The first home holiday light display appeared in New York City in 1882 at the home of Edward Hibberd Johnson. Johnson, a business partner of Thomas Edison, hand-wired 80 red, white and blue light bulbs and strung them on his Christmas tree, which also revolved on a pedestal. The tree was displayed in the street-facing window of his parlor for all to see. A newspaper reported, “One can hardly imagine anything prettier” (Smithsonian Magazine, December 2016). Holiday lights became common in homes by the 1930s.
Today, a string of light contains 150 bulbs, and there is an average of one strand for every foot of tree. The most popular colors of lights are red and green. As you drive around this holiday season, take advantage of the many amazing holiday light displays in our region. Below is a map of more than 50 suggested stops for you to enjoy (Rochester Kids Out and About).
Click on the map below for address information and start planning your holiday light tour today!
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