Burlington's Rusty Griswold Christmas Light Display

May 2, 2026 - Thank You

A couple of months ago, I posted on Facebook:

“What if… Rusty took the show to a larger stage

”

I want to close the loop on that.

The “larger stage” I was referring to wasn’t expanding the display at my home. It was the opportunity to bring Rusty to the City of Burlington via The Lion’s Club light display at Spencer Smith Park, and contribute on a bigger scale to the community.

I had been in discussions since late 2025, and was expecting a meeting back in April to explore how I could help make that happen. Unfortunately, I never heard back, and at this point, I’ve decided to stop pursuing it.

Combined with a knee injury I suffered taking down last year’s display, and advice to stay off the roof, it’s become clear to me that age waits for nobody, and it’s time to step away.

After 10 years, I’ve officially made the decision to close the Rusty Griswold Light Display.

What started as something small turned into something truly special. Together, we raised nearly $10,000 for charities and created memories and family traditions that will last forever. Some of my favourite memories will be explaining and teaching younger kids how to build the props, program sequences themselves, and simply watching little guys and girls sing and dance along with the show.

I also want to say a heartfelt thank you to the neighbours on Devlin Drive. You put up with the traffic, the parking challenges, and even tour buses rolling through the street—and you did it with patience and support.

To my immediate neighbours—thank you for embracing it and becoming part of the show. To my “Ditto” neighbour, and my other next-door neighbour who joined in, you helped make this something bigger than just one house. