Cư dân Richard Holdman của Utah làm nghề thiết kế và bắt giàn đèn trang trí. Với khách hàng cuối cùng của ông trong mùa Giáng Sinh năm nay, là công ty thiết kế trang mạng Fibernet tại Provo, ông Holdman đã dựng cho họ một giàn đèn có một thác nước cao 2 feet đầy những bông tuyết, với các dây đèn LED lòa lòa, chớp chớp viền quanh.
 Thắp sáng mùa Giáng Sinh. (Hình: Mandy Wang/AFP/Getty Images) |
Chuyên viên ánh sáng và nhà nghệ sĩ Holdman vào nghề thiết kế những giàn đèn trang trí sau một thời gian thực hiện các công trình sáng tạo như thế để tiêu khiển. Ông cho biết trước đây ông là một DJ với tâm hồn yêu nhạc và lòng say mê ánh đèn màu. Rồi khi bất chợt nhìn thấy một giàn đèn trang trí được đưa lên Youtube, ông Holdman nảy sinh ý định muốn chính mình thực hiện các giàn đèn mầu nhiệm cỡ đó. Năm 2006, người nghệ sĩ này đã tập trung khoảng 35,000 bóng đèn trang trí, mua thêm các bộ phận điều khiển ánh sáng, rồi bao phủ ngôi nhà có sân rộng của ông tại Pleasant Grove bằng một giàn đèn rực rỡ trong tiếng nhạc xập xình cho tới đêm khuya.
Rồi nhà này đồn sang nhà nọ, tới nhà kia, nhiều chuyến xe bus chở các vị cao niên từ các trung tâm dưỡng lão đã chạy tới, chạy lui ngang qua nhà ông trong khoảng thời gian từ Lễ Tạ Ơn tới Mùa Giáng Sinh. Năm sau đó, giàn đèn nhà ông lớn thêm lên, với 60,000 ngọn đèn rực rỡ còn hơn Dải Ngân Hà. Hiệp Hội Make-A-Wish Foundation đã nhờ ông thết kế và dàn dựng một giàn đèn Giáng Sinh, khiến cho xe cộ trong vùng phải lùi lại hàng dặm đường, và trong mấy tuần lễ liền, ông Holden phải đóng vai cảnh sát công lộ điều hành xe cộ giao thông chạy qua khu nhà tràn đầy ánh sáng về đêm này. Có khi, chính một nhân viên cảnh sát thành phố đã phải đến nơi làm công việc đó thế cho ông.
Nhằm đáp ứng nhu cầu trang trí của “khách mộ điệu” khắp nơi đang ngày càng gia tăng, ông Holdman đã thành lập nên công ty thiết kế đèn trang trí Holdman Lighting để cáng đáng công việc và thỏa mãn nhu cầu của cả những người chuộng không khí lễ hội và thích tận hưởng ánh đèn màu nhấp nháy tại tư gia lẫn những nhà kinh doanh muốn cho cơ sở làm ăn của mình thu hút thêm nhiều khách hàng. Giờ đây, khách hàng của Holdman Lightning trải dài từ Texas tới Argentina và Moscow bên Nga.
