The Leake Family Christmas Display is an award-winning holiday tradition entering its 15th season of bringing light, laughter, and wonder to lighting enthusiasts and the community at large. What began in 2010 with just twenty strands of lights has grown—through creativity, community spirit, and a touch of Christmas magic—into the beloved spectacle it is today. Dedicated to my parents, John and Frances, the display continues to evolve every year (courtesy of the Santa gnomes… and as everyone knows, what the gnomes want, the gnomes get). In 2024 we added 12,390 lights to the roof, and 2025 brings an all-new neon rope-light expansion with an impressive 50,820 lights.
Many of the display’s features are handcrafted by the two “kids” behind the scenes: myself (Joseph) and my 94-year-old Army Veteran dad, John. Whenever possible, we build using repurposed materials—proving that a little imagination goes a long way. If you look closely, you’ll discover what tarps, corrugated siding, Hardiboard, storage tubs, old bird feeders, terrariums, awning frames, flower pots, coffee tubs, rice bowls, fruit cups, plastic coat hangers, chicken wire, and scrap wood can become when imagination takes over.
Dad has built the canoe, the airplanes, the storage-tub train, the mill complete with an operating waterwheel, the Community Church/Town Hall, and the Kringle Watch Tower. Once he’s finished construction, everything heads to me in the Painting & Lights Shop for color, personality, and illumination. I’ve created our clouds, the dam, the train depot, and handle all things lighting and setup. We’re also fortunate to have our General Contractor, Rudy (my brother-in-law), who dives in whenever needed. Most recently, we teamed up to craft Mt. Shasta as a new backdrop to Shasta Dam.
The Leake Family Christmas Display celebrates the beauty of Shasta County—its nature, landmarks, and heritage—woven together with the magic of the Christmas season. The result is a whimsical cast of characters and scenes that stretch across air, land, rivers, and lakes, all waiting to brighten your night.
We invite you to stop by, soak in the lights, and meet the cast. If you see us out and about, please come say hello. Sharing this display with our community is the greatest gift of all.
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The Leake Family Christmas Display