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The holiday season is a special time, full of traditions that bring people together. One of the most cherished traditions is visiting Christmas light displays. These glowing spectacles can transform a simple neighborhood, a historic landmark, or a vast park into a magical wonderland. For many, seeing the lights is a festive highlight, a chance to make new memories with family and friends. This guide will take you on a journey to some of the most spectacular Christmas lights in the United States, offering an in-depth look at what makes each one so special and how you can plan the perfect visit. We’ll explore everything from famous neighborhood traditions to massive drive-thru light festivals, so you can find the perfect holiday light show for you.
The Iconic American Classics
Some Christmas light displays are more than just local attractions; they’re national institutions. These are the legendary holiday lights that have captured the hearts of millions for decades. They represent the grand scale and enduring spirit of American holiday traditions, drawing visitors from all over the country.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: Brooklyn’s Legendary Neighborhood Display
In a quiet corner of Brooklyn, New York, a neighborhood has become a global phenomenon. The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights are a legendary spectacle where homeowners don’t just decorate—they create elaborate, over-the-top installations. This incredible display of community spirit and holiday cheer is a must-see for anyone in the New York City area. It’s an authentic, heartfelt tradition that can’t be replicated anywhere else. The decorations include everything from giant inflatable Santas and animatronic reindeer to meticulously wrapped trees and houses dripping with thousands of twinkling lights.
The History of Dyker Heights’ Holiday Tradition
The tradition began in the 1980s with one woman, Lucy Spata. Her home was so extravagantly decorated that it caught the attention of neighbors and local news reporters. Soon, other residents in the area began to compete with their own displays, trying to outdo each other in a friendly rivalry. This “decorate more” mentality spread throughout the neighborhood. This simple beginning eventually evolved into a massive, unofficial festival that now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The community’s dedication to this festive tradition is what makes it so charming and unique; it truly feels like a celebration for everyone.
What Makes the Lights So Special
What sets Dyker Heights apart is that it’s a completely organic, non-commercial display. The lights aren’t set up by a company; they’re the result of individual homeowners’ creativity and passion. Many residents hire professional decorators to design their displays, with some of the more elaborate ones reportedly costing thousands of dollars to install. The sheer density of the lights, the intricate scenes, and the variety of decorations create an immersive experience. You can’t just drive by; you have to walk the streets to fully appreciate the detail and scale. This is the place to see massive nutcrackers, glowing snowmen, and thousands of strands of lights all competing for your attention.
Practical Tips for Visiting Dyker Heights
Visiting Dyker Heights requires a bit of planning, especially if you’re traveling from out of town. The best time to go is between mid-December and New Year’s Eve. Most lights are up by 5 PM, but it’s best to wait until after 6 PM for full effect. The display is a walk-through experience, so you should wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly. Public transportation is available, but many people prefer to take a bus tour from Manhattan, which handles all the navigation and parking challenges. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends. Don’t forget to explore multiple blocks, as the best displays aren’t limited to just one street.
Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn: A Historic California Showcase
In Riverside, California, the stunning Mission Inn Hotel & Spa transforms into a fairy-tale palace during the holidays. Its annual Festival of Lights is a grand event, featuring millions of lights, hundreds of animatronic figures, and a breathtaking display of holiday decorations. This free, six-week festival is considered one of the largest and most beloved holiday light shows in the nation, offering a blend of history, architecture, and seasonal splendor. It’s a truly spectacular celebration that honors the Mission Inn’s unique heritage.
The Inn’s Stunning Architecture and Lighting Design
The Mission Inn itself is a National Historic Landmark with a unique architectural style that combines Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, and other European influences. When the lights are turned on, they highlight every detail of the building’s intricate design, from its soaring bell towers to its elegant archways. The lighting isn’t just about a high bulb count; it’s a careful, deliberate artistic choice. You’ll see millions of white lights gracefully outlining the building’s contours, creating a dramatic and elegant effect. This approach, which focuses on enhancing the existing architecture, gives the display a sophisticated feel.
