ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight wrapped up its seventh season finale on December 16, 2019 with the least watched episode of the season, garnering a total of 3.27 million viewers. However, the final episode itself was nothing short of spectacular, featuring four families who went all out with their holiday displays.The winner of the $50,000 and the highly coveted Light Fight trophy was ultimately decided by judge Taniya Nayak.
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The Great Christmas Light Fight Displays of Season 7 Episode 6
The Cottrell family of Rossville, Indiana showcased an extravagant display spanning four acres, featuring beautiful handcrafted signs, a homemade Nativity scene, a Ferris wheel adorned with bright bear blow molds, and a 47-year old Mega Tree with its original lights. Meanwhile, the Hudgins family of Mechanicsville, Virginia merged humor and artistry by creating character cutouts, animated elf houses, hand-painted blow molds, and gingerbread men to celebrate members of their family. The Rombeiro family of Novato, California kept a 27-year old family tradition alive by maintaining a beautifully crafted display with reindeer, a motorized Santa blow mold, and an impressive archway made by combining two trees, among other features. Lastly, the Jones family of Boerne, Texas put up a stunning display with 47 oak trees wrapped in 400,000 lights, creating a magical light show with dancing arches, a hand-built Nativity, and a massive “Joy” sign.
Oaklawn Acres Christmas Lights in Rossville, Indiana on the Great Christmas Light Fight
Oaklawn Acres’ annual Christmas light display was open to visitors free of charge each night through Dec. 31 at 300 West and 800 North, two miles southeast of Rossville, Indiana. The hours were 6 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 6 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Calvin Cottrell had been putting on the light show since 1977, and Santa Claus had greeted visitors since 1988. Cottrell started putting the lights up on Oct. 1 and started taking them down on Jan. 1, with some help from volunteers. Over the years, the display had become a beloved tradition for the people of Rossville and surrounding towns. Every night, families bundled up in coats and scarves would arrive, eager to see the twinkling lights and meet Santa Claus.
As visitors made their way through the display, they were transported into a magical wonderland. The lights, arranged in intricate patterns and shapes, glowed in hues of red, green, blue and white, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The trees sparkled like diamonds, and the reindeer and sleigh on the front lawn looked as though they were ready to take off into the night sky.
For decades, Oaklawn Acres’ Christmas light display had brought joy to countless families during the holiday season. And for Cottrell, setting up the lights and spreading holiday cheer was a labor of love. He put his heart and soul into creating a display that would warm people’s hearts and bring smiles to their faces.
Christmas Fantasyland in Mechanicsville, Virginia on the Great Christmas Light Fight
Chuck and Sherry Hudgins, who live in the 6400 block of Little Sorrel Drive in Mechanicsville, have been drawing crowds with their extravagant Christmas light display, known as Christmas Fantasyland, since 1996. With over 70,000 lights and handmade decorations, the display is a tribute to the Hudgins family’s love for the holiday season featuring Peanuts characters, full-size Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse and classic claymation characters like the Abominable Snowman.
Although the couple initially thought their modest home couldn’t compare to the grand displays of others across the nation, they were inspired and motivated by their family’s help to create a show that rivals any in the country.
The display takes months of preparation and dedication from the whole family. The lights are put up starting in September, with many of the decorations being handmade. An impressive feature of the display is the names on the roof that pay homage to the couple’s children: Lauren, Brad, Jenna, and Haley. The Hudgins family has poured a great deal of effort and love into creating Christmas Fantasyland, which draws crowds from hours away every year.
The Rombeiro Christmas lights in Novato, California on the Great Christmas Light Fight
Novato Christmas lights have been a spectacle for years, as Marin’s power grid was put to the test every December by the annual unveiling of the Rombeiro Christmas House on Devonshire Drive in Novato. Every neighborhood had its decorated houses, but the Rombeiro house was a different thing altogether. Since 1992, Edmundo Rombeiro and his family have been putting together this Christmas house to end all Christmas houses, and every year it got bigger and more elaborate. Their home was something that truly had to be seen to be believed, and photos didn’t really do it justice. There were something like 200,000 lights inside and out as well as countless figurines, dioramas, and decorations adorning the front and side yards, walls, and roof of the Rombeiro house.
Apparently, they started setting the whole thing up in August. The Novato Christmas lights drew upwards of 43,000 visitors, with some arriving on tour buses. While visitors were there, they might have put a couple of bills on the donation box. All that holiday cheer didn’t come cheap, and if they were getting some enjoyment out of it, they would have helped with the Rombeiros’ PG&E bill, which rumor has it topped out around $4,000 in December. The Rombeiros’ neighbors seemed to take all the commotion in stride, even with the cars, and the occasional brass band, horse-drawn wagon, and searchlights, all of which had been seen out in front of the house at different times.
The Christmas lights at 34 Devonshire Drive were a sight to behold, as Novato Christmas lights brightened up the neighborhood, and it was willing to bet that the house could have been seen from outer space. The house was lit nightly from the first Saturday in December through January 6 from 6 to 10 pm. The Novato Christmas lights weren’t just limited to the Rombeiro house, as there were a few other nicely decorated houses in the neighborhood.
The Jones Christmas Ranch in Boerne, Texas on the Great Christmas Light Fight
Celebrate the joy of the holiday season with your loved ones at The Jones Christmas Ranch in Boerne, Texas. Take in the stunning sight of over 2.5 million lights, uniquely programmed to synchronize with a festive playlist, creating an exceptional and unforgettable holiday experience. At the entrance booth, purchase your admission tickets for $30 per vehicle or choose to purchase a season pass for unlimited holiday joy throughout the season at just $75. With a season pass, you can experience the enchanting display every night of the week, from November 13th to January 2nd.
The Jones Christmas Ranch is open every night to ensure that all visitors can experience the wonder and magic of the holiday season without any compromise. From Sunday to Thursday, the display is open from 6 pm to 10 pm, while on Friday and Saturday, it is open until 11 pm, allowing you to take your time while enjoying the Christmas light show. Journey through the almost one-mile-long magical display as you tune to 94.5FM and watch the lights come alive. Relish the brilliant and unique light displays, enjoy the festive music and experience a magical and unforgettable holiday season.
Please note that the display may take approximately 25-30 minutes to drive-through, depending on traffic and how quickly you move. It is strongly recommended to drive slowly and take your time to fully immerse yourself in the stunning light displays. Only drive-through admission is available to ensure the health and safety of all visitors. Gather your family and loved ones, and join us for an unforgettable holiday experience that will fill you with joy and delight. Don’t miss this opportunity to create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 7 Episode 6 Hosts
Great Christmas Light Fight’s Taniya Nayak
Taniya Nayak is an accomplished interior designer, television personality, and lifestyle expert based in Boston, Massachusetts. She was born in Kolkata, India, but moved to the United States with her family at a young age.
Taniya’s passion for design and innate creativity led her to pursue a career as an interior designer. After completing her Bachelor’s degree, Taniya began her career in Boston, where she worked with prominent designers such as Peter Niemitz and Donna Elle. She quickly gained recognition in the industry and was featured in various publications, including The Boston Globe and Boston Magazine.
Taniya’s design work is a unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles, with a focus on incorporating bold colors, patterns, and textures to create vibrant and dynamic spaces. Her design philosophy is centered on the belief that a well-designed space should not only be beautiful but also functional and comfortable.
In addition to her work as an interior designer, Taniya is also a well-known television personality and lifestyle expert. She has appeared on numerous shows, including HGTV’s “Designed to Sell,” “House Hunters on Vacation,” and “Restaurant Impossible.” She also serves as a design expert for the online home goods retailer, Wayfair.
Despite her many accomplishments, Taniya remains down-to-earth and committed to giving back to her community. She is actively involved in charity work and has worked with organizations such as Children’s Hospital Boston and Habitat for Humanity.
Overall, Taniya Nayak is an inspiration to aspiring designers and home enthusiasts alike. Her talent, passion, and dedication have made her a respected figure in the world of interior design, and her contributions to the industry are sure to leave a lasting legacy.
Great Christmas Light Fight’s Carter Oosterhouse
Carter Oosterhouse is a well-known television personality and licensed contractor originally from Traverse City, Michigan. Growing up in a small town, Carter began honing his carpentry and woodworking skills at just twelve years old, later attending Central Michigan University and obtaining a degree in Nutrition and Communication.
After college, Carter moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of working in the entertainment industry but quickly found himself drawn back to his roots in construction. Eventually, he landed his breakout role as one of the carpenters on the hit TLC show, “Trading Spaces.”
Since then, Carter has gone on to host and appear on numerous home renovation and design shows, including “Carter Can,” “Red Hot & Green,” and “Million Dollar Rooms.” He has also served as a judge on HGTV’s “All American Handyman.”
Beyond his work in entertainment, Carter is a passionate advocate for sustainable building practices and has become a sought-after speaker and writer on the subject. He even founded his own green building firm, Carter Oosterhouse Builders, with locations in both California and his wife’s home state of Texas.
Carter’s dedication to both his craft and the environment have earned him numerous accolades and recognition, including being named one of People magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive” in 2008 and earning the “Green Standard” award from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Overall, Carter Oosterhouse is a respected figure in the world of home renovation and design and an inspiration to DIY enthusiasts everywhere. His commitment to sustainability and environmentally-friendly building practices sets him apart from other contractors and demonstrates his passion for leaving a positive impact on the world around us.
