See 110,000 twinkling holiday lights at winter wonderland in Trussville
A life-size nativity is figured prominently at the upper right of the yard at this Trussville home.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Donnie Jones’ house in Trussville.
At Christmastime, folks come from near and far to see Jones’ decorations at his home in the Peppertree subdivision off Highway 11, at 7774 Peppertree Highlands Circle in Trussville. Visitors are amazed at the sight of 110,000 Christmas lights in myriad colors, with scenic views of a beautiful, life-size nativity, Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, angels and other fanciful representations of the season.
Visitors from near and far delight in the Jones’ fanciful Christmas decorations in the Peppertree neighborhood in Trussville.
“You can see the glow of the lights when you’re driving on Highway 11,” said Trussville resident Burt Orum, who lives about two miles away from Jones’ home.
For four years, Liz Rutledge has driven by Jones’ home, giving her children Lydia, 10, and Malachi, 5, a Christmas preview.
“It gets better every year,” said Rutledge, who serves as a care coordinator for Behavioral Health Systems Inc. in Birmingham.
“We’ve been doing this for seven or eight years,” said Jones, who has lived in the neighborhood for 13 years. “Everybody in Peppertree likes it, and everyone is into decorating. We always did this growing up. We’ve just taken it to a new level.”
Jones said his glorious light display is well worth the cost.His energy bill triples in December.
This year, Jones spent $10,000 to replace aging decorations, buying the nativity set at wholesale.
“Attrition got a few of our pieces,” Jones explained. “It takes two or three days – with four to five people – just to check all the lights. We start putting up everything the first week of October, so it takes a while.”
He hires several of his teenager’s friends to help in assembly. When not in use, Jones stores the decoration at his offices at New Generation Building and Design Inc.
“At various times, I dress up as Santa Clause,” Jones said. “On Christmas Eve last year, we had over 1,000 cars come through the neighborhood. We have a lot of fun.”
Trussville home uses 110,000 Christmas lights to brighten the holidays from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
