Light Christmas
House so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight? By Emily Lutz Photos courtesy of Rick Hilyard
O
n the first of October, Rick Hilyard is already preparing his house for Christmas. His synchronized light show has become a staple of the community, but it takes dedication to make the season shine. “It’s just me that puts it on,” he says. “Just me. One crazy person putting up all the lights.” Hilyard may have lost count of how many lights he puts up each year, but he knows the show is getting bigger and better and the responsibility is all his. Each year, preparations for the lights take Hilyard around five weeks. All the effort is more than worth it, though. Hilyard’s Christmastime passion initially started at Halloween. He’d created a haunted house in his garage for neighborhood kids to enjoy during trick or treat that incorporated computer programs and animatronics. Interest in his house grew enough to encourage Hilyard to bring the technology out for Christmas.
12 November/December 2021
The impressive light display at 649 Old Coach Rd. is no secret to neighbors and rumors of its notoriety spread through Columbus and beyond. While this means many natives are familiar with the show, Hilyard makes sure there’s something new each year. Hilyard started with two controllers and 15,000 lights. Since then, the display has become a year-round passion. The possibilities for a light show have grown as well.
“Technology has changed to where you can do much more with one lightbulb,” Hilyard says. Hilyard notes the improved capabilities of bulbs for handling light and the emergence of online communities that provide resources to improve his show. Hilyard even had a Zoom call with enthusiasts in Australia who helped to assist with a technical issue in last year’s show. Holiday entertainment isn’t the only thing Dazzling Lights
The Westerville holiday will begin in earnest on Dec. 3 with multiple ways to celebrate. First, Otterbein University’s tree lighting will kick off the festivities at 5:30 p.m. Later, the City of Westerville will host its own tree lighting at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 21 S. State St. Following both lightings, the Westerville Symphony will present Sounds of the Season at Otterbein’s Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St. Other holiday events to save the date for include the Rudolph Run 5K on Dec. 5, Holiday Fun Weekend in Uptown Westerville Dec. 10-11 and the Otterbein Cemetery’s Wreaths Across America ceremony on Dec. 18. www.westervillemagazine.com
