Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday movie that has been enjoyed by generations of families. One of the most memorable scenes from the movie is when Clark Griswold decorates his home with an overwhelming number of Christmas lights.
But just how many lights were there exactly? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the iconic scene and give you the answer you’ve been waiting for.
The History of Christmas Lights
Before we delve into the number of lights in Christmas Vacation, let’s take a quick look at the history of Christmas lights. The use of candles to light up Christmas trees dates back to the 17th century in Germany. It wasn’t until 1882 when Edward Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison, created the first string of electric lights to decorate his Christmas tree.
Clark Griswold’s Christmas Lights
Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, is known for his over-the-top and extravagant holiday displays. In Christmas Vacation, Clark spends countless hours decorating his home with an excessive amount of lights. The famous scene shows Clark finally turning on his masterpiece, causing a citywide power outage.
The Number of Lights
So just how many lights were there in Clark’s display? According to an article by House Beautiful magazine, there were 25,000 individual bulbs used in the making of Christmas Vacation. This includes both indoor and outdoor decorations.
- 4,784 – Exterior house lights
- 2,600 – Strands of C9 bulbs
- 1,000 – Miniature bulbs for bushes
- 75 – C7 bulbs on the house
- 100 – Miscellaneous bulbs (on wreaths and elsewhere)
- 50 – Bulbs outlining the windows.
- 25 – Bulbs on each of the four posts of the Griswold’s front porch
The Legacy of Christmas Vacation
Christmas Vacation has become a beloved holiday classic for many families around the world. The iconic scene of Clark Griswold’s Christmas lights has been parodied and referenced in countless movies and TV shows. In fact, the house used in the movie is now a popular tourist attraction during the holiday season.
The Importance of Holiday Traditions
While Christmas lights have evolved over time, they still hold an important place in holiday traditions. Whether you prefer a few simple strands or an extravagant display like Clark Griswold’s, there’s no denying that Christmas lights bring joy to many during the holiday season.
In conclusion, Clark Griswold’s Christmas display included an impressive 25,000 individual bulbs. As we continue to celebrate the holiday season each year, let us remember the joy that Christmas lights bring and the importance of creating lasting traditions with loved ones.