70,000-light Christmas display shines bright in Saskatoon

Saskatoon's Scott Lambie has the brightest house on his block.

For the fifth year in a row, Lambie and his family has set up an elaborate Christmas light display on Clinkskill Drive. This year's presentation features 70,000 bulbs 5,000 more than last year.

"The photos don't do it justice. You have to be there in person. It is pretty bright," Lambie told CBC News.

It all started when Lambie and his daughter saw videos of animated displays on Youtube. Deciding he wanted to try it out, Lambie ordered a controller and 5,000 lights, and soon realized that wouldn't be enough.

"I guess I've gone crazy after that."

The lights are programmed to music, which passersby can listen to thanks to a small FM transmitter Lambie has set up at their home. Lambie said each song takes eight to 12 hours to program.

Lambie said since all of his lights are LED, they can run on four breakers. Running the display all season only costs him about $60 to $70 on his power bill.

The display is scheduled to continue until Jan. 3. The lights are turned on at 5: 30 p.m. CST every night. They shut off at 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and at 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Lambie said as soon as he turns off the lights on this year's display, he and his family will already start planning next year's.