- Lights in Greenawalds held its Opening Night festivities on Saturday
- The event featured Elsa, the Grinch, Elf and Santa
- The display has transformed Greenawalds Avenue in South Whitehall Township since 2016
SOUTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP, Pa.— Ask Mike Yellak where his love of Christmas began, and the story probably sounds a lot like what you’d hear from other millennials.
“It was definitely ‘Home Alone,’” Yellak said Saturday — referencing the beloved 1990 holiday film starring Macaulay Caulkin — hours before flipping the switch on his over-the-top holiday lights display.
Except Yellak was far from "home alone" during Opening Night at the Lights in Greenawalds, which has transformed Greenawalds Avenue in South Whitehall Township since 2016.
There were so many people that surrounding streets were blocked off and fire police were on hand to direct traffic.
And there was Yellak, welcoming guests, tossing souvenirs and officially kicking off the 2023 holiday season.
Lights in Greenawalds opens for the season
Everything is free
In its infancy, the Lights in Greenawalds display allowed people “to come about halfway into the yard,” Yellak said. And each year, he’s done a little bit more to make it more accessible. To make it shine.
The popular attraction is bigger and better than ever this year, he said, emphasizing that it’s all free — free parking, free walk through, free concessions and more.
“The joy of Christmas should always be free,” Yellak said, noting some holiday lights displays in the area — mostly commercial displays — charge visitors more each year to drive or walk through.
“Some of them are $20 to $25 a person,” he said. “I’m not knocking those displays, but putting a price tag on the joy of the holiday is something I’m just never going to do.
“Families come here and they don’t have to worry about what they’re spending. The hot chocolate, the popcorn … it’s always going to be that way. And people come up and ask what it costs and you tell them it’s free and they can’t believe it.”
"Putting a price tag on the joy of the holiday is something I’m just never going to do."
Mike Yellak, owner of Lights in Greenawalds
In addition to food and beverages, Yellak also has tote bags, keychains, magnets, koozies and pens to hand out — along with gift cards for some lucky visitors each night the full display is open.
Elsa, Elf, the Grinch and Santa arrive
Visitors to Lights in Greenawalds go well beyond South Whitehall Township residents excited to embrace the arrival of the holiday season.
Service Electric Network’s Mike Mittman returned to host the kickoff, and the Common Bond band provided entertainment, playing about a half-hour of tunes before introductions started.
As a drone flew overhead, Yellak's arrival had the vibe of a pro wrestler being introduced to a capacity crowd. He grabbed a Lights in Greenawalds flag and waved it as people took photos, then went back and forth with Mittman to introduce "Team Yellak" and "Team Mike."
Elsa, of Disney's "Frozen" fame, was introduced first, along with Elf. Yellak's team appeared a bit green with envy, right down to the introduction of a Grinch who implored the entire crowd to "Forget the lights and go home!"
Santa Claus was — of course — the most popular guy at the massive holiday spectacle, and after a countdown from 10 the lights flickered on to the roar of the crowd.
Yellak estimates he spends anywhere from $12,000 to $14,000 a year to run Lights in Greenawalds, and receives about $5,000 to $6,000 in donations. Every year, he said it amounts to about a $6,000 to $8,000 loss — one he’s more than happy to absorb to bring the holidays to life.
As the lights flickered on and people streamed onto the property, Yellak told the crowd he would never charge people to be there.
“I had a guy from New York stop a couple years ago, and he kept asking me what it costs to come in and get some candy, hot chocolate, whatever. I told him it’s all free and he just started to cry," he said.
“That for me, is what it's all about. Just being able to provide that moment for people who might be struggling a little bit or looking for a night out with their kids or whatever. They’re looking for some good in the world and it’s this season where I’m able to provide that.”
“That for me, is what it's all about. Just being able to provide that moment for people who might be struggling a little bit or looking for a night out with their kids or whatever."
Mike Yellak, owner of Lights in Greenawalds
Lights in Greenawalds: Escape into Christmas, which includes the concession shed, Santa, exclusive giveaways and more, will operate on:
Friday November 17th – 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday November 18th – 5 to 8 p.m.
Friday November 24th – 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday November 25th –5 to 8 p.m.
Friday December 1st – 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday December 2nd – 5 to 8 p.m.
Friday December 8th – 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday December 9th –5 to 8 p.m.
Sunday December 10th – 5 to 8 p.m.
Friday December 15th – 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday December 16th – 5 to 8 p.m.
Sunday December 17th –5 to 8 p.m.
Friday December 22nd – 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday December 23rd – 5 to 8 p.m. (Final Night)
Music is also from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and select Sundays.
Lights are from 5-10 p.m. daily.
Dogs are also welcome, with treats available for free in the concession shed.