Not Just Lights: Other Festival Attractions
The Festival of Lights isn’t just a static display. It includes a host of other attractions that make it a full-fledged holiday festival. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, a magical carousel, and an ice-skating rink. A life-sized gingerbread house adds a whimsical touch, while nightly entertainment and food vendors keep the festive spirit alive. The lighting ceremony, which typically takes place the day after Thanksgiving, is a major event in its own right, attracting tens of thousands of people. All these elements combined create a lively, immersive atmosphere that appeals to all ages.
Planning Your Visit to the Mission Inn
Since the Festival of Lights is free, it’s a very popular destination. You should plan your visit carefully to avoid the biggest crowds. The best times to go are on weekday evenings early in the season. Be aware that traffic and parking can be challenging, so consider using a ride-sharing service or arriving early to secure a good spot. Make sure you check the hotel’s official website for the exact dates and any special event schedules. This way, you won’t miss the grand lighting ceremony or any of the other festive activities planned throughout the season.
Lights Under Louisville: An Underground Holiday Adventure
For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, you can head to Louisville, Kentucky, where a former limestone quarry has been transformed into a magical underground world. Lights Under Louisville is a massive drive-thru display located within the city’s Mega Cavern. This subterranean wonderland is the only underground Christmas lights show in the world. It provides a warm, dry, and unique holiday experience, no matter what the weather is like above ground. You can cruise through a two-mile route surrounded by millions of twinkling lights, all from the comfort of your own vehicle.
The Unique Setting of the Mega Cavern
The Mega Cavern is an impressive man-made space. It’s over 100 feet tall in some places and stretches for more than 17 miles. This vast, naturally-insulated environment maintains a consistent temperature of about 58 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, which is a welcome relief from the winter cold. The sheer scale of the cavern creates a dramatic backdrop for the display. The lights and animated scenes are set up along the cavern’s winding passageways, giving you a sense of discovery as you drive deeper into the earth. It feels like you’re entering a secret, hidden world of holiday magic.
The Technology Behind the Underground Display
The display uses state-of-the-art lighting technology to create its magical effects. A significant portion of the lights are energy-efficient LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes). These modern lights consume up to 90% less energy than old incandescent bulbs. They also last much longer and produce less heat, which is important in such a contained environment. The display features a variety of animated scenes and light tunnels. Some sections are computer-controlled and synchronized to music. The team behind the event has to carefully install all the equipment in a way that doesn’t harm the cavern’s ecosystem or natural structures.
What to Expect on a Subterranean Drive
When you visit Lights Under Louisville, you’ll stay in your car for the entire experience. It’s a drive-thru event, so you don’t have to worry about getting cold. You’ll drive at a slow pace, taking about 30 minutes to complete the full two-mile route. It’s a great option for families with small children or for anyone who wants to enjoy the lights without the hassle of walking in the cold. To fully enjoy the experience, you should tune your car’s radio to a specific frequency that plays synchronized holiday music. The music adds a powerful layer of immersion, making the lights seem to dance and come to life.
Immersive Drive-Thru & Walk-Thru Experiences
While local displays are wonderful, many people seek out massive, highly-produced holiday events. These are often located in parks, resorts, or fairgrounds, and they are designed to be a complete sensory experience. The displays are larger, more technologically advanced, and often include additional attractions like food, live entertainment, and gift shops. These festivals truly go all out to create a holiday atmosphere you won’t soon forget.
Bentleyville “Tour of Lights”: America’s Largest Walk-Through Display
Perched on the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota, is a holiday spectacle so grand it calls itself “America’s Largest Free Walk-Through Lighting Display.” Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” is an extraordinary event that features millions of lights and countless illuminated scenes. This popular attraction, founded by a local community member, is a testament to the power of giving. It’s not just a light show; it’s a huge community effort that benefits local charities. It truly embodies the spirit of Christmas, creating a special destination for people from all over the Midwest.
The Scale and Scope of Bentleyville
The display is immense, spanning across a large park area that offers stunning views of the harbor and the Aerial Lift Bridge. It features more than five million individual lights, all meticulously placed to create a series of enchanting displays. There are glowing arches, giant animated trees, and light tunnels that visitors can walk through. Many of the displays are custom-made, showing incredible attention to detail. This isn’t just a drive-by attraction; it’s a place you can spend hours exploring. The sheer number of lights and the size of the space create a truly immersive environment.
