Hailey
As the holiday season reaches its peak in December 2025, the Rose Hill neighborhood has become a must‑see destination thanks to the spectacular Griswold House holiday light display, capturing community spirit and drawing visitors from near and far.
This festive tradition, centered at 1610 Tanglewood Road, continues to grow each year and has quickly become one of the most talked‑about seasonal attractions in the region.
How the Griswold House Became a Holiday Sensation
The Griswold House — named in homage to the beloved holiday comedy National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation — is the work of Michael Russell, a Rose Hill resident who has been expanding his holiday display for nearly two decades. What started as a few strands of lights and inflatable characters has evolved into an impressive festive spectacle.
Russell begins planning as early as August, carefully preparing and inspecting decorations before months of nightly work leading up to Thanksgiving. This dedication has inspired his neighbors and transformed the display into a beloved town tradition.
What Makes the Griswold House Display Special
Unlike typical home decor, the Griswold House offers an immersive holiday experience. Highlights include:
- Thousands of holiday lights covering the home’s exterior and yard
- Inflatable figures and themed decorations inspired by classic Christmas imagery
- A layout that invites visitors to walk around both front and back yards
- Seasonal decorations that reflect classic holiday color schemes and themes
Russell’s work culminates in a nightly lighting ritual that takes 30 to 45 minutes to fully illuminate — a spectacle that signals to locals that the holiday season is in full swing.
Community Response and Visitor Experience
The transformation of Russell’s home into the Griswold House display has had a noticeable ripple effect in the Rose Hill community. Neighbors say the display evokes nostalgic holiday memories and brings a warm festive feeling to the area. Despite increased foot and vehicle traffic, residents welcome the tradition and the joy it brings to families and visitors.
Local visitors appreciate the display not only for its visual appeal but also as a free holiday experience — the lights are turned on every evening at 6:00 p.m. and are open to the public through New Year’s Eve.
Behind the Scenes- Costs and Dedication
Creating a holiday light display of this scale requires commitment — both in time and money. Russell has shared that the electric bill for powering his extensive decorations runs approximately $800 for the season, compared to his usual ~$100 monthly utility cost. While higher than normal, he insists the expense is worth it to share holiday cheer.
Quick Facts- Griswold House Holiday Display 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Display Name | Griswold House |
| Location | 1610 Tanglewood Road, Rose Hill, Kansas |
| Owner/Creator | Michael Russell |
| Display Duration | December until New Year’s Eve |
| Daily Viewing Hours | Lights on from 6:00 p.m. onwards |
| Estimated Seasonal Electricity Cost | About $800 |
| Setup Start | Preparations begin in August |
| Setup Duration | Nightly work from August through Thanksgiving |
| Public Access | Free for all visitors |
Why the Griswold House Matters This Holiday Season
The Griswold House holiday light display is more than just Christmas lights — it represents community pride, tradition, and the joy of giving back.
By offering a free, high‑energy festive experience, the display has helped unify residents and attract visitors at a time of year when communities seek connection and warm memories.
In a world where holiday magic can sometimes feel commercialized, the efforts of one neighbor have reminded many that the spirit of the season lies in creativity, generosity, and shared experiences.
The Griswold House holiday light display has firmly established itself as one of the most festive and charming attractions of the 2025 holiday season in Rose Hill, Kansas.
Through dedication, creativity, and community spirit, what began as an ordinary decoration project has become a beloved local tradition that brings joy to countless visitors.
For anyone looking to experience holiday magic close up, the Griswold House remains a shining example of how one home — and one person’s passion — can light up an entire neighborhood.