Family Displays Massive ‘Lights Of Joy’ Christmas Display
I grew up in a neighborhood in Houston, Texas that became internationally famous for its Christmas lights. From the first week in December through the New Year’s celebration, traveling at night in my subdivision in Northwest Houston was nearly impossible. That being said, it was a really awesome thing to be a part of and I not only enjoyed it, but even played Santa from my parent’s balcony on weekend nights from time to time.
As a result of my childhood, I have mad respect for those that go the extra mile with their “exterior illumination” during the holidays. Which leads to the story of the Taylor family of Kennesaw, Georgia (suburban Atlanta). Since 1988, Richard and Sherrie Taylor 1988, “Lights of Joy’s” extravagant display has been a mainstay of the community. It stretches across 700 feet, has 240 live trees, employs more than 60 holly bushes shaped like Christmas trees and uses no less than, wait for it, 1.2 MILLION lights.
Richard tells the Bright Side, “The more we saw people come and enjoy our display, the more we are motivated to make it bigger and better each year.” And each year, more than 20,000 people take in their immersive display. And it is physically immersive. Unlike the light displays of my youth, or I’m sure the majority of ones you visit, there’s is no drive thru. To take in the Taylor family display, one must park his car at a nearby church and then take in the “Lights of Joy” on foot.
The Taylor family’s “Lights of Joy” in Kennesaw, Georgia is open daily at 1510 Ben King Rd, NW from 6-10pm. Admission: $5.00 per person, children under 12 are FREE. Payment is based on honor system.