Beyond the Lights: Attractions and Community Spirit
Bentleyville offers more than just lights. There’s a heated warming house, where you can grab a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. You can also roast marshmallows over one of the many bonfires scattered throughout the park. Kids get to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and receive a treat from them. The event also collects donations for the Salvation Army, making your visit a way to support a good cause. It’s a perfect example of a community-focused event that uses holiday cheer to give back. This blend of spectacular visuals and heartfelt purpose is what draws visitors back year after year.
Key Details for Planning Your Trip
Bentleyville is a very popular destination, so it’s essential to plan your visit carefully. The event opens in mid-November and runs through late December. Because it’s a walk-through display, you should dress in layers and wear warm, waterproof boots. You can expect a crowd, especially on weekend evenings, but the park’s large size helps to spread people out. Parking can be a challenge, so look for designated lots and shuttle services that can take you to the entrance. While the display is free to enter, a donation of a non-perishable food item or a new, unwrapped toy is encouraged.
Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens: A Southern Wonderland
In Pine Mountain, Georgia, the Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens is a legendary drive-thru holiday experience. This massive, 8-million-light display has been named one of the “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights” by National Geographic Traveler. It’s a truly immersive spectacle that takes you on a journey through the natural beauty of the gardens, which are completely transformed for the holiday season. The event features custom-designed scenes and a festive atmosphere that is perfect for families looking for a dose of holiday magic. It’s a well-established tradition that offers a different kind of light show experience.
The Sheer Scale of the Fantasy in Lights Experience
The show is a five-mile journey through the gardens, with themed scenes that tell a story. You’ll encounter classics like “Santa’s Workshop” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas” as well as more unique scenes, such as the “Enchanted Rainbow Forest.” The lights aren’t just draped on trees; they are carefully arranged into huge, detailed displays. For example, a single scene might use hundreds of thousands of lights to create a specific image or feeling. The scale of the displays, which can be as large as two football fields, is truly impressive. This level of detail and artistic design is what makes the show a premium experience.
How the Light Scenes Are Created and Managed
The production of Fantasy in Lights is a major undertaking that takes months of planning and execution. The displays are made from a mix of custom-built elements and off-the-shelf components. The lighting designers use a combination of traditional incandescent bulbs and modern LED lights. The show also incorporates special effects, like fog machines and lasers, to create a more dynamic and immersive environment. The entire display is synchronized to music, which is broadcast on a local radio station. This means that as you drive through a scene, you’ll hear a soundtrack that’s specifically designed to match the visual elements. This synchronization creates a powerful, cohesive experience that can’t be achieved with a simple, static display.
Choosing Between the Drive or Jolly Trolley Tour
Visitors have two main options for experiencing Fantasy in Lights. You can either drive your own vehicle through the five-mile route or take the open-air Jolly Trolley. The Jolly Trolley is a fun option that allows everyone in your party to focus on the lights and not on driving. The trolley also offers a slightly different perspective, and it can be a more relaxing way to see the show. However, driving your own car gives you the flexibility to go at your own pace and to have a more private experience. For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the experience and get a bit of a breeze, the trolley is an excellent choice.
Celebration in the Oaks: New Orleans’ Magical City Park
New Orleans might be famous for its Mardi Gras, but it also hosts a spectacular holiday event. Celebration in the Oaks is a long-standing tradition in City Park that features millions of lights and unique, New Orleans-themed displays. The event is set among centuries-old live oak trees, which are naturally a stunning part of the landscape. The combination of the park’s natural beauty and the creative light displays creates a uniquely Southern holiday experience. It’s a joyful, whimsical, and beautiful celebration that blends local culture with traditional holiday cheer.
The Unique Southern Flair of This Light Festival
What makes Celebration in the Oaks stand out is its strong sense of place. While you’ll find classic holiday scenes, you’ll also see displays that are distinctly New Orleans. There are festive alligators, a giant light sculpture of a streetcar, and a dazzling fleur-de-lis. The lights are not just decorations; they’re a celebration of the city’s unique culture and spirit. This local flavor gives the event a personality that you won’t find anywhere else. The entire festival feels like a big, beautiful holiday party, complete with the warmth and hospitality that the South is known for.
