Massachusetts Christmas Light Display Griswold Style

Attention Clark Griswold. We may have you beat with THIS Massachusetts Christmas light display. In the 1989 holiday classic National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, our hero Clark Griswold proudly boasted that his house featured a whopping 25,000 twinkling lights.

Push over Clark, a young Massachusetts man has topped that in Topsfield, and HIS lights work.

Meet the Clark Griswold of Topsfield 21-year-old Henry Swenson. By the looks of HIS house, Henry seems to be more astute than Clark, when it comes to exterior illumination. Ya see kids, Henry's house features 100,000 lights, beating Clark by ALOT.

According to WMUR, Henry is receiving national attention:

"I've tested them a lot in the last few days," Swenson said, referring to the Christmas light display. "I did have some issues this morning, but I got it all under control." Swenson says last year's display will be featured on ABC's reality TV show, The Great Christmas Light Fight, coming up this December.

This year's work of art featuring 100,000 lights! It is FIVE times bigger than his then massive display in 2021. While we were enjoying burgers, hot dogs, swimming, boating, tanning and clam bakes and the Fourth Of July, Henry was working on Christmas, in July. Henry says this 100,000 light masterpiece display takes a whopping FOUR months to complete!

If you want to see this amazing Massachusetts Christmas light display, it's located at Henry's home at 18 Orchard Lane in Topsfield, Massachusetts. The Christmas light display is open for drive-by and walk-thru weekdays from sunset (4:30 p.m.) through 9 p.m. and on weekends through 10 p.m. The display will be illuminated through New Year's Eve.

The Elliot family of Danvers retired their holiday display and donated 50,000 of those lights, to Henry's magnificent display.

Most of us eagerly anticipate spending Christmas Day unwrapping gifts and enjoying time with family. But certain overlooked items always require a last-minute visit to a store. That's when knowing which spots are open becomes beneficial.

It might strike some as unusual that certain places opt to remain open on Christmas. However, not everyone observes the holiday. Some individuals may even prefer working during this time, anticipating more generous tips. The thing about Christmas is that ads and commercials usually depict it as the ultimate day of the year for everyone. Yet, for those who are missing loved ones or simply prefer to overlook Christmas entirely, it might not be the "most wonderful time of the year" for them. The places that choose to stay open on Christmas may have valid reasons for doing so.

Several restaurants and stores typically close early on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day, but this doesn't apply universally. Some chains keep various locations open during the holiday season. If you're curious about your local spots, either make a call or check online to confirm their hours.

For those in the mood for a steak, options like Outback can cater to such preferences, while coffee enthusiasts can rely on chains like Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts to stay caffeinated during the holiday rush. Some restaurants offer dining-in options with reservations, while others, such as Cracker Barrel and Boston Market, provide à la carte holiday menus to accommodate a range of preferences.

Whether your Christmas tradition involves a home-cooked meal, dining out at a favorite spot, or a quick store run for forgotten items, knowing the operating hours of nearby stores and restaurants on Christmas Day can be useful. To save time and prevent the inconvenience of visiting closed stores, we've compiled a list of some places open during this festive period. Additionally, for those not participating in Christmas celebrations or preferring takeout, there are dining alternatives available.

While many CVS stores operate 24/7, it's important to note that their hours are shorter on Christmas. Typically, running from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., CVS remains one of the few stores open on holidays to accommodate those needing to pick up medications.

Most Walgreens locations are open on Christmas Day, with some maintaining their usual 24/7 schedule. Meanwhile, others, which are not typically open around the clock, may have limited hours from 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This is convenient for those requiring prescription fills or over-the-counter medications.

Denny’s has your back on Christmas Day, as their locations are open. Their Facebook post assures, "Denny’s is open 24/7, and that means Christmas too! Come on in and feel the cheer; we'll be waiting for you." However, some locations are corporate stores, and others are franchises, and not all franchises may honor these hours, so check in advance before making the trip.

If you're craving pancakes on Christmas Day, IHOP is an option. However, be sure to check your local IHOP's hours, as they can vary. Some locations operate 24 hours, most maintain regular hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Others may open with reduced holiday hours (around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Enjoy a holiday drink or grab last-minute gifts like coffee mugs at select Starbucks locations open on Christmas Day. Verify your local cafe's hours using the Starbucks app as a recommended way to find a store, check hours, and order ahead. "This holiday season, Starbucks store hours vary by location and stores may occasionally adjust their hours based on business and customer needs," said the coffee shop website.

Dunkin' locations will generally be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but you should check to confirm your local store's specific hours. Dunkin' spots within grocery stores and gas stations will follow the host store's schedule. For instance, if it’s a location within a Walmart that’s closed, that Dunkin’ store will be closed.

McDonald's typically stays open on Christmas, but it's best to check with your local franchise, as each operates independently. Given that 93% of McDonald's restaurants are run by independent owners, hours can vary. It's not a guarantee that your local branch will be open.

Craving a 10-piece nugget combo or a Baconator on Christmas? Wendy’s has you covered, as the fast-food chain is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check with your local store to confirm their hours. Wendy's suggests using their location finder, whether you plan to walk in, drive-thru, or opt for delivery.