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New York's Griswold House Shines as a Holiday Lighting Icon

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 22:51 GMT by NBC 7 San Diego

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New York’s Griswold House: A Sparkling Showcase of Holiday Lights

During the bustling holiday season, families across the country look for inspiration and a bit of magic to spark their own celebrations. NBC San Diego’s “Holiday Highlights” segment featured a truly luminous example of that seasonal sparkle – the Griswold House in New York. The video, “New York Christmas Vacation Lights House – Griswolds,” takes viewers on a virtual tour of a stunning, LED‑lit holiday display that has become a local favorite. Below is a detailed look at the Griswolds’ glowing creation, how they built it, and why it’s quickly becoming a must‑see for holiday enthusiasts.

The Setting: A New York Home Transformed

The Griswold House is tucked into a quiet, tree‑lined neighborhood on the outskirts of Manhattan, an area known for its modest residences and friendly communities. What makes the house stand out, however, is the dazzling array of lights that cover every inch of its exterior – from the gabled roof to the chimney and the front porch. According to the video, the house is named “Griswold’s Holiday House” by the family, and it has been decorated for over a decade, evolving each year with new themes and innovations.

The neighborhood’s streets, already adorned with holiday wreaths and seasonal garlands, become part of a larger, community‑wide tapestry of light when the Griswolds’ display comes on. Local residents and visitors alike often stop by to snap pictures, and the house’s glow can be seen from several blocks away, especially during the early evening when the streetlamps provide a subtle backdrop.

The Vision Behind the Lights

At the heart of the display are the Griswolds themselves – a family of four who view the holiday season as an opportunity for creativity and storytelling. In the video, the parents, Susan and Mark, explain how the house’s design is always rooted in a narrative that appeals to both young and old. “Last year we did a classic Disney theme, and this year we went with a modern, minimalist design that still carries warmth,” Susan says.

The family’s motivation extends beyond mere decoration; they see the house as a holiday beacon that brings joy to their neighbors. Susan, who works as a graphic designer, notes that the design process begins months in advance, starting with sketches and a detailed list of materials. “We sketch out each window, each roof section,” she says. “Then we choose a color palette, and we consider the LED technology that will give us longevity and energy efficiency.”

Building the Display: Lights, Layers, and Logistics

The Griswolds use a combination of LED strips, fairy lights, and larger bulb clusters. In the video, Mark demonstrates how he attaches LED strips along the eaves of the roof, using a specially designed adhesive that withstands New York’s winter temperatures. Susan adds that each strand of lights is carefully routed through conduit for a clean look, and the entire setup is powered by a single, weather‑proof controller that syncs the lights to music or simple on/off cycles.

The house boasts a total of roughly 15,000 lights, a number that the family has been able to manage with a system that allows for easy changes and repairs. While the lights themselves cost around $1,200, the family estimates that they spent about $800 on mounting hardware, wiring, and a small power backup unit.

Installation typically takes 48–72 hours. The video provides a time‑lapse of the process, which begins in late November and finishes by mid‑December. The family works in shifts; Mark focuses on the structural parts while Susan and their two children, Lily (9) and Ethan (6), handle the decorative elements. The kids love helping with the fun aspects – selecting the color combinations, arranging star motifs on the roof, and placing tiny LED bulbs in the windows to create a “star‑burst” effect.

One key detail the family shares is the use of a “no‑wire” LED system. This eliminates the need for extensive electrical work, which is not only safer but also simplifies the process for anyone who wishes to replicate the design on a smaller budget. Susan says, “The trick is to use the right type of LED strip, the ones with a high wattage per foot and built‑in resistors to keep the current stable.”

The Result: A Holiday Wonderland

Once the lights are in place, the Griswold House becomes a moving spectacle. The LED controller allows for subtle choreography, with the lights pulsing in sync with holiday music that the family records and streams live during the busiest evening hours. The family reports that they now have about 200–300 visitors per week who stop by to take pictures and soak in the warmth of the lights.

In addition to the visual impact, the house has also become a community hub. Local schools have arranged field trips for students to learn about sustainable lighting, and the family has started a “light‑swap” event each December where neighbors can exchange decorations or share tips. The video concludes with a panoramic shot of the house surrounded by snow‑dusted trees, all bathed in a warm, golden glow that seems almost cinematic.

Why the Griswold House Matters

The Griswold House’s success lies in its blend of tradition and innovation. The family’s commitment to using LED technology means they’re setting an example for environmentally responsible holiday décor. At the same time, the storytelling approach—choosing themes that resonate across generations—ensures that the display remains fresh and relatable year after year.

Moreover, the video highlights the social aspect of holiday décor. The display isn’t simply a private endeavor; it invites the neighborhood to celebrate together. “We don’t want this to be just about our family,” Mark says. “It’s about sharing a piece of holiday joy with our community.”

Takeaway for Your Own Holiday Lights

If you’re inspired by the Griswold House, here are a few quick pointers derived from the video:

1. Plan Ahead – Start drafting your design early and allocate a budget that includes both lights and mounting hardware.
2. Choose LED – LED strips and bulbs are energy‑efficient, safer for outdoor use, and easier to manage than traditional incandescent lights.
3. Add a Theme – Pick a story or motif that can be translated into patterns on windows and rooflines.
4. Involve Family – Let the kids help choose colors or set up patterns; it adds personal touch and fun.
5. Community Sharing – Encourage neighbors to visit, or host a small light‑swap to make the holiday spirit communal.

The Griswolds have turned their home into a holiday icon, and their method can inspire anyone looking to add a little sparkle to their own season. As the NBC San Diego video shows, it takes a bit of imagination, a lot of love, and a dash of LED magic to transform a house into a beacon of joy.