“Tôi chẳng thấy có gì là bất tiện khi có người chỉ nhờ tôi bắt cho họ một dây đèn trong mùa lễ này thôi, bởi vì, đối với tôi, bất cứ ánh đèn Giáng Sinh nào cũng đều làm xao xuyến lòng tôi,” ông Holden tâm sự với các thân chủ như thế. (Theo Jennifer Napier-Pearce/The Salt Lake Tribune)
1. Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas in Lights (Mobile, Alabama)
Stroll through over 3 million sparkling lights and over 950 displays throughout the 65 acre Garden estate. Enjoy nightly choral performances on the South Terrace of the Bellingrath Home. (Bellingrath Gardens, 11/25 - 12/31, closed 12/25)
2. Christmas in Ice (North Pole, Alaska)
The city claims to have the Christmas spirit all year long, but only during the winter holidays can you enjoy Christmas-themed ice art in the park next door to Santa's house. (Ice Park, 12/3 - 1/8)
3. Arizona Celebration of Lights (Phoenix, Arizona)
More than 7 million lights will make up one mile of light displays you can drive through. You can also visit Santa's Village and enjoy hot chocolate and photos with Santa. (Phoenix Event Complex, 11/18 - 1/1)
Photo: Corey Leopold/Creative Commons
4. Lights on the Landscape (Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas)
More than 1.8 million holiday lights transform the woodland landscape of Garvan Gardens into a winter wonderland. The displays feature traditional holiday scenes as well as themes from nature, like the butterfly display. (Garvan Gardens, 11/19 - 12/31)
5. Riverside Festival of Lights (Riverside, California)
The historic Mission Inn is decorated with about 3.5 million lights and over 400 animated figures decorate the surrounding area. Dickens' carolers sing from the balconies above and you can visit Santa in his workshop, or go ice skating at the Main Street rink. (Main Street Riverside, 11/25 - 12/24)
6. Blossoms of Light (Denver, Colorado)
A unique viewing experience, this light display highlights the beauty of a winter garden. Marvel at lights, ice sculptures, and an ice sleigh available for family photos. (Denver Botanical Gardens, 12/2 - 1/1)
Photo: Denver Botanical Gardens
7. Fantasy of Lights (New Haven, Connecticut)
This drive-through light display celebrates 17 years of holiday tradition this year. Proceeds benefit the local Easter Seals organization. (Lighthouse Point Park, 11/18 - 1/7)
8. Faucher Family Christmas House (New Castle, Delaware)
Local and national news repeatedly compares this family home to Clark Griswold, but the reality is Clark's display didn't come close to what the Fauchers do each year. Over 1 million lights illuminate this private home at a cost of about $82,000 per Christmas season. (1054 Red Lion Road, New Castle)
9. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (Orlando, Florida)
What started as an Arkansas family's home display has become one of the largest light display in the country - so big it had to go Disney! Hollywood Studios hosts this spectacle of dancing lights and has added free hot chocolate and magical snow fall. (Hollywood Studios, 11/10 - 1/7)
Photo: jeffNdeb/Creative Commons
10. Magical Nights of Lights (Buford, Georgia)
Walk or drive through a seven-mile tour of holiday displays featuring millions of lights. The trail ends at the Holiday Village, where kids will can visit to Santa and go for a pony ride. (Lake Lanier Island Resorts, 11/18 - 1/1)
11. Kauai's Festival of Lights (Kauai, Hawaii)
This is a celebration of the holidays and folk art. For nearly 40 years, this tradition started by local artist Auntie Josie Chansky has allowed visitors to enjoy Christmas folk art decorations. (Kauai County Building, 12/2 12/24)
12. Coeur d'Alene Resort Holiday Light Show (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho)
Billed as the largest floating holiday light show, more than 1.5 million lights sparkle on the water of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Watch from the shore or take a holiday cruise to get a closer look. (The Coeur d'Alene Resort, 11/26 - 1/1)
Photo: Jurvetson/Creative Commons
13. ZooLights (Chicago, Illinois)
Lots of zoos put up holiday lights this time of year, but the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago takes it a step farther by handing out 3D glasses to enhance the experience. (Lincoln Park Zoo, 12/16 - 1/1, closed 12/24 and 12/25)
14. Christmas in The Country (Sharpsville, Indiana)
The lights blink and dance in time to holiday music. Every night you can enjoy a 45-minute show featuring 10 holiday songs played over your car radio. (Sharpsville Lights, 11/25 - 12/30)
15. Reflections in the Park (Dubuque, Iowa)
Twinkling lights, animated displays, and holiday music bring the small town park to life each year. (Murphy Park, 11/24 - 1/1)
Photo: Aloshbennett/Creative Commons
16. Isle of Lights (Winfield, Kansas)
This drive-through community light display is set to holiday music. This year the display is going green with new LED lights. (Island Park, 11/24 - 12/30)
17. Winter Wonderland of Lights (Ashland, Kentucky)
Park the car and stroll through 52 acres of holiday displays. Children can hop aboard a train and visit with Santa. (Central Park, 11/14 - 1/5)
