Vancouver family tradition turns into viral sensation

It takes months of work to put together, but a Vancouver family's holiday tradition is now on display for everyone to see.

“My sister-in-law actually sent me a clip from Instagram,” said an onlooker outside Son Nguyen’s Vancouver Christmas light display.

“So, this is viral, this is amazing.”

Nguyen owns a house at the coroner of Ross Street and East 45th Avenue in Vancouver.

Every year, he and his brother John Ngo set up a light and music show for the community.

“I learned from my dad,” said Nguyen. “He would decorate with Christmas lights when I was younger. So I have to follow him and now he (has been) passed away for a long time and I have to take over his job.”

This year, the house has 50, 000 lights. The display is upgraded with more every year. Ngo oversees syncing the music.

“Last year, we did one-hour shows, now we just cut it down to 30-minute shows,” said Ngo.

The shows run nightly at 6 and 8 p.m.

“And each day it’s a different show,” Ngo said.

This year, it has taken the internet by storm, with hundreds going by to see the lights.

It used to take the brothers a year to plan and put the show together, but now they are able to do it in a few months.

“I saw a video on Instagram and then I searched the location and was like, ‘We have to see this, she loves lights,’” said another onlooker, who surprised his girlfriend with the show.

The lights go on at 5 p.m. and stay on until midnight, but Nguyen said that the electricity bill isn’t that bad.

He started with the coloured lights and music shows six years ago. It has become a family affair, with his daughter and nieces helping to choose songs to go with the lights.

“Every family has their own tradition and for us to be able to put on a show for everyone, I think that really makes us happy,” said Vivian Ngo. “To see everyone gather around together even if they don’t know each other and watch the shows together.”

“Oh, it’s absolutely amazing that this is something he did since he was little with his dad,” said a neighbour. “And now he’s doing it here for everybody else, this is incredible. Come on down. It’s a community event.”

The display continues until Jan. 7.

“Merry Christmas everybody,” said Nguyen. “Everyone can come and enjoy the show with us.”