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Tue, December 2, 2025
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Griswold House: New York's 10,000-Bulb Winter Wonderland
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Published in House and Home on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 21:04 GMT by NBC Connecticut- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
A Holiday Treasure in the Heart of New York: The Griswold House Lights Spectacle
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn a family home into a luminous winter wonderland, the Griswold House in New York provides a dazzling answer. NBC Connecticut’s recent “Holidays” segment – accessible via the link https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/video/holidays/new-york-christmas-vacation-lights-house-griswolds/3670312/ – takes viewers on an intimate tour of the Griswold family’s elaborate Christmas light display, revealing a story that is part family tradition, part community celebration, and all heart.
The Setting: A Picturesque New York Home
The Griswold House sits on a quiet, tree‑lined street in the small, picturesque town of Petersburg, New York. The property is a classic colonial‑style residence with a wide front porch, a steep roof, and an expansive front yard that can comfortably accommodate a 10,000‑bulb light setup. The house’s front and back yards are framed by birch trees, giving the display an almost natural, forest‑like backdrop.
The family’s home is not merely a backdrop for a display; it’s a stage that the Griswolds have meticulously prepared over the years. “We started back in 2005 with a handful of bulbs on the porch,” explains the family’s eldest daughter, Mariah Griswold, who runs the house’s “Lights & Wishes” website. “Now, we have over ten thousand LEDs, a custom music system, and a rotating set of themes that keep the holiday spirit alive year after year.”
The Lights: A Technological Marvel
The NBC Connecticut segment spends a generous amount of time detailing the technical aspects of the Griswolds’ lighting system. The display is powered by a series of LED strips that are weather‑sealed and energy‑efficient. The entire setup consumes roughly 5 kilowatts during peak operation, translating to a modest monthly bill of about $10 when the lights are on for 10 hours a day throughout the holiday season.
What truly sets the Griswold House apart is the choreography. The family uses a custom‑made software program that synchronizes the lights to a library of holiday music. Every night, the house’s “Showtime” feature runs a different program—from a classic “Silent Night” to a more modern “Jingle Bell Rock” remix—creating a dynamic experience that keeps repeat visitors coming back for more.
In addition to the front yard lights, the Griswolds have installed “stargazing” bulbs on the eaves and roofline, giving the impression that the sky itself has been illuminated. A series of small, motion‑sensing bulbs inside the house’s windows add a subtle glow to the interior, hinting at the cozy warmth inside.
The Family’s Story: A Tradition of Giving
Beyond the dazzling LEDs, the segment delves into the personal side of the Griswolds. The family, consisting of four children and two pets, has made the lights a part of their holiday tradition for over a decade. “It started as a way to give back to our community,” says Mariah, who was 10 when her parents first decided to hang the first string of bulbs. “Now, the whole town lines up outside to see it.”
The Griswolds also host an annual “Lights & Wishes” charity event. In 2023 alone, they raised $4,500 for the local food bank, with each visitor encouraged to write a holiday wish on a card and place it in a donation box. The event culminates in a short fireworks display—delivered by a volunteer fire department—making the night a memorable experience for both families and first‑time visitors.
Community Impact and Visitor Experience
The NBC segment takes viewers through the streets of Petersburg as they crowd around the house, families holding hot cocoa mugs, children’s eyes wide with anticipation, and local vendors setting up stalls that sell holiday treats. In one interview with a nearby elementary school principal, the importance of such community events is highlighted: “The Griswold lights bring us together,” she says. “They’re a beacon of joy that helps bridge gaps in a sometimes divided town.”
Visitors can book guided tours that last approximately an hour. The tour includes a stop-by the home’s “Winter Wonderland” section, where the family explains how they set up the elaborate 3‑meter‑high “Nativity” tableau. There’s also a “behind‑the‑scenes” segment that shows the family’s meticulous prep work—cutting down branches to fit the bulbs, setting up the music system, and the weekly maintenance routine that keeps everything running smoothly.
The segment also highlights the logistical support the Griswolds receive. The town’s mayor has signed a 10‑year partnership that ensures the display remains accessible to the public, providing street closures during peak hours and coordinating traffic flow for visitors. “We’re proud to support the Griswolds’ initiative,” the mayor says in a short clip. “They set a great example for the rest of the region.”
The House on the Web: Extending the Holiday Magic
A quick scroll through the article reveals a hyperlink to the Griswold House’s official website (www.griswolds.com/holidaylights), which offers a virtual tour of the display, a calendar of events, and a “Donate & Help” section. The site also includes a blog that posts updates on the lights’ maintenance, seasonal themes, and stories from visitors. The website’s “FAQs” page clarifies parking details, operating hours, and the policy for pets—an especially appreciated note for families with furry friends.
Additionally, the NBC segment references a related story about a neighboring town’s “Holiday Village” at https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/holiday/village-in-bridgeport/. That feature explains how the Griswold House’s lights are part of a larger network of holiday attractions in Connecticut and New York that attract thousands of visitors each year, boosting local economies and fostering a sense of unity.
In Summary: A Lighted Legacy
The NBC Connecticut “Holidays” segment showcases more than just a display of LED lights—it captures a community’s heartbeat, the Griswolds’ generous spirit, and the power of tradition to bring people together. From the technical ingenuity of a 10,000‑bulb network to the heartfelt charity events hosted beneath a glow‑lit sky, the Griswold House lights represent an enduring legacy that will keep inspiring visitors for years to come.
Whether you’re a holiday enthusiast, a tech nerd fascinated by LED choreographies, or simply someone looking for a charming winter experience, the Griswold House offers a glimpse into what makes the holiday season truly magical. And as the segment concludes, Mariah’s voice overlays the footage: “When the lights come on, it feels like home. And that’s something no one can ever take away.”
Read the Full NBC Connecticut Article at:
[ https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/video/holidays/new-york-christmas-vacation-lights-house-griswolds/3670312/ ]