The Next Level of Christmas Lights

Well... It's the most wonderful time of the year!  My favorite part of the season is seeing the marvelous christmas lights sparkling in the night.  Well, I have come across some very artistic displays and I would love to share them as well as inspire you to show your holiday spirit in a new and inventive way as well.

Before you could purchase miles of christmas lights from your local store, people lit their homes for the holidays with candles.  The Christmas tradition began during the 18th century in upperclass German homes.  In the mid 20th century christmas lights became a custom.

As many know, Rockefeller Center in NYC has become one of the most well-known lit Christmas Trees.  This tradition began in 1933. In 1989, Christmas Vacation showcased a family that decorated every square inch of their home in twinkle lights.  But, how do you decorate your home to draw crowds and celebrate the beautiful holiday?  The new level of decoration entertainment is here: decorations that dance to christmas music!

How is it done?

There are three systems available to make your lights work in sync with music:

1. light o rama  :  The vendor for most residential lights displays. It is, however, pretty complex, and can take as much as four hours per minute of song to program 32-48 channels.
2. Animated Lighting  :  More expensive, but easier to program. Some residential light displays and most commercial ones choose Animated Lighting.
3. D Light Designs  :  The least expensive of the bunch, but you need to have some passing familiarity with and knowledge of control systems and electrical engineering.

Here's a great example of a Christmas light display:

(Located in the Macy's of Philadelphia -FREE)

Next, I will showcase all of the best lit entertainment in the area.  You can get some tips for decorating in your own way, or find a great place to see some free entertainment during the holidays.  These artists absolutely love what they do, as most of these houses are decorated as a hobby and run on their own money or kind donations.  It's really spectacular, so stop back!