Santa's House: Inver Grove Heights
An amazing yearly tradition:
The Browns’ Christmas light tradition started 21 years ago, the year they were married, with only a church, a manger scene and a few Santas.
Now, with upwards of $8,000 in decorations alone, not to mention the trimmings donated by friends and family and built by "Santa" himself, they draw upwards of 15,000 people in December to their “Santa Village.”
While others are enjoying late-season picnics or even swimming on Labor Day, the Browns start checking Christmas lights.
They try to turn the lights on every night from 5-10 p.m., and greet people as Mr. and Mrs. Claus from 6-8 p.m. during the week and 5-9 p.m. on the weekends. They pass out candy canes and small toys to the children who visit.
Along with the time investment, there’s the electric bill. Every December, it skyrockets to about 20 times pricier than usual.
But the smiles and the wonder they see when visitors arrive are priceless.
Recently, someone(s) decided to kicked over several soldier statues, rip out lights, break a train, etc. This not only causes financial strain but also emotional as the family contemplates not being able to do this going forward.
I'm asking for support for this amazing, big-hearted couple. Let's come together as a community and help them!
The Browns’ Christmas light tradition started 21 years ago, the year they were married, with only a church, a manger scene and a few Santas.
Now, with upwards of $8,000 in decorations alone, not to mention the trimmings donated by friends and family and built by "Santa" himself, they draw upwards of 15,000 people in December to their “Santa Village.”
While others are enjoying late-season picnics or even swimming on Labor Day, the Browns start checking Christmas lights.
They try to turn the lights on every night from 5-10 p.m., and greet people as Mr. and Mrs. Claus from 6-8 p.m. during the week and 5-9 p.m. on the weekends. They pass out candy canes and small toys to the children who visit.
Along with the time investment, there’s the electric bill. Every December, it skyrockets to about 20 times pricier than usual.
But the smiles and the wonder they see when visitors arrive are priceless.
Recently, someone(s) decided to kicked over several soldier statues, rip out lights, break a train, etc. This not only causes financial strain but also emotional as the family contemplates not being able to do this going forward.
I'm asking for support for this amazing, big-hearted couple. Let's come together as a community and help them!
Organizer and beneficiary
Nicole Sly
Organizer
South Saint Paul, MN
Nancy Brown
Beneficiary