5 must-see tacky light houses in Henrico
The West End is where the Tacky Light tour started in 1985 when Richmond DJ Mad Dog Gottlieb booked a WINN Transportation bus for a “tacky lights” tour of 10 to 12 houses. The tour was a huge hit, and in 1989, the Richmond Times-Dispatch started compiling a list of Tacky Lights houses.
Over 35 years later, the Tacky Lights are still a tradition and you’ll find some of the best, old school “tacky light” houses in the West End.
River Road Christmas Lights at 8720 River Road
John and Margaret Whitlock have spent the last 25 years lighting up their home for the holidays, using over 250,000 lights for the display.
The Christmas House at 2300 Wistar Court
Mr. Christmas was one of the very first Richmond homes to light up for Mad Dog’s Tacky Light tour. But last year, Frank Hudak, also known as Mr. Christmas, retired from the Tacky Lights tour. His display features over 100,000 lights that takes 4 miles of wiring via miniature variable computer circuits. You’ll see giant, larger-than-life nutcrackers, lots of blow molds, displays and chock a block of lights.
A Phifer Christmas at 9604 Asbury Court
A Phifer Christmas at 9604 Asbury Court, seen in this 2022 photo, is a Richmond mainstay on the Tacky Lights Tour.
2334 Thousand Oaks Drive, West End
2334 Thousand Oaks Drive is a favorite on the Tacky Lights tour. The house is covered with 85,000 blue and white lights and has a star with a tail of lights. A flock of reindeer, Santa and a host of holiday characters festoon the yard.
9625 Peppertree Drive
9625 Peppertree Drive
Colleen Curran
Living Editor
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Looking to see tacky lights in the city? We’ve got your covered.
It's Tacky Light season, Richmond!
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We’re highlighting five great tacky light houses in select neighborhoods and counties around town. This time, we’re taking a look at Glen Allen.
We’re highlighting five great tacky light houses in select neighborhoods and counties around town. This time, we’re taking a look at Mechanics…