amarante's Winter Wonderland, as it is truly dazzling.
Daniel and Alexis Amarante said their loved ones always help decorate their walk-through, adding there are "lots of new things" for the 2022 holiday season.
"We are up to 185,000 lights with so many new displays," the family told The National Desk, adding they also have a brand-new gift shop.
Plus, they are helping multiple charities this year.
They are collecting monetary donations for Make-a-Wish Connecticut, a nonprofit organization that "shines a light of hope for children fighting critical illnesses when they need it most."
On Dec. 17 and 18, Santa will visit for a winter hat, sock and glove drive" to benefit Feed the Needs Mobile Outreach, which is another nonprofit.
That's not all.
From Dec. 19 to Jan. 1, they are doing a diaper drive for the Diaper Bank of Northeastern Connecticut.
They said the path, which takes up most of their yard, is wheelchair friendly. Pets are also welcome but they must be on a leash.
The display is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through New Year's Day. The display is closed on Mondays.
Learn more about the display on Facebook.
______________
Joshua's Christmas Display, 15 Hillscrest Road, Plainville, Conn.
For Joshua Brunelle and his family, the holidays are a time to remember loved ones, including his mother Jill who passed away in 2011.
"She loved to decorate for Christmas every year," Brunelle said.
The display is also a tribute to his aunt, Diana, who died this year.
Plus, he and his family love sharing comfort and joy with their community.
Their synchronized light show features thousands of brand-new pixel lights programmed to at least a dozen songs.
Brunelle said there are many other new elements for 2022.
"We converted our tree to pixel," he said, adding there's also a new pixel board.
Tune into 92.9 FM and watch the show from the comfort of your car.
Brunelle said they will be collecting donations for the Plainville Food Pantry, as well as doing Letters to Santa.
"The mailbox and donation box will be at the end of the driveway like years past," Brunelle said.
The display will be lit Sunday through Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Learn more about the display on Facebook.