18. Celebration in the Oaks (New Orleans, Louisiana)
New Orleans' City Park is one of the country's most beautiful public parks, and the holidays add even more beauty. Walk through lights, play in the amusement park, or go ice skating. (City Park, 12/2 - 1/1, Closed 12/24 and 12/31)
Photo: MSVG/Creative Commons
19. Wilton Lights (Wilton, Maine)
This animated light display is put on by a local family every year and includes holiday music transmitted to your car radio by a low-wattage transmitter. (Wilton, 12/11 - 1/6)
20. Miracle on 34th Street (Baltimore, Maryland)
For more than six decades, homeowners on Baltimore's 34th street have been going all out every year to wow visitors with light displays. One house has trains on the roof and another displays Christmas trees made from hub caps. There's even a ball drop on New Year's Eve. (Christmas Street, 11/26 - 1/2)
21. Bright Nights ( Springfield, Massachusetts)
Giant displays feature more than 600,000 lights along a three-mile route through historic Forest Park. (Forest Park, 11/23 - 1/1)
Photo: Jennifer Donley/Creative Commons
22. The Big, Bright Light Show (Rochester, Michigan)
Local business owners get together to light up the night. Buildings are covered with holiday lights and a massive tree is turned into the Dazzling Tree of Lights. (Downtown, 11/28 - 1/1)
23. Bentleyville Tour of Lights (Duluth, Minnesota)
More than 3 million lights make the shores of Lake Superior sparkle in one of the Midwest's largest holiday lights displays. (Bayfront Festival Park, 11/19 - 12/26)
24. Southern Lights (Southaven, Mississippi)
The city of Southaven sets out over half a million lights for visitors in an effort to raise money for local charities each year. (Central Park, 11/24 - 12/31, closed 12/25)
Photo: DaveyNin/Creative Commons
25. Santa's Magical Kingdom (St. Louis, Missouri)
Wind your way through over 35 acres of holiday lights and displays. Highlights include Santa's flying reindeer, Candy Cane Village, and the Waterfall of Lights. (Jellystone Park, 11/18 - 1/8)
26. Zoo Lights (Billings, Montana)
Zoo Lights is a 2.5 mile drive through holiday lights. Proceeds benefit the Easter Seals organization. (Zoo Montana, 12/15 - 12/24)
27. Shining Light Celebration (Gothenburg, Nebraska)
The local KOA campground lights up for the holidays and welcomes visitors - with our without a tent - to celebrate. (KOA, 12/18 - 12/31)
Photo: Tiffany/Creative Commons
28. Glitter Lights (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Drive through more than two miles of lights and be dazzled by more than 400 animated displays. (Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 11/18 - 1/1)
29. Gift of Lights (Loudon, New Hampshire
)Another speedway spectacle, this one features more than 1 million LED lights. (New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 11/18 - 1/1)
30. Holiday Festival of Lights (Camden, New Jersey)
Friday and Saturday nights come alive at the local Children's Garden during the holiday season. Enjoy over 100,000 lights decorating 4.5 acres of gardens. (Camden Children's Garden, 11/28 - 1/2)
Photo: chrisbb/Creative Commons
31. River of Lights (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Enjoy the New Mexico's largest walk-through light show at the Botanic Garden. (Botanic Garden, 11/26 - 12/30, closed 12/24 and 12/25)
32. Dyker Lights (Brooklyn, New York)
One of the most famous lighting displays in one of the most famous cities in the world is in a residential neighborhood in Brooklyn. Hop on the subway and head out to see neighbors out doing neighbors in the spirit of holiday tradition. (Dyker Heights, no official date, mid-December recommended)
33. Christmas at Biltmore (Asheville, North Carolina)
America's largest house, Biltmore House, features dozens of Christmas trees and miles of ribbon, garland and lights. Live holiday music is performed inside the house during the season. (Biltmore Estate, 11/11 - 12/31)
Photo: alwright1/Creative Commons
34. Christmas in the Park (Bismarck, North Dakota)
For just $5 per car, families can drive through the local park and enjoy a holiday lighting display sponsored by local businesses. (Sertoma Park, 12/1 - 12/31)
35. The Legendary Lights at Clifton Mill (Clifton, Ohio)
More than 3.5 million lights cover the countryside for a display that's been featured in national magazines and other media. Drive through a lighted covered bridge and visit a Santa museum. (Clifton Mill, 11/26 - 1/1)
36. Garden of Lights (Muskogee, Oklahoma)
City volunteers come together to create spectacular lighting displays through the city park each year. The animated displays featuring animals and children playing in the gardens are always a big hit. (Honor Heights Park, 11/25 - 1/1)
Photo: daveparker/Creative Commons
37. The Lights of Peacock Lane (Portland, Oregon)
Since the 1920s, each house in this Portland neighborhood has been decorating for the holidays. Today, displays include bright lights, nativity scenes, and Christmas trees. (Peacock Lane, 12/15 - 12/31).
