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Smithtown Griswold House: A 38-Year Holiday Tradition

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. -griswold-house-a-38-year-holiday-tradition.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 4:36 GMT by NBC 7 San Diego
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

Smithtown, NY - February 11th, 2026 - For residents of Smithtown and beyond, the holiday season isn't truly complete without a visit to 100 Old Clifton Road. For the past 38 years, this unassuming home has transformed into a breathtakingly accurate and delightfully over-the-top recreation of the iconic Griswold family residence from the 1989 comedy classic, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. What began as a single homeowner's passion project has blossomed into a cherished community tradition, drawing families and fans from across Long Island and even further afield.

The tradition started in 1987, the brainchild of local resident Larry Johnson. Johnson, a self-proclaimed fan of the movie, felt a desire to bring the film's infectious holiday spirit to life. "I just loved the movie," Johnson explained in a recent interview. "It's funny, it's relatable, and it captures the sometimes chaotic, always loving heart of a family Christmas. I wanted to create something that would evoke that same feeling for others."

Initially, the display was relatively modest, featuring a few strategically placed lights and a nod to the movie's infamous exterior illumination. However, year after year, Johnson meticulously expanded the spectacle, adding increasingly intricate details and faithfully recreating key elements from the film. Today, the house boasts a dazzling array of over 25,000 twinkling lights, a towering Christmas tree visibly straining against the roof, and the iconic inflatable Santa Claus and moose, all painstakingly positioned to mirror the movie scenes. The meticulousness extends to even the smallest details, including the snow-covered rooftops and the slightly precarious arrangement of decorations that perfectly captures the Griswolds' signature aesthetic.

The impact of this elaborate display on the Smithtown community has been profound. It's become a multigenerational tradition for many families, with parents bringing their children, who in turn now bring their own. Sarah Peterson, a long-time visitor, embodies this sentiment. "I've been coming here since I was a little girl," she shared. "It just brings back so many memories, and now I get to share those memories with my own children. It's really magical."

Beyond the visual spectacle, the house embodies a spirit of community and joy. Neighbors help with setup and takedown, and the display frequently serves as a backdrop for impromptu caroling and gatherings. The local Smithtown Historical Society has even begun documenting the tradition, recognizing its cultural significance. They are currently compiling an oral history project featuring interviews with Larry Johnson, frequent visitors, and other community members involved in maintaining the display.

The success of the Smithtown Griswold house has inspired similar displays across the country, but few have achieved the same level of detail or longevity. A quick search online reveals numerous homes attempting to replicate the look, highlighting the enduring appeal of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and the desire for a nostalgic, light-hearted holiday experience. However, the Smithtown home remains the gold standard, often cited as the original and most faithful recreation.

"It's more than just decorations," said local resident Michael Davies. "It's a symbol of the holidays, of family, and of the joy of creating something special. It reminds you that it's okay to be a little bit extra, especially during Christmas."

Looking ahead, Larry Johnson, now 78, plans to continue the tradition for as long as he's able. He's begun training a small team of dedicated volunteers to help with the ever-increasing workload, ensuring that the Griswold house will continue to brighten the holiday season for generations to come. And, while technology continues to advance - with laser projections and synchronized lighting becoming increasingly popular - Johnson remains committed to the handcrafted, analog charm that has defined the display for nearly four decades. "It's about the effort, the love, and the commitment to bringing a little bit of movie magic to life," he says. "That's what makes it special."