By Steffen Klenk
Last Friday, hundreds braved the frigid temperatures and brutal winds to witness an extraordinary sight in downtown Ocean City. Santa Claus made his appearance from the top of City Hall, escorted by ladder with the help of the Ocean City Fire Department. City dignitaries were on hand as the large Christmas tree and exterior of City Hall were illuminated in a bright display, leaving children memorized.
This weekend, many local towns and businesses are plugging in their own trees for the first time this season. The tradition of lighting Christmas trees can be traced decades. The earliest of trees were carefully illuminated with candles; talk about a fire hazard! The Christmas tree was originally adopted in Germany during the 1700s, and were occasionally decorated with candles. During this period of time, the candle was a relatively inexpensive light source. Each candle was glued onto a branch with melted wax, or attached by pin. During the 1890s, candleholders replaced the outgrown method, and by 1914, small lanterns and glass balls were used to hold each candle.
With the invention of electricity came new sources of light. On December 22, 1882, Edward H. Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison, came up with the first electrically illuminated tree, consisting of 80 red, white and blue incandescent bulbs. The tree was displayed at his home on New York’s Fifth Avenue. Interest slowly grew, and by 1900, storefronts began placing illuminated trees in their windows. Because of the expense, electric Christmas lights did not replace candles until the 1930s.
Today, homes and businesses have embraced the seasonal sensation. Last year, one of South Jersey’s most beloved attractions, Storybook Land, became the subject of ABC’s hit TV show, The Great Christmas Light Fight. This annual competition pits families and family-run businesses head-to-head to see who has the absolute best illuminated displays. Storybook Land boasts one of the largest and most beautiful displays the area has to offer, with over a million lights and a grand display that will attract families from near and far. The display will be on showcase until December 30th and admission to the park is $29.95.
In Absecon, The Yard Family Christmas Display, is another popular attraction. This spectacular light display includes a large assortment of decorations, from polar bears to horses; even R2D2! The light show runs from 5-10pm nightly at 4 E. Curran Drive. Take your family to see a mesmerizing display in Egg Harbor Township. The Lights on Poplar are back again, and you don’t need to leave your car to catch the excitement. Simply park your car, turn off your headlights, and watch as this dazzling display is synchronized to festive music.
I also recommend visiting Historic Smithville and their unique display, Lights on the Lake. Every night between 5:30-8:30pm, over 100 Christmas trees come to life, floating around Lake Meone , in a synchronized show that runs every thirty minutes. Most communities are having decorating competitions, which leaves a close-to-home option of viewing the most magical holiday lights. This offers residents the opportunity to show off their skilled talents of sharing the holiday spirit.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
