The Great Christmas Light Fight: Winter Park, Kingman, Wake Forest & Chesapeake

The season premiere of Season 4 aired on Friday, December 5, 2016 to 5.43 million viewers making it the most viewed episode of the season by about a million more viewers than any other episode. Season Four of the Christmas Light competition, where four families reveal their incredible, festive displays! The Johanessen family from Winter Park, Florida show off a stunning 250,000 light home and “Santa’s Retreat”; the Preston family from Kingman, Arizona have an epic Nativity scene that is America’s tallest and brightest; the Piper family from Wake Forest, North Carolina let viewers take a ride on their express-train through their multi-acre property; and the Pugh family from Chesapeake, Virginia show off their servicemen salute as they celebrate patriotism. Who will judge Carter Oosterhouse award $50,000 and the prized Christmas Light Trophy that was inspired by the huge trophy presented by TackyLightTour.com in Crazy Christmas Lights?

The Great Christmas Light Fight  in Florida
The Great Christmas Light Fight in Florida

The Great Christmas Light Fight Displays

The Johanessen Lights in Winter Park, Florida of the Great Christmas Light Fight

The Johannessens have been bringing joy to holiday-goers in Central Florida since 2011. Starting with a simple love of Christmas and a little bit of cheer, the Johannessen home has now become transformed into a spectacle featuring over 250,000 lights! From wooden sleighs to numerous inflatables, the decor gets more grand and spectacular each year. No wonder ABC’s The Great Light Fight chose to feature the family on their show! Though putting up this amazing display is no small feat, The Johannessens truly enjoy bringing smiles to all who visit during the holidays.

Since 2011 the Johanessens have put on an amazing Christmas light display at their home in Winter Park, Florida. The show was featured on ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight and judge Carter Oosterhouse awarded them a $50,000 prize. It takes 2-1/2 months to assemble the estimated 250,000 lights and 1-1/2 months to take it down. Power bills increase by $500 per month during December and January, which is stored across their attic, side yard, and 3 off-site storage units. You can tour the decorations for free but they kindly ask you donate if you do. Look forward to its return each year!

Winter Park, Florida is a charming city located in Orange County, just north of Orlando. Founded in 1881, the city has a rich history that includes being home to both Rollins College and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Winter Park is also renowned for its botanical gardens, golf courses, and year-round recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. With over 45 parks, 26 miles of trails and scenic lakeside views, Winter Park is an ideal destination for both locals and visitors alike.

The Preston Lights in Kingman, Arizona of the Great Christmas Light Fight

David Preston has been lighting up the Kingman neighborhood with his impressive holiday display since the 1980s. Over 300,000 lights illuminate the home, making it a holiday classic for locals and travelers alike. Spending around 40 days and up to 12 hours a day in preparation each year, Preston finds joy in the community’s appreciation of his work. He also delights in the technical and computerized aspects of putting together the display. Others appreciate it too – so much so that marriage proposals have been made here!

Though he plans to scale back, inspired by his wife’s enthusiasm for light hooks on their house and touched by a terminally ill woman’s wish to see one more time before passing away, Preston continues putting up the spectacular show. He enjoys syncing up music while viewers stroll through his yard and marvel at his favorite piece – an LED tree with each pixel changing red, green, and blue colors.

You can enjoy Preston’s display every night until Jan. 1st between 5:30-10 p.m.. To get there, take Gordon Avenue off Stockton Hill Road then turn right on Shadow Crest Road, left onto Canyon Hills (at first stop sign) and finally right onto Shadow Mountain Drive.

Kingman, Arizona is a picturesque desert town located in Mohave County. With moderate temperatures and an estimated 30,000 people, Kingman is a great place to experience the outdoors. It has countless trails for hiking and biking, including the popular Hualapai Mountain Park Trail System. Other pastimes include camping and visiting one of several state parks or natural attractions such as Royal Arch, or the nearby Colorado River. For those who prefer animal adventures, take a trip to one of Kingman’s many animal sanctuaries like Bearizona Wildlife Park or Kingman Reptile Rescue Center. Golfers can play at four different courses throughout the city and for retail therapy there’s the Historic Downtown District with its unique collection of shops and boutiques. For all-around entertainment, head over to historic Locomotive Park where you can board an authentic steam locomotive that takes you on a ride back in time!

The Piper Lights in Wake Forest, North Carolina of the Great Christmas Light Fight

The Piper Lights display in Wake Forest, NC brings the joy of the holiday season to locals and visitors alike. Visitors can drive thru 7 acres of lights free of charge, with donations always appreciated. The lights are on Sunday-Thursday from 5:30-9pm and Friday & Saturday from 5:30-10pm, beginning November 27th through January 1st. There is also a candy store and train.

Wake Forest, NC is a charming town located north of Raleigh. It is known for its small-town charm, local shops and restaurants, and picturesque scenery. Wake Forest is also home to many recreational activities such as golfing, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and boating. There are also plenty of cultural attractions within the city including live music venues, museums and art galleries. The annual holiday event Piper Lights brings joy to locals and visitors alike each year with its 7 acre drive-thru light display.

The Pugh Lights in Chesapeake, Virginia of the Great Christmas Light Fight

The Pugh family is bringing some Christmas cheer to their neighborhood with a spectacular light display in Chesapeake, Virginia! A flying sleigh complete with Santa and all his reindeer soars through the sky, while a 3D tunnel of lights sparkles above the driveway. Everywhere you look, there is an abundance of beautiful lights that flicker and brighten in time to the music. This masterpiece was created through a tremendous effort from the entire family – Charlie and Sara, the masterminds behind it all, along with Bridgette and Mason who check all the lights to make sure they are working properly. Sara has even dubbed her love for Christmas as “Obsessive Christmas Disorder” – too cute! So if you’re near Chesapeake be sure to visit this amazing sight, it’s sure to brighten up your night!

Chesapeake, VA is a vibrant waterfront city located in the Hampton Roads area. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The area is known for its many outdoor parks, trails and nature preserves, along with its five rivers that offer fishing and boating opportunities. For history buffs, there are many historic landmarks such as the Olde Towne listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or nearby Jamestown Island which offers tours of one of America’s first settlements. Additionally, Chesapeake provides plenty of cultural attractions such as museums, performing arts centers and galleries. There are also many family friendly activities like mini golf courses, amusement parks and sports complexes around town.

The Hosts of The Great Christmas Light Fight Season 4 Episode 1

About Carter Oosterhouse of The Great Christmas Light Fight

Carter Oosterhouse is an American television host, author, and carpenter. He is best known for his work on the shows Trading Spaces, Red Hot & Green, and Carter Can. He has authored two books – Carter’s Big Book of Home Solutions and Byron’s Crow’s Nest- both of which focus on do-it-yourself home improvement projects. His passion for woodworking began as a child while helping out in his father’s carpentry shop. After spending time in the construction industry, he broke into television hosting with Trading Spaces. Since then, he has become a highly sought-after speaker and spokesperson for numerous brands, charities and organizations. His current passion project is the Carter’s Kids program through Habitat for Humanity which helps to build homes for children in need all around the US.

Cater Oosterhouse of The Great Christmas Lights Fight
Carter Oosterhouse on set of The Great Christmas Lights Fight

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 an interior designer, television host, and entrepreneur. She is well-known for her appearances on HGTV’s Restaurant Impossible and A&E’s Flipping Boston. Her expertise in transforming spaces combined with her enthusiasm and knowledge of design has made her a sought-after expert by many celebrities, brands, and publications. Additionally, she launched Taniya Nayak Design in 2009 which provides design services to hospitality establishments across the country. Her debut book ‘The Power of Positivity: Transforming Your Life Using the 10 Principles of Positive Thinking’ was released in 2017 and has been praised for its insight into using positive thinking to create lasting change in your life. Taniya continues to bring creative solutions with a passionate eye for detail to everyday living experiences.

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.

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Melinda Parker
Melinda Parker
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