Columbia Celebrates Holiday Spirit with Stunning Displays
Columbia, SC – As the chilly winds blow and the sun shines brightly today, locals are getting into the holiday spirit. For one family, the season sparkles brighter than most. Enter the Lisznyai family, who dedicate a remarkable 300 hours each year to transform their home into a dazzling winter wonderland known as the Lisznyai Christmas House!
A Family Tradition with a Bright Future
It all began generations ago when Katelyn Lisznyai’s great-grandparents introduced a modest wooden Santa into their holiday celebrations in New Jersey. Little did they know that this simple decoration would ignite a family tradition that would evolve into a spectacular display that draws crowds in Columbia’s Spring Valley neighborhood. “They always like to say it started with a single blow mold and three strands of lights,” Katelyn shared. “And it has grown every year since!”
Fast forward to today, and the Lisznyai Christmas House shines brighter than ever. The family has moved from New Jersey to Columbia, but their passion for holiday decorating has only intensified. Since 2009, they have created a community spectacle that lights up the neighborhood with captivating displays of glowing figures, synchronized lights, and heartwarming Nativity scenes.
Creating Community Connections
The holiday fun kicks off with the return of Thanksgiving and lasts through New Year’s Day. With so many hours invested into crafting this wonderful display, it’s no surprise that the house has become a local gathering point, bringing joy and cheer to the community. Katelyn notes that ever since COVID-19, the holiday decor has evolved into something much bigger than just their family tradition. “We’ve always kind of just loved the holiday season, but specifically after COVID, it’s grown to more of a community thing,” she emphasized.
From Nostalgic Decor to Trendy Trends
As more and more families take pride in decorating their homes for the holidays, vintage decor, particularly blow molds, has surged in popularity. Indeed, the Lisznyai family has amassed quite the collection over the years! As Katelyn prepares her family’s display this year, she recognizes the growing trend of vintage pieces as something many families are embracing as a way to honor the past.
Meanwhile, Dan T. Cooper from nearby Anderson County is also making waves with his festive flair. The former state lawmaker fills his big yard with creative displays that change with the seasons, right from festive skeletons for Halloween to charming snowmen for winter celebrations. “I have a big yard, so I try to fill it up or at least make an interesting display,” he explains.
Spreading Joy and Creating Bonds
The decorations are more than just visuals; they forge connections within the community. The Lisznyai family’s full-on decorating initiative has opened doors to friendships and partnerships with neighbors. They’ve even started hosting a holiday block party, featuring food trucks, games, and music, helping strengthen community ties. “That has definitely given us the opportunity to learn more about the community around us,” Katelyn notes proudly.
The Spirit of Giving Continues
As the family dedicates countless hours to turning their property into a festive masterpiece, they reserve time for their own personal holiday traditions too. While the outside of the house captures the attention of crowds, inside might be a bit more relaxed. “By the time that we get done with the outside and Thanksgiving hits, we’re so tired of doing decorations,” Katelyn admits, hinting that they often wait a bit before putting up their Christmas tree.
Visit the Spectacle for Yourself!
The Lisznyai Christmas House is open for visitors to enjoy nightly from 5:30 to 10:30 PM from Thanksgiving through January 1. Located at 725 Formby Drive, this delightful display promises to wrap you in the spirit of the season and ignite the festive cheer!
This beautiful tradition serves as a reminder of the magic of the holiday season and the importance of community, connection, and creativity. So don your coziest scarf, gather your loved ones, and head out to enjoy this heartwarming holiday spectacle!