The Iconic Live Oak Trees as a Canvas
The sprawling, majestic live oak trees of City Park are the star of the show. Many of these trees are over 600 years old, with huge, gnarled branches that twist and turn. The organizers have expertly wrapped these magnificent trees in countless strands of lights, turning them into glowing, ethereal sculptures. The lights follow the natural contours of the branches, highlighting their incredible forms. Seeing these ancient trees illuminated against the night sky is a truly breathtaking sight. This use of a natural canvas is a key element of the event’s design, and it’s a beautiful way to show respect for the park’s heritage.
Navigating the Celebration: Drive-Thru or Walk-Through
For many years, Celebration in the Oaks was primarily a walk-through event, but it has now adapted to offer both options. This gives visitors the flexibility to choose how they want to experience the show. A walk-through ticket lets you stroll through the botanical garden and see the lights up close. A drive-thru ticket allows you to experience the main displays from the comfort of your car. Both options provide a different but equally enjoyable experience. You should check the official website to see which options are available and to purchase tickets, as they often sell out in advance.
Regional Gems and Unique Concepts
Beyond the famous giants, there are countless spectacular light displays that offer unique experiences. These regional gems may not be as well-known on a national scale, but they provide unforgettable holiday memories. They often have a strong local identity, a special history, or an unusual concept that makes them worth seeking out.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights: A Historic Spanish City Aglow
The city of St. Augustine, Florida, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the United States. During the holidays, its historic downtown area transforms into a glowing masterpiece with the St. Augustine Nights of Lights. The city is decorated with millions of tiny white lights, which are strung from the ground to the rooftops of its ancient buildings. This event is a beautiful, understated celebration that has received numerous accolades for its beauty and scale. It’s an ideal destination for those who appreciate history and tradition.
The History Behind the Nights of Lights
The tradition of the Nights of Lights can be traced back to the city’s Spanish heritage. Historically, residents would place candles in their windows to celebrate the holidays, a tradition that honored the city’s long past. The modern event, which began in the early 1990s, pays homage to that legacy. The choice to use only white lights is a deliberate nod to this historical custom, creating a simple, elegant, and timeless visual. The absence of colorful, flashing lights gives the display a serene and classical feel that perfectly suits the city’s old-world charm.
The White Light-Only Rule and its Visual Impact
The rule of using only white lights is a critical design choice that has a major impact on the display’s aesthetic. Instead of a chaotic explosion of color, you get a harmonious, glowing atmosphere. The white lights highlight the textures and details of the historic architecture, including the intricate facades of the Lightner Museum and the towering spires of the Cathedral Basilica. They also create a stunning contrast with the dark night sky. The soft glow of the lights gives the city a romantic, ethereal feel that’s perfect for a holiday stroll. This simple yet powerful choice is what makes St. Augustine’s display so memorable.
How to Best Experience the Nights of Lights
Since the entire historic district is lit up, the best way to experience the Nights of Lights is on foot. You can wander through the cobblestone streets, admiring the beautiful buildings and festive decorations. Taking a scenic walk is a great way to discover hidden courtyards and tucked-away cafes. For a different perspective, consider a horse-drawn carriage ride or a boat tour, which offers views from the water. Another popular option is to climb to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the entire city sparkling below. This vantage point lets you appreciate the sheer scale of the display.
Koziar’s Christmas Village: A World-Class Outdoor Display
Located in Bernville, Pennsylvania, Koziar’s Christmas Village is a destination that’s often described as a true holiday paradise. This family-owned farm has been transformed into a massive outdoor display for over 70 years, featuring millions of lights and hundreds of detailed scenes. It’s an old-fashioned, walk-through experience that feels like stepping into a classic Christmas storybook. The village is so well-known that it’s won international recognition, including an award for being one of the best outdoor Christmas displays in the world. It’s an American original that you have to see to believe.
