Dancing lights and snow flakes are making an appearance on homes throughout the neighborhood.
Long the purview of lighting designers for special events, projections are now showing up in front yards and can be purchased for as little as $29 at Home Depot. The effect can range from a blizzard of snow to a parade of holiday images.
By all accounts, it’s super easy to set up. All you do is spike the light into the ground and plug it into an extension cord that is manufactured for outdoor use and waterproof.
“It was super easy – one cord and one stake to set up,” said Windsor Square resident Kiel FitzGerald, who says she got hers from a friend.Â
“Just plug it in and turn it on,” said Fremont Place resident Tony Medley. “The only problem is getting electricity. But you get an outdoor extension cord and that’s it. I have mine on a timer.”
Light projectors are inexpensive, and can cover part or all of your house with festive lights, without the time-consuming light hanging. The projection also leaves the surface of the house free of any nails or hooks, a nice benefit for old historic homes with delicate plaster facades.
“The electronic gizmo is known as Star Shower Laser Light, and for the past two Christmases, the light projector has been a retail juggernaut, the latest craze in holiday home decorating,” reported the New York Times.
According to CNET — The more options a light has, the more expensive it is. Basic red and green projectors or those with just one image run around $10 to $50. Lights with customizable images or fancier light displays cost $100 to $300. Sound like too much? You can make your own basic projector with CNET’s how-to guide.
With the projector hidden, the effect of lights dancing is quite magical. Walk or drive around and check them out with your own eyes. Sadly, my iphone photos doesn’t do these charming light displays justice.
