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HOLIDAY WATCH - “You are invited to ‘Drive by and be Enchanted,” states a local media release this week by a La Mesa, CA, resident, describing a unique Christmas display of animation which appears at his home and features a total of over 18,000 glittering lights, with such beloved icons as Snoopy, Rudolph and, of course, Santa Claus spreading the Season’s wishes for a Merry Christmas to all.
This breathtaking free display is the annual gift of a former Marine and his family, who believe that growing up should not mean leaving childhood joy and wonder behind.
They want to brighten the holidays for young and old with the Season’s most-remembered animal and human favorites. You are invited to drive by the breathtaking display in nearby San Diego County, which will continue nightly through January 5, 2025.
His decision to extend an invitation through local media was made when he saw a passenger van identified as belonging to a Los Angeles valley medical center drive down his street and stop, possibly to allow patients/occupants to view the decorations.
He wanted to assure those who are facing physical challenges can have the opportunity to participate in the celebration of the season without exiting a vehicle, and join in a celebration of lights and thanks for the blessings of freedom in our country.
He decorates the exterior of his home and yard in San Diego with iconic holiday personalities to delight the child in all of us. Not only does it include Santa on a sled loaded with gifts, but also a breathtaking display of the unique images which symbolize the generosity of spirit at Christmas that transcends tangible gifts.
Invitation to Drive by and be Enchanted! (Share with family and friends.)
Address: 5725 Amarillo, La Mesa, 91942 (near Fletcher Parkway)
Hours: Display from 5 pm to 11 pm (No charge. This is our gift to you.)
Dates of Light and Decorative Display: Now thru January 5, 2025.
Featuring: Over 18,000 lights create a display to delight all ages:
- Santa Claus in his sleigh, and reindeer flying off of the roof;
- Snoopy in his Sopwith Camel flying escort for Santa;
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends with the Misfit Toys;
- Woodland creatures on a snow-covered hill;
- The 1964 Rudolph TV special playing on a projector; and
- Other Christmas lights all visible in the front
- A busy airport with Santa in a cargo plane, a helicopter, a hot air balloon, a rocket and skydiving, visible from Nagel Street in the back. And, of course, wishing a “Merry Christmas to All.”
If you or a loved one or friend will be in the San Diego area or know someone who is, please share this with them. But, it is also well worth the drive from Los Angeles—especially if you also visit “Starlight Circle” on West Glendon Street in nearby Santee. But it isn’t necessary to drive to San Diego to see beautiful Christmas displays.
Taking a drive through neighborhoods that take the time to decorate for holidays can help fill anyone with the spirit of the Season and the joy of being a child again. And nurturing our inner child helps keep us young and alive.
Wishing everyone, a safe and healthy very Merry Christmas with all of your loved ones—both 2-legged and 4-legged!
Send Pictures of Your Holiday Lights to [email protected] and we might publish them. Also, include your name and city, too.
(Phyllis M. Daugherty is a former Los Angeles City employee, an animal activist and a contributor to CityWatch.)
