The Great Christmas Light Fight: Sherman Oaks, Willmar, Orlando & Longview

On December 21th, 2015, ABC aired the final episode of season three of The Great Christmas Light Fight which brought in a viewership of 5.64 million people immediately after the fifth episode aired making it the most watched episode of season 3. The final episode of the Great Christmas Light Fight season 3 features an array of remarkable light displays. The Ziemkowski family in Sherman Oaks, CA have created a pixel tree that incorporates handmade craftsmanship and thousands of lights, as well as music and synced video for a stunning holiday experience. The Koosman family in Willmar, MN put on a synchronized fireworks show with 450,000 LED strobe lights to draw thousands of visitors to their home. The Sokol family are dazzling onlookers with “Slammin’ Santa” and a jumping dolphin display featuring 2 projectors simulating shimmering water and over 125,000 lights in Orlando, FL. Last but not least, the Davis family from Longview TX bring 1 million twinkling lights on display around 6 dancing mega trees (45 feet high) including their own homemade pond and river of blue lights!

Homes on The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 3 Episode 6

The Lights on Display in Sherman Oaks, California

The Ziemkowski family in Sherman Oaks, CA have created a spectacular holiday display featuring a pixel tree incorporating handmade craftsmanship and thousands of lights, as well as music and synced video. The tree is illuminated with an array of colors that create an entrancing spectacle. The display also includes snow canons, giant presents, and Santa’s sleigh providing the final touch to their magical winter wonderland.

Christmas has always been a special time of the year for the Ziemkowski family. Every year, their father would fill the yard with handmade items fashioned from wood and whatever else he could find, creating motorized displays of the Little Drummer Boy drumming away at the manger, Santa playing a pipe organ and a workshop fully staffed by Santa and his elves.

As time passed, it was up to his son to take over the decorating. He began to build animated figures out of plywood, chicken wire, fabric and vending machine motors. Eventually, he added more lights and decorations of his own creation. Computer control was introduced in 2003, giving him the ability to animate lights to music. He also built an original “Z-Tree” composed of PVC, cable ties, pine garland, and lights.

In 2008 he was finally able to add animatronics to his display, starting with Fryst The Snowman – singing and dancing at center stage. Over the years, he added more animatronic elements as well as converting from traditional holiday lights to LED lights. His display included dancing elves as well as Santa in a sleigh pulled by Rudolph flying across the night sky. In 2010 he completed his show with “DJ Jingles” – hosting what had become a full blown concert featuring singers and dancers!

The Light of the World Christmas Lights in Willmar, Minnesota

The Koosman family wanted to share the spirit of the season with their community. Ten years ago, they began Celebrate the Light of the World – a holiday display made up of nearly 900,000 Christmas lights spread across seven miles of extension cords and set up by over 1,000 volunteers. Now in its tenth year, Celebrate the Light of the World is a drive-thru event for all to enjoy from the warmth and safety of their car.

Visitors are invited to take in all the dazzling lights and help support four amazing organizations working year-round to assist those in need in West Central Minnesota: The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Kandiyohi County Food Shelf and United Way. Those wishing to contribute can make donations at the Koosman Chapel as they exit.

Celebrate the Light of World has grown year after year thanks to generous donations from local organizations and businesses that have shared in this expression of love and kindness during the holiday season. Join us this year as we continue to celebrate our world through light!

The Sokol Family Christmas Lights in Orlando, Florida

Carmella’s Magical Santa Land in Longview, Texas

This enchanting event features a Christmas village full of fun activities and sights. Marvel at the twinkling lights while visiting Santa’s House and taking pictures with Santa himself. Ride through the North Pole on Santa’s train, or explore Mrs. Claus’ Post Office and the workshops of elves making toys. Enjoy festive treats like gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa, then take in a wonderful show at Santa’s Theatre.

The awe-inspiring sights of Carmela’s Magical Santa Land in Longview, TX stretching nearly a mile long and comprised of almost 2 million lights, plus countless blow-up decorations, this one-of-a-kind event has something for everyone. On Nov. 6, Carmela’s Magical Santa Land opens its doors to the public – but the day before, they invite special needs children and their families to have their own unique experience. In addition to receiving the first look at this holiday wonderland, these families can also take part in a fundraiser with Longview Area Ambucs to provide specialized bikes. And this year, guests will be able to explore even more of Carmela’s Magical Santa Land with a new walking trail for an entirely different adventure!

The Hosts of The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 3 Episode 6

About Carter Oosterhouse of The Great Christmas Light Fight

Renowned television host, carpenter and producer Carter Oosterhouse is most recognized for his role as the host of the hit holiday series The Great Christmas Light Fight on ABC. Growing up on a farm in Traverse City, Michigan, he attended Central Michigan University to obtain a degree in construction management and later moved to Los Angeles in 1996 to pursue a career in television production. Through the years, he has hosted many successful home improvement shows such as Trading Spaces, The Biggest Loser, Million Dollar Rooms and Carter Can!. His hard work has been acknowledged with an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Host in a Lifestyle/How-To Program. He continues to show his commitment to helping people bring their home improvement projects to fruition – from swapping out lampshades to constructing brand new room additions.

Carter Oosterhouse is well-known for giving families across America his own special gift: the opportunity to create awe-inspiring holiday light displays and compete for a grand prize worth $50,000. As executive producer on The Great Christmas Light Fight in 2013, Oosterhouse ensures its smooth running each season. Beyond this, he is passionate about helping dog rescues throughout California – including Doggy Bonez & Catnip Dreams Animal Rescue in North Hollywood and Senior Paws Pet Adoptions in Sherman Oaks. Carter Oosterhouse has truly made a difference this holiday season!

About Taniya Nayak of The Great Christmas Light Fight

Taniya Nayak is a much-admired interior designer and television personality, renowned for her work on HGTV, Food Network, and many DIY projects. She began her career as a design assistant on Trading Spaces and quickly rose to become one of the show’s most prolific designers. Her eclectic style has earned her the opportunity to work on projects with leading brands such as Robert Allen Design and Uttermost, in addition to starring in her own shows such as Deserving Design and Taniya’s Tea Room on The Cooking Channel. Taniya’s signature technique combines modern elements with classic sophistication while emphasizing comfort in all her designs.

Taniya Nayak has become a shining star in both the holiday décor and special needs communities. Most recently, she was chosen as one of the judges for ABC’s popular holiday competition show The Great Christmas Light Fight, together with host Carter Oosterhouse – helping families design incredible holiday décor for a chance to win $50,000! As well as this, Nayak regularly visits children’s hospitals all over the US to spread cancer awareness, and supports Special Olympics Massachusetts by serving as an honorary celebrity coach/mentor.