How Many Lights Did Clark Griswold Use to Decorate His House in Christmas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday movie that has been enjoyed by families for generations. One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, decorates his house with an excessive amount of Christmas lights. But have you ever wondered just how many lights he used?

Well, in the movie, Clark mentions that he used 25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights to decorate his house. That’s a lot of lights!

But just how impressive is that number? Let’s break it down.

25,000 Lights
To put 25,000 lights into perspective, let’s compare it to the average number of Christmas lights used by Americans. According to a survey conducted by Christmas Lights Etc., the average American uses around 1,000 lights to decorate their home for the holidays. That means that Clark used 25 times the amount of lights that most Americans use!

Imported Italian Twinkle Lights
Clark specifically mentions that he used imported Italian twinkle lights. While this may seem like a small detail, it actually adds to the extravagance of his decorations.

Italian twinkle lights are known for their high quality and unique twinkle effect. They are also more expensive than regular Christmas lights.

  • High Quality: The quality of these Italian twinkling lights is unmatched when compared to regular flashing or static bulbs.
  • Expensive: Imported Italian twinkle lights are more expensive than regular Christmas string light bulbs as they come with high-end technology and safety features.
  • Twinkle Effect: These twinkling bulbs add an extra element of excitement and magic to your holiday decorations.

The Process

Clark’s process for hanging all these thousands of twinkling string light bulbs on his house was quite the task. We see him struggling with ladders, stapling lights to his roof, and even getting electrocuted! But despite all these difficulties, he still manages to create a dazzling display.

Stapling Lights

One of the ways Clark attaches the lights to his house is by using a staple gun. However, this is not recommended as it can damage your home’s exterior and create fire hazards. It’s better to use clips or hooks specifically designed for hanging lights.

Electrocution Hazard

In one scene, Clark accidentally switches on too many lights and causes a citywide power outage. While this may seem like an exaggeration for comedic effect, it is important to remember that overloading circuits can be dangerous and cause fires. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when setting up your holiday lights.

The Result

Despite the challenges, Clark manages to create a truly magical display of Christmas lights that has become iconic in popular culture. His 25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights may be excessive, but they also represent the joy and spirit of the holiday season.

So next time you watch Christmas Vacation and see Clark’s impressive light display, now you know just how many lights he used and what went into creating such a spectacle.