The Great Christmas Light Fight: Escondido, Waco, Bismarck & Ambler

On December 17, 2018, the highly anticipated sixth installment of season six of the Great Christmas Light Fight aired on the ABC channel, drawing in a whopping 3.85 million viewers. The festive finale featured four families from different parts of the United States, each showcasing their unique take on holiday light displays.

After careful consideration, judge Taniya Nayak made her decision, and the winner of the Great Christmas Light Fight was announced. The Peace family from Escondido, California, took home the prize with their impressive pirate-themed display. The family was overjoyed and grateful for the opportunity to participate in the competition, and expressed their excitement for next year’s festivities.

Great Christmas Light Fight in North Dakota
Great Christmas Light Fight in North Dakota

Overall, the sixth installment of season six of the Great Christmas Light Fight did not disappoint, with each family bringing their unique vision to life and lighting up the holiday season for viewers across the country. The show’s success is a testament to the enduring popularity of holiday light displays, and the joy they bring to people of all ages.

The Great Christmas Light Fight Displays

The first family, the Peace family from Escondido, California, wowed the judges with their pirate-themed light show, complete with a shipwreck and swashbuckling pirates. The second family, the Schmidt family from Waco, Texas, showed off their stunning carousel house, adorned with sparkling lights and intricate details. The third family, the Chmielewski family from Bismarck, North Dakota, delighted the judges with their amusement park-inspired display, featuring a Ferris wheel and a cotton candy stand. The final family, the Yoast family from Ambler, Pennsylvania, showcased their giant bulb garden, which left the judges in awe with its vibrant colors and impressive scale. Tension was high as the families awaited the verdict, with each hoping to walk away with the coveted $50,000 prize and the Light Fight trophy.

The Peace Christmas lights in Escondido, California of the Great Christmas Light Fight

The Peace Family‘s journey into creating a stunning theatrical light show began as a fun and festive way to bring their holiday spirit to the neighborhood. Their impressive display caught the attention of passersby and grew into a local attraction loved by the community.

Their hard work and passion paid off in 2018 when they were chosen to compete on ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight against other families across the country. Using over 36,000 LED lights in shades of red, green, and blue, the Peace Family crafted an enchanting display that garnered the admiration of viewers nationwide. Their unique use of lighting, props, and decorations set them apart, and their passion shone through in every aspect of their show.

With the show’s popularity continuing to grow, the Peace Family wanted to make some changes to accommodate their growing audience and to show respect for their neighbors. They made the decision to move their display from their residential property to the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. This new venue offers a larger and safer space for visitors to gather, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.

As people flock to see their display, the Peace Family continues to innovate and improve their show every year. Their use of technology and theatrical elements, such as synchronized music, make their display nothing short of magical. The Peace Family’s dedication to spreading holiday cheer through their unique light show has made them a cherished fixture of the Escondido community.

In a year where holiday traditions have been difficult to maintain, the Peace Family’s light show provides a sense of normalcy and joy during a time when it is needed most. Visitors from all over come to experience the magic they create, making their show not just a spectacle of lights and color, but a true celebration of the holiday season.

The Schmidt Christmas lights in Waco, Texas of the Great Christmas Light Fight

Roger and Lana Schmidt have been brightening up the holiday season in Central Texas with their beautiful Christmas light displays since the early 2000s. After starting small, with only ‘Merry Christmas’ written on their fence and a few trees, they have gone on to transform their home into an impressive light show every year.

Their display features hundreds of thousands of lights along with dozens of blow-ups and hand-made decorations including a 12 Days of Christmas scene and an iconic scene from the movie Frozen. Onlookers can see these captivating scenes as they drive along Highway 84 near McGregor.

The Schmidts want more than just passersby to admire the show; they want it to be an experience. Every year they collect donations for Fuzzy Friends, a local animal shelter in hopes of raising more than $10,000 this year. Their decorations remain lit until early January and bring joy to thousands of visitors who come to see them each season.

The Chmielewski Christmas lights in Bismarck, North Dakota of the Great Christmas Light Fight

The Chmielewski family has been transforming their house on the corner of Kennedy Ave. and North 23rd St. in Bismarck into a winter wonderland for the past 20 years. Every year, families from all around come together to enjoy this festive display which gets more elaborate each year. With over 10 family members involved in setting up the display and hundreds of thousands of LED lights and energy-saving bulbs, the Chmielewski Christmas Corner requires at least five 20-amp breakers to get lit up.

Limos are known to make special stops at this remarkable light show as its grand finale of the night. It’s not hard to see why, either – it is truly an incredible sight that brings joy and happiness to all who visit it. This year, since Allen Chmielewski wants to give back even more, they have decided to collect donations for Toys For Tots alongside their mesmerizing decorations.

The lights can typically be seen from 5pm until 11pm, with Santa Claus making appearances during weekends and concession stands available for children. If you are planning a visit, please be respectful of the homeowner’s hard work and dedication in ensuring everyone can share in the cheerful experience of the holiday season!

The Yoast Christmas lights in Ambler, Pennsylvania of the Great Christmas Light Fight

Ambler Pennsylvania Christmas Lights
Ambler Pennsylvania Christmas Lights

Jack and Mike Yoast have been transforming their home, Acteon’s Light Up a Life Christmas Display at 1320 East Butler Ave., into a must-see holiday spectacular for many years. Every year, they use over 300,000 lights to create an awe-inspiring winter wonderland that receives over 35,000 visitors.

Not only can guests be mesmerized by the fantastic decorations, but it is also an opportunity for them to give back to the local community: all donations (a record 28K last year!) go to local and worthwhile beneficiaries such as the Montgomery County Chapter of Special Olympics of Pennsylvania and Beds for Kids.

The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 6 Episode 7 Hosts

About Taniya Nayak of the Great Christmas Light Fight

Taniya Nayak is an award-winning chef, food network personality, interior designer and author. With a passion for creating delicious meals and bringing life to any space she touches, Taniya is the perfect addition to any festive occasion!

Taniya has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and won the 2008 Iron Chef America competition alongside Bobby Flay. She’s a sought-after speaker on topics of hospitality, design and culinary arts, travelling the world in search of new ideas to incorporate into her work. Her most recent book, The Best Meals Happen at Home: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Plant-based Recipes You’ll Love for Every Day of the Week has been widely acclaimed by critics.

This holiday season, why not let Taniya bring her unique touch of inspiration to your festivities? From dreamy decorations to delectable dishes that will have your guests begging for more – it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable event!

About Carter Oosterhouse of the Great Christmas Light Fight

Carter Oosterhouse is an award-winning television host, author and carpenter. His passion for making and creating beautiful spaces has earned him a huge following of devoted fans.

Carter has graced our screens for many years on the hit shows Trading Spaces, Million Dollar Rooms and Red Hot & Green. He’s also the author of Carter’s Big Book of Home Solutions, which offers valuable tips and advice on how to create dreamy homes on any budget.

This year, why not let Carter bring his unique touch of inspiration to your festive celebrations? From breathtaking decorations to amazing woodwork projects that will exceed all expectations – it’s guaranteed to be a season to remember!

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Melinda Parker
Melinda Parker
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