CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Bright-eyed toddlers might be enough to brighten up some homes this holiday season. But others are adorned with thousands of flashing lights synchronized to loud music, drawing crowds and enhancing both the festive spirit and community spirit.

On a Mesa, Ariz., cul-de-sac, 14 homeowners have gone all-in on Christmas lights over the past 30 years, in a tradition that hasn’t been diminished by real estate turnover.

Those who buy homes in the neighborhood often find attics filled with decorations left as gifts from previous owners, and despite cultural and religious differences, residents come together to create a festival of lights, Stephanie Castillo Price said.

“Everyone was able to perform their interpretation of the holiday and come full circle,” she said. “No one will walk down the street without feeling included.”

In Santa Clarita, California, residents of Wakefield Court decided to coordinate their Christmas lights to bring some joy to their community after an earthquake. The Wakefield Winter Wonderland, now in its 30th year, features inflatable figurines and wooden cutouts depicting a variety of characters, from Mickey Mouse to Homer Simpson.

Bryan Cobb admits he was initially opposed to buying a house in the neighborhood when he and his wife first saw it.

“She started crying and said, ‘But it’s Christmas Street!’ I want to live there!’ “, he said. “She succeeded. We live here, we love it. All neighbors bond.

In Edmond, Oklahoma, those looking toward the western sky will easily notice the Miranda Family’s elaborate Christmas lighting display, featuring images and music from the film. “Wicked.” Projectors reminiscent of movie studio lights burst from the roof, while the face of a singing witch takes shape on a towering tree.

“It seemed like the perfect combination with a light show, because you can really create a dramatic effect with the lights,” said Elisabeth Miranda, who handles the programming while her husband, Mark, handles the ‘facility. “It takes a long time to set up. Each bulb has a place, a location, a number, so that when we program it, it does exactly what it needs to do at the right time.

The family began putting up Christmas lights in 2015 and saw an increase in traffic after being featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” Although most neighbors were supportive, a few complaints prompted the couple to take a few years off before returning with a better plan to limit viewing hours and control traffic.

This year they are collecting donations for the Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police.

“They give so much back to our community, so this is our little way of thanking them for everything they do for us,” Miranda said.

Charity is also a component in Las Vegas, where Laura Walters and Lenny Standish are closing in on a four-year goal of collecting 10,000 pairs of socks and underwear for organizations that help the homeless.

Their display began during the COVID-19 pandemic with a single Christmas tree allowing community members to add ornaments. This year, they have three snowmobiles in addition to lights and music.

“People are looking for joy,” Walters said. “Our world is a difficult place. So to be able to come and feel an incredible amount of love and happiness, it’s peaceful. We have never had a single problem here. Everyone was very respectful of our house and full of gratitude.

Richard Taylor of Kennesaw, Georgia, estimates that more than 40,000 people visit his display of 1.2 million lights each year.

“We bring joy to a lot of people,” he said. “They walk around and forget all their problems, and they just have fun.”

___

Associated Press video journalists Ty ONeil in Las Vegas, Ross Franklin in Arizona, Ron Harris in Georgia and Marcio Sanchez in California contributed to this report.