Christmas lit

We’ve put together a map to Baton Rouge’s most dazzling holiday light displays. Click here to view it! You can submit your display to be added to the map by emailing us at [email protected]. Include your street address, your contact information (which we’ll keep confidential) and what’s special about your display.

For some people, merely decorating a tree simply won’t cut it when it comes to showing holiday spirit. We wondered who are these enthusiasts who festoon their front yards (or city streets) with countless lights, sleighs and reindeer. With help from our readers, we found three gonzo holiday decorators.

Jason Teed: doing it for the kids

The display: Tidy lighting display incorporating the home and front yard.

Location: 9201 Magnolia Crossing Drive in the Village Lakes subdivision, Greenwell Springs

Why do you do it? When I was growing up one of my favorite memories of Christmas was riding around looking at Christmas lights. Every year we would go, and to this day, I can still remember some of the houses that would always “go all out.” Being able to create those kinds of memories for kids today is an amazing feeling.

How much have you invested in it? I’d rather not say. I want to stay married.

Your December light bill? It’s actually not bad at all. This year I will have about 50,000 LED lights, and I expect my electric bill to go up about $40 to $50.

Loudest-ever objection to it? So far I have been fortunate enough to have awesome neighbors who don’t complain, at least not to me. And [they] actually compliment me on the lights.

Best reaction ever? We have people riding by and taking pictures all the time, but the funniest reaction is when people actually get out of their car and take pictures standing next to some of the decorations.

Austin Durrett: music to his ears

The display: The lights pulse along with streaming Christmas music.

Location: 823 Brocade Drive in the Broadmoor subdivision

Why do you do it? Each year my [LSU] roommates and I would pool our meager resources to put up a light display. We won honorable mention three consecutive years due in part to the fact that the Plantation Trace neighborhood committee did not want to award first to a house full of college students. My light display has become more Griswold-like every year.

Helpers: My wife Jill encourages me to do a little more every year. She will help as much as I will let her. I am kind of particular about how the lights are put up.

How much have you invested in it? It has been a gradual process. I try to make one major purchase each year. Two years ago it was the electronic controller to make the lights dance to music. Last year, I upgraded to all LED lights for the house. This year I’m expecting my first child, so this year’s investment may be skipped.

Your December light bill? It goes up by around $250 for the month of December.

Loudest objection ever? My neighbors Larry and Carter tell me that, because of my light display, they are forced to buy more lights of their own. It is fun to see that competitive nature from your neighbors.

Best reaction? When people come to a complete stop in front of my house to watch the light show.

David Guillory: city lights

(Guillory is Department of Public Works assistant director for maintenance)

Where is the city’s official holiday lights display? The main hub of the Festival of Lights this year is in front of the Shaw Center on Lafayette Street. That’s because of the construction on North Boulevard. It’s usually behind the City Hall building.

How long does it take to hang the lights and prepare the displays? It usually takes about a month [to light all 150 trees].

How many workers does it take? Between 15 and 20. I’ve got electricians who deal with the power. We have to rent those lifts to get into the trees and on top of the trees.

What does it cost? Outdoor lights don’t last very long, especially when you leave them up. We have moved to an LED light, which is more cost-efficient, but they are more expensive to buy. This year, I think I’ve spent around $12,000 on lights.

Anything new this year? This will be the first year we have all LED lights. We have used some different colors. Lots of blues. The mayor likes the blues. We’re trying something different. Everything’s going to be in a new place this year because of the construction on North Boulevard.

Show off your Christmas lights!