The Vision of Koziar and Its Evolution
The tradition began in 1948 when William M. Koziar started decorating his family farm for his wife and children. As the years went by, his decorations grew more elaborate, and local residents started to drive by to see the incredible spectacle. Over time, Koziar added more lights, animatronic displays, and themed buildings, turning the farm into a full-fledged Christmas village. The vision behind it was always to create a place of magic and wonder for people to enjoy. Today, his family continues the tradition, maintaining and expanding the village each year. This rich history and personal touch are part of the village’s enduring appeal.
The Village’s Themed Scenes and Detailed Designs
Koziar’s is a true village, complete with buildings like a Santa’s workshop, a bakery, and a post office for letters to Santa. Each area has a specific theme, with scenes that include everything from classic nativity scenes to whimsical displays featuring fairy tales and nursery rhymes. The use of animatronic figures is a key feature, with moving reindeer, elves, and snowmen adding a sense of life and motion to the village. The designers use a variety of lighting techniques, including floodlights, spotlights, and thousands of twinkling bulbs, to create different moods and effects. The attention to detail is remarkable, and you can see the passion and care that goes into every display.
Making the Most of Your Trip to Koziar’s
Since Koziar’s Christmas Village is a walk-through event, dressing for the weather is a must. The paths can be uneven, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The village is open from early November until early January, but the best time to visit is on a weekday evening to avoid the largest crowds. You can grab hot chocolate and other festive treats from the concessions stands inside the village. This experience is more than just looking at lights; it’s about being immersed in a nostalgic, charming holiday world.
Austin Trail of Lights: A Community-Focused Celebration
In Austin, Texas, the Zilker Park is home to a beloved holiday tradition: the Austin Trail of Lights. This event, which has been a staple of the city for over 50 years, is a massive display featuring over two million lights and more than 70 unique displays. It’s an award-winning event that has been recognized for its community focus and festive atmosphere. The Trail of Lights offers a vibrant, dynamic experience that reflects the unique character of Austin. It’s a mix of classic holiday scenes and artistic, modern displays that appeal to a wide range of visitors.
The Austin Tradition and its Impressive Size
The Trail of Lights is a huge event, drawing hundreds of thousands of people each year. The display is a mile-long route that winds through Zilker Park. It features a wide range of exhibits, from giant, illuminated candy canes to detailed light sculptures of Austin landmarks. The event also includes the famous Zilker Tree, a 155-foot-tall Moontower that is decorated with over 3,300 lights. The tree is a city landmark and a central part of the festival. The size and variety of the displays are truly impressive, offering something new to see around every corner.
The Technology of the Zilker Tree and Displays
The Zilker Tree is a technological marvel. The lights are strung to create a spiral effect that visitors can spin under, creating a dizzying, beautiful visual. The display uses a mix of traditional and modern lighting technology. Many of the newer displays use energy-efficient LED lights, while others, like the Zilker Tree, still use traditional incandescent bulbs. The displays often incorporate sound and music, creating a synchronized light show that adds to the festive atmosphere. The use of different technologies allows the designers to create a variety of effects, from the warm glow of classic bulbs to the bright, crisp look of modern LEDs.
Insider Tips for Attending the Austin Trail of Lights
Because the Trail of Lights is so popular, planning is crucial. The event is a mix of paid and free admission days, so you should check the schedule in advance. The event is now a walk-through, so be prepared for a long stroll and dress accordingly. It’s a good idea to buy tickets online ahead of time, as they can sell out quickly, especially on weekends. Parking can be difficult, but the event often offers a shuttle service from downtown, which is a convenient way to get there. Arriving early will help you avoid the biggest crowds and give you more time to enjoy the displays.
Planning Your Christmas Lights Trip
Visiting a major Christmas light display can be a big undertaking. It’s not just about showing up; it’s about making the most of your time and creating a stress-free, enjoyable experience. This section will help you plan your trip, from choosing the right type of display to understanding the technology that makes the magic happen.
Choosing the Right Display for Your Family
The first step in planning is deciding what kind of experience you want. Do you want a quiet, intimate evening or a bustling, lively festival? Do you prefer to walk or drive? Each type of display has its own unique benefits.
