Comstock: Christm COMSTOCK - You may not think a town of 100 in the middle of Nebraska - miles away from the state’s largest cities - is a must-see attraction in winter, but if you’re a holiday decorations fan, Comstock is a must during the Christmas season. The town’s holiday celebration grew from a simple house decoration about 10 years ago. Henry Nuxoll put up colored lights on his quaint house and displayed inflatable characters in his front yard. A few days later, a package was dropped off anonymously at his door. So, he displayed an inflatable Santa Claus and reindeer on the roof of the house. Then, everything took off! Over a 30-day period, more than $3,000 worth of lights and inflatables were delivered to his house. Locals apparently thought he was the person who could bring a little Christmas charm to their community. So he and a few volunteers decorated Comstock for the holidays. Today, about 20 city blocks – about 90 percent of town - are home to more than 400 inflatables, 40 themed scenes, and a mile of holiday lights. As you enter Comstock, you’ll see inflatable characters playing a baseball game at the town’s field. Of course, Santa Claus is the pitcher. “We have Mickey Mouse characters, Minions, and Grinchville,” Nuxoll said. “We have 77 snowmen in a garden that we call ‘Snowman’s Land.’” Beyond inflatables and lights, Comstock’s holiday décor includes 50 buildings featuring holiday cutouts, as well as 25 clocks positioned on light poles, each set at midnight, just in time for Santa Claus’ arrival to the central Nebraska community, located about 76 miles (1.5 hours drive) northwest of Kearney. Comstock’s Christmas decorations have few rivals. You’ll find Santa Claus relaxing in a hammock while another appears to be pushing a lawn mower. And knowing he could take a few -44- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ December, 2023
pounds off his classic round figure, Santa is seen working out on an elliptical machine. A white metal fence is home to hand-painted plywood figures such as Santa Claus, angels, and snowmen, as well as a nativity scene. While Comstock’s population has dwindled over the years from a high of about 400 before the Great Depression in the 1930s, locals recall car dealerships that once did bang-up business, Nuxoll said. A few vintage automobiles are located around town and are decorated for the festiv-
