ELDRED, NY — Driving through Eldred at Christmastime is an experience not to be missed. 

The quiet, unassuming hamlet in the Town of Highland comes alive with festive lights, massive and numerous blow-up Christmas lawn characters, a pulsating music and light show and a manger scene, located near the traffic light in Eldred along Route 55 in front of the Corner Piazza and Corner Store. 

This amazing and breathtaking display of good cheer is presented annually as a gift from the Montelone family. Not only is it funded by them, but each of the 51,000 pixel bulbs and more than 300 props are planned out and situated with precision.  

The show has captured the hearts of the community, drawing visitors from near and far. 

The display comes to life over the Thanksgiving weekend and includes live characters from the North, including Frosty the Snowman, the Gingerbread Man, Rudolph and many more. They all greet the crowd that comes to await a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus with dancing and singing. 

The famous couple arrives right on schedule. Santa’s magical thumb enables him to determine whether children have been good throughout the year. His thumb is amazingly accurate.  

There are opportunities for visitors to drop off gifts to be shared with organizations that serve the areas of animal rescue, food insecurity and clothing needs.    

Predating this festive light and music display was the Santa Express, which ran for two decades visiting area towns, spreading excitement and good cheer throughout the tri-state region. 

The Santa Express, a flat-bed tractor-trailer sized rig decked out with a dazzling array of blinking lights, a mini-village, pulsating holiday-themed music, live characters and of course the special couple used to be greeted by throngs of children and adults alike. It was truly a magical experience. 

The Santa Express was sidelined by COVID and operational challenges. 

The Christmas Village in Eldred then took on a life of its own, expanding each of the three years since.  

Speaking for the family, Lou Montelone said, “The village and lights bring joy not only to children, but adults have stopped into the store to thank us for bringing light to their commute as they travel dark roads to work early in the morning or home again in the evening.” 

Not only is the crossroads of Eldred festooned at Christmastime, but every major holiday is recognized with decorations and lights appropriate to the season. Asked how they keep their spirits up during the tiring work, Montelone said that they remind themselves that “it’s not about the lights, it’s what they light up.” 

Indeed, even the most curmudgeonly among us can’t help but to feel our faces light up in a smile. 

The schedule for the live performances is weather dependent and updated regularly on Facebook. Visit Santa’s Village of Giving for the most up-to-date information. The displays will be lit through New Years Day.