CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Pandemic, what pandemic?  This year homeowners from Citrus Heights, to Sacramento County and from coast to coast throughout America have worked hard to help their neighbors forget what is going on in the world.  Homes, yards and neighborhoods have been transformed into virtual wonderlands of animation, lights, moving parts, and music. One of those families, the Christensen’s at 7600 Farmgate Way competed in and was one of four winners of the 2019 “Best Lights in Citrus Heights” contest. As a result of this honor their home will be highlighted on the ninth season of “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” What you will see on that show can be viewed until the end of the year.

Earlier in the month the show’s creator and one of the judges, Carter Oosterhouse, and a film crew descended upon the neighborhood surrounding 7600 Farmgate Way in Citrus Heights to film an episode for the 2021 season. The Christensen family auditioned for the spot with videos of their 2019 Best Lights in Citrus Heights. This year’s creation of 40,000 lights featuring a 30-foot purple royal pirate ship will be highlighted as part of the ninth season.  Each of the six one-hour episodes feature four families from different parts of the country. The grand prize for the winning display is $50,000. Show founder Oosterhouse and interior designer Taniya Nayak are the judges. Houses are chosen based on their previous Christmas displays for their outstanding lights, music, choreography and design. Colby Christensen noted in an email that, “Each family takes great pride in building their amazing displays bringing their families, neighborhoods and communities together. This was a once and a lifetime experience for us. We had so much fun!”

Christensen explained more about the process: “My friend Shane and our family started working on this year’s display back in early July. We were able to construct a 30ft Royal ship and an entire dollhouse town out of 90% upcycled items: five bedframes, old fencing and pallets. We have over 40,000 LED lights, character dolls & cut outs, willow & birch trees, reindeer bucks, and detailed snowflakes. There's even hidden "Easter Eggs" for Disney fans of all ages to try to find hidden throughout the display.”

The four 2019 winners judged this year’s “Best Lights in Citrus Heights” contest. Winners can be found on the City of Citrus Heights website.