Local Family Has Magnificent Holiday Display

Want Christmas spirit?

Head over to the Frohn residence, located at 1443 W. Briarcliff Road, where the family typically has an average December electric bill of nearly $1,000—all for your benefit.

The Frohns, Laura and Jack, operate a Christmas light display on their home that exceeds more than 45,000 light bulbs.

Well documented on television and in books even, the local attraction is well worth the trip on a cold December night. Visitors are welcomed by a glimmering light display that rivals that of a professional light display.

“We’ve been doing this since the 1990s,” Laura Frohn said. “It’s a labor of love for me and Jack; but in the past five years, our family and neighbors have pitched in to help. Our display just keeps growing each year … it’s a good time.”

Rumor has it Santa will be making a pit stop at the home on Dec. 17 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Patch sources have also confirmed the jolly-old fellow has even practiced his landing and will make the rounds, greeting both naughty and nice.

The Frohns start early each year, completing the roof décor before Halloween.

No strangers to hard work, the couple takes two weeks off (personal vacation time) near Thanksgiving in order to finish the groundwork.

On Dec. 1, the lights go on for a full 25 days, courtesy of the extremely generous Frohns, who foot an electric bill that approaches $1,000 per month.

Neighbor Peggy McMillan got into the holiday spirit this year sewing four elves that hang from the Frohn’s trees. 

“I have been bringing my grandkids over for years and they love it,” McMillan said. “I kept saying I wanted to help and it felt good to help do something.”

A host of other neighbors also get in on the action.

Sarah Kravitz, a 14-year-old “neighborhood kid” has been passing out free candy canes every year since she was 5 years old to Naperville Trolley and Tours revelers as well as others who gather because they love the lights.

Joel Spellman, who grew up on the east side of Bolingbrook, now lives down the street and helps each year because he remembers how excited he was when his parents made the trip across town to see the lights.

“We’re over here joking and laughing and getting a lot done,” Spellman said. “It’s really great to see the people who are coming by. They really appreciate it.”

To take advantage of the month long display of hospitality, take Boughton Road west to the Winding Meadows Subdivision entrance on Vincent Street (you can only turn south) and continue to West Briarcliff Road. Then, turn right and follow.

You’ll know you’re there when you see the abundance of lawn ornaments and hear musical synchronization and messages of holiday cheer.

"We do it because both of us have childhood memories of going out and looking at lights with our family,” John Frohn said. “Times are really tough right now for a lot of families and this is something we are able to do, sort of our Christmas present to everyone.”