38. Hershey Sweet Lights (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
You have to believe that a candy company knows how to make kids smile during the holidays. This drive-through display boasts over 600 lighted scenes. (Hershey Park, 11/18 - 12/31)
39. Christmas at the Newport Mansions (Newport, Rhode Island)
You can't move in, but you can marvel at the beautiful decorations at The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House. (Newport Mansions, 11/19 - 1/2)
Photo: MSVG/Creative Commons
40. Lights of Hope (Anderson, South Carolina)
Enjoy the glow of 2.5 million lights and the warm, fuzzy feeling of knowing your money is going to help children in need. (Darwin Wright Park, 11/24 - 12/25)
41. Festival of Lights (Aberdeen, South Dakota)
If driving through your neighborhood doesn't give you enough holiday cheer, head to Wylie Park and pay $5 per car to see twinkling lights and dancing Santas. (Wylie Park, 11/26 - 12/26)
42. Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland (Nashville, Tennessee)
There are four Shadrack locations around the country, including this bright light bonanza that comes to life once a year. What started as a local holiday display behind a boat store in West Knoxville has turned into one of the world's largest drive through light displays. (Jellystone Park, 11/1 - 1/8)
Photo: MSVG/Creative Commons
43. Austin's 37th Street (Austin, Texas)
There might have been a miracle over on 34th, but in Texas you'll find all the action on 37th. This residential street brings the "everything's bigger in Texas" philosophy to holiday decorating. (37th Street, no official dates)
44. Christmas Utah (Murray, Utah)
Every year one man puts out a display so spectacular, he stops traffic for miles around. Marty, the magician behind the lights, has said that 2011 will be the last year for his notorious display. (Whispering Pine Circle, 11/25 - 1/1)
45. Billings Farm (Woodstock, Vermont)
While not especially known for their lights, Woodstock has been voted one of the most "Christmassy" towns in America. Hop in a sleigh and tour Billings Farm & Museum to see how the holidays were celebrated in the 19th century. (Billings Farm, 12/3 - 1/1)
Photo: Phil Roeder/Creative Commons
46. 100 Miles of Lights (Richmond to Virginia Beach, Virginia)
Seeing this display will take a while, and you might need to book a hotel. Actually, this is a collection of lights and decorations spread over 7 Virginia towns. (Virginia, no official dates)
47. Candy Cane Light (Seattle, Washington)
Another neighborhood celebration, this one has been lighting up ark Road and Ravenna Boulevard in Seattle since the 1940s. (Ravenna Boulevard, 12/10 - 12/31)
48. Oglebay's Winter Festival of Lights (Wheeling, West Virginia)
Take a six-mile drive through one of the largest and light displays in the country. Pass through a tunnel filled with twinkling snowflakes and wave as you pass by Snoopy and the gang. (Ogelbay Resort, 11/11 - 1/8)
Photo: CP Storm/Creative Commons
49. WPS Garden of Lights (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
There may be other light displays in other parts of the state, but this is the town they bring the Super Bowl trophies to, so we're featuring this one. Visitors can walk through a 60-foot lighted caterpillar and take a wagon ride through an icicle forest. (Green Bay Botanical Garden, 11/25 - 12/18, 12/26 - 12/29)
50. Cheyenne Holiday Trolley tours (Cheyenne, Wyoming)
You don't even have to know who has the best displays in town. Just hop on the Holiday Trolley and let the driver take you by Cheyenne's most illuminated neighborhoods. (Street Railway Trolley, 12/15 - 12/24)
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