THE LIGHTS ARE NOW OFF
THEY TURN BACK ON THANKSGIVING, 2010
BE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO SEE SANTA ON DECEMBER 18, 2010!

See the videos from the current and past displays

Thanks to all who came out to Santa's Landing on December 19! If you arrived early, you were treated to a very special performance of a local family walking around the neighborhood Caroling, which was a PERFECT way to kick off the evening. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived right on time by the Pingree Grove Fire Protection District with an escort by the Paramedics and the Pingree Grove Police Department. Around 220 bright and shiny faces came out to see Santa and help spread Christmas cheer, and to make sure the Grinch didn't steal Christmas. The 'Bring a Can, Feed a Family' campaign collected 351 pounds of food for the local food pantries, and 7 bags of toys were delivered. THANKS TO ALL!!!

Be sure to check the Workshop Notes to follow the progress of setup. There is a lot of work involved in putting up a display like this. You can also check out the pictures and videos from this years display.

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We are continuously asked why we do this every year. Why go through all the work and expense? The answer is simple: We in our neighbor wish to continue the spirit of Christmas and spread good cheer to all and the payoff is that of seeing the smiles on peoples faces. Many of the comments we receive are very positive, but some really hit you in the heart. Here are a few of the stories that really drive us all to continue to put on the display and Santa's Landing each year:

Child to Santa Claus: 'I don't want any toys this year. All I want for Christmas is for my parents to stop fighting and being mean to each other. I just want them to love each other again.' What can you say to that? We really hope her Christmas wish came true!

Reunited family: 'We come from Indiana every year. We have extended family in the area that we used to see only every few years or so. Now, we make the trip to see the lights and visit with them every year! Thanks for bringing us all together.'

Quality time: A van was out many evenings for hours at a time. Finally, I approached them and chatted. The man was an older gentleman and he brought out his disabled daughter since they both enjoy Christmas. He lived in a nearby town and used to put up many lights until his health started failing. We spoke for a good hour. He has been undergoing cancer treatment. I received a message about a week and a half later from his daughter after talking to them. 'I wish to thank you for your hard work in your Christmas lights. It gave me and my dad a lot of quality time together watching the lights dance without worry about his health. He passed away just recently, but I am glad for the memories and alone time we spent together. I am glad that some of his last memories was that of your lights which he really enjoyed and the time we spent together. He really enjoyed talking to you. Thanks again.'

Each of these are touching in their own way, and some have a happy outcome while others ended sadly. But in these cases, there was a short period of either hope or togetherness that may have otherwise been lost.

This is why we continue to do this each year. If you have a story to share, please contact us.

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What is Santa's Landing?
Santa's Landing takes place in Pingree Grove, IL. It started in 2006 when I gave a brief demo of my computer controlled light show to a few neighbors. They were thrilled, and quickly decided to make it a neighborhood event. In a little over two weeks, a committee was formed, and it was decided to do a fund raiser to support the Pingree Grove Fire Protection District. Many prizes were raffled off throughout December, including a ride to Santa's Landing on a fire truck with Santa himself, flying lessons, a free Harley Davidson motorcycle rental and more gift baskets full of toys and chocolate than you could shake a stick at. Santa was outside for the kiddies every Friday and Saturday evening. In all, we raised $2500 for the cause in 2006. Check out the pictures and videos from the festivities from the links on the left.

Planning for the 2007 Santa's Landing show kicked off in September. We added a FM transmitter, more controllers and constructed new mini trees. We also added a bigger (15 feet tall!) two-color mega tree. While we are not planning a fund raiser this year, we will have the lights going (and expanded from last year!) and even a visit from Santa himself. The Grinch also made an appearance, and was on his best behavior. You can follow all the work involved in making this a success in the Head Elf's Blog.

The display for 2008 grew by leaps and bounds. The Mega Tree received a facelift with additional colors and animation. The number of channels more than doubled. A singing Santa greated visitors with a song or two. Small trees played a game of tag. Arches lept. Sunglasses were needed to the numerous strobe lights. New songs filled the playlist. And this is just the start of the additions!

The construction for the 2009 show is finally finished and lit up. An additional 32 channels are being added. We have 10 songs so far, and some laughs in between each song. Santa will be visiting with his friends on December 19 at 7:00pm. We will have a donation box available on that evening for can good donations for the food pantries.

Be sure to check out the videos of everything in action on ElfTV.

If you want to enjoy a musical and dancing house on a smaller scale, check this out: