The Griswold Family Christmas on Rivo Alto Canal in Naples, California

There’s enough action and lights on the Long Beach island of Naples to electrify California as each year comes to an end. One of the brightest displays the public can see during a themed contest that has been held for more than 20 years is called the Griswold Family Christmas, taken from the 1989 National Lampoon film, Christmas Vacation.

Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) seeks his big annual bonus to buy a swimming pool for the family home that he illuminates at Christmas each year brighter than anything ever seen. On Naples Island in Long Beach, Calif., one such home exists, decorated with thousands of bright lights, the doors open to the living room and Uncle Lewis snoozing in an easy chair with his cigar that ignites the gas from the sewage Eddie had earlier dumped down the storm drain while emptying the holding tank on his RV. It’s an award winning display visitors can wander and see from the sidewalks along canals of an Italian-themed island where gondolas and Duffy boats parade by during holiday evenings.

• Naples Island takes Christmas seriously with its annual beloved boat parade usually held the 2nd or 3rd week in December, and home decorating contest. The lights are usually up on the homes through January 1.
• The Naples Improvement Association hosts the contest with an annual theme, and presents plaques to the winners at a special dinner at the Long Beach Yacht Club.
• Spectacular home and blocks of homes in 2011 include displays from popular Christmas movies such as Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Snoopy’s Christmas, and countless others.
• Naples Island is located off 2nd Street at The Toledo.
• Naples residents and the association also sponsor the annual lighted trees in the bay.