Walk-Through vs. Drive-Thru: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Walk-through displays, like Bentleyville or Koziar’s, offer a more intimate and immersive experience. You can go at your own pace, stop to take pictures, and interact with the various attractions. The downside is that you have to be prepared for the cold weather. Walk-through events can also be challenging for those with mobility issues or for families with very small children who get tired easily.
Drive-thru displays, like Lights Under Louisville or Fantasy in Lights, provide comfort and convenience. You can stay warm and dry in your car, and it’s a great option for people who can’t walk for long distances. The downside is that you are on a set path and can’t stop to explore. Traffic can also be a major issue, especially on peak nights, so a short drive can turn into a very long one.
Budgeting for Your Trip: Ticket Costs and Other Expenses
The cost of visiting these displays can vary significantly. Some, like Bentleyville and Dyker Heights, are free to enter, but they may have a suggested donation. Others, like Lights Under Louisville or Fantasy in Lights, have a per-vehicle or per-person ticket price. You’ll also need to budget for other expenses, such as parking, food and drinks, and any souvenirs you might want to buy. Some venues offer VIP or fast-pass tickets for a higher price, which can be a good investment if you want to avoid long lines. A little planning here will prevent any financial surprises.
The Technology Behind the Magic
The spectacular light displays we see today are a far cry from the simple strings of lights of a few decades ago. Modern technology has revolutionized the industry, allowing for more complex, creative, and energy-efficient designs.
From Incandescent to LED: The Evolution of Christmas Lights
For most of the 20th century, Christmas lights were almost exclusively incandescent. These bulbs, which use a filament that heats up to produce light, were relatively fragile and consumed a lot of electricity. A single strand of lights could get hot enough to be a fire hazard, and if one bulb went out, the whole string often failed. The introduction of LED (Light-Emitting Diode) technology changed everything. LEDs are much more durable, consume up to 90% less energy, and last for thousands of hours. They also produce a much brighter, more vibrant light. This shift to LED technology has made large-scale displays more sustainable and reliable. Modern displays can use millions of bulbs without a huge energy footprint, a feat that would have been impossible with old incandescent technology.
Synchronized Light and Music Shows Explained
One of the most thrilling parts of a modern light display is when the lights “dance” to music. This is achieved through a technical process called computerized lighting control. A central computer system is used to program the lights to turn on, off, or change color in a specific sequence. This system is connected to a DMX protocol, which is a standard for digital communication networks used to control lighting and other special effects. The audio track is then synchronized with the lighting program, so that every beat, note, and musical phrase has a corresponding lighting cue. The result is a seamless and powerful integration of sound and light that creates a truly dynamic experience. The lights aren’t just twinkling; they’re performing.
Tips for a Smooth and Memorable Experience
To make sure your trip is fun and memorable, here are a few final tips for navigating the lights like a pro.
Beating the Crowds and Navigating Traffic
Most popular light displays are busiest on weekend evenings and during the week leading up to Christmas. If possible, try to visit on a weekday early in the season. Another option is to go on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, when some displays are open and often less crowded. For drive-thru displays, arriving as soon as the gates open can help you get ahead of the traffic. For walk-through events, consider going on a weeknight, or later in the evening when the initial rush has died down.
Essential Packing List for a Cold-Weather Light Show
If you’re heading to a walk-through display, especially in a colder climate, a little preparation goes a long way. Make a list of things to bring so you’re not caught off guard. You’ll definitely need to dress in layers, including a warm coat, a hat, and gloves. Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes or boots, since you’ll be on your feet for a while. A portable phone charger is a great idea, as you’ll likely be taking a lot of pictures. If you’re going with kids, consider packing a thermos of hot cocoa and some small snacks. These small details can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the experience.
Conclusion
The magic of Christmas lights is a powerful thing. It’s a tradition that brings joy and wonder to people of all ages, creating a sense of shared community and holiday spirit. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of a family farm, the urban elegance of a historic hotel, or a massive drive-thru adventure, there’s a spectacular display waiting for you. Each location offers its own unique story, a special way of celebrating the holiday season. So this year, don’t just stay at home; get out there and let the lights fill your heart with the magic of the holidays.
