A Holiday Must-See: Electric Lizzyland Lights Up Hollywood Heights
Share News:
Some neighborhoods have traditions and a holiday spirit only seen in the movies. Hollywood Heights is one of those neighborhoods, and that spirit centers around a unique tradition, Electric Lizzyland.
For what must be verging on decades now, Liz Simmons has been crafting elaborate front yard displays that give the neighborhood kiddos visions of a lot more than just sugarplums dancing in their heads.
Forget the miniature sleigh with eight tiny reindeer. Simmons has a sleigh elevated into the air over her rooftop, pulled by some sizable reindeer. Another sleigh graces the front yard, and yes, there are more reindeer in the yard.
Snowmen have come out to play with the elves, penguins glide across a silvery pond, and all of this is presided over by a towering Abominable Snowman, yes, the same one we all love from the 1964 classic film Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
But of course, that’s not all. Simmons starts her Electric Lizzyland holiday project in October. The glitter boards that cover her home need to be touched up because, let’s face it, you can never have enough glitter!
More Lighty-Uppy Christmas trees have to be made. These trees are rented to neighbors to add to their holiday yard decorations and help fund the yearly project.
Simmons always adds to the display, so you never really know what to expect. One year she decided to build dioramas that are chock full of creativity. You might even find a merry band of Dia de los Muertos skeletons residing inside. You may want to buy a jig saw because your kids will be begging you to build one of these.
Of course, there are the lights. Simmons hires a cherry picker and installs millions of lights each year around the house, up the driveway and sidewalk, and in her giant tree.
The best part is that this is a walk-around and experience it kind of display. This is not a drive-by display. You have to get up close and personal to truly appreciate Electric Lizzyland, so park somewhere on the street, get out of your car, and enjoy an extraordinary Hollywood Heights holiday tradition!
“The joyous and overwhelming holiday display at Electric Lizzyland is something neighbors consider one of the unique and wondrous things about our neighborhood. It’s the center of our neighborhood party, and groups gather there to sing carols. Hollywood Heights wouldn’t be Hollywood without LizzyLand!”
Michael Cheever
Hollywood Heights neighbor
“It’s such a beautiful gathering of a lot of different people, in and outside the neighborhood. What I love is the vintage ornaments and scenes she creates. It’s heartwarming to see the old decorations still vital, much like our neighborhood.”
Patricia Yakesh
Hollywood Heights neighbor
“Lizzyland is the heart of the neighborhood for Christmas. It’s become even more special because Liz now does it every other year. On the off years she does a pretty incredible Halloween display!”
Joe Kacynski
Hollywood Heights neighbor
“Electric Lizzyland shows how a single person can change the personality of a neighborhood. Liz’s quirky creativity and dedication to making an over-the-top interactive display bring the whole neighborhood together to share in the fun. The amazing thing is how she sets up the massive decorations completely on her own and opens it up to anybody who wants to stop by and enjoy the show. It takes a while to see it all, and it’s the perfect setting for the Hollywood Christmas party. We joke that you can see her house from the space station.”
Margaret Watson
Hollywood Heights neighbor
Electric Lizzyland at 714 Newell St. in Hollywood Heights is open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (weather permitting) now through Christmas night, Dec. 25.
It’s a free event, and Simmons has only a few sensible rules:
“PLEASE. DO. NOT. TOUCH. ANYTHING. This is very important. Please do not let your children touch anything. Please feel free to remind others of this rule if you see them about to touch anything.
Take as many pictures as you want!”
Liz Simmons
