For more than 15 years, Victorian Gardens Subdivision in Decatur has transformed into a spectacular holiday wonderland each Christmas, delighting families with an ever-growing holiday light display that now features thousands of lights, iconic characters, and a charitable twist.
What began as a simple backyard setup for Hampton and Tammie Gardner’s grandkids has evolved into a massive drive-through spectacle spanning multiple lots, a pond, and even involving neighbors.
"Every year it gets a little bit bigger," said Hampton Gardner. “I started into the small stuff, and then I started getting into the commercial end. Everybody kind of praised me on what our yard looked like and the next thing you know, I’ve got about $15,000 worth of lights out there.”
Highlights include a grand nativity scene, Santa's workshop as one of the centerpiece attractions, Disney favorites like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy, Rudolph, the abominable snowmen, and this year's new addition: an array of candy canes lining the drive that inspired the nickname "Candy Cane Lane." Included in the spectacular display is a layout of lights that forms a horseshoe shape around a pond, where reflections of Santa's sleigh and train create a magical glow. Music plays throughout, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Gardner added that in recent years, neighbors have joined in, with some adding blow-up figures and others receiving hand-me-down decorations.
With as much pleasure that he gets from providing some holiday fun, Gardner said that hosting a magnificent Christmas light display isn’t for the faint of heart. To manage the expanding setup, Gardner said they installed underground electricity and a separate meter several years ago to avoid overloading his home's power. Preparation begins in early October, taking nearly two months to complete, with takedown starting after January 2nd. And then, of course, it’s time to hit the market for after-Christmas marked down additions.
While Gardner loves sharing the joy of Christmas with families from all over the area, he adds that the Christmas display isn't just about lights and entertaining the public—it's about community and giving back. Last year, donation boxes collected over $1,400 for Samaritan's Purse to aid disaster relief efforts in the Carolinas after the storms. This year, contributions support the Children's Missionary Fund, a Christian-oriented cause, with around $600 raised since “Candy Cane Lane” opened on Nov. 27.
"I just ask that everybody come out and enjoy the lights and please donate for the Children's Christian Ministry," said Gardner. "It is for our good Lord above."
Visitors are welcomed to drive through starting around dusk (guaranteed dark by 6 p.m.) until 10 p.m. nightly and enjoy the homegrown tradition that captures the joy of the season, especially for children.
"I love hearing the kids come in and saying, 'Oh, look at this! Oh, there's Santa Claus, or there's Rudolph,'" Gardner noted. “It really makes my day to know that the kids get such a joy from it.”
For a free, family-friendly holiday outing that spreads cheer and supports a good cause, head to 54 Victorian Court in Decatur. It's a shining example of how one couple’s passion can light up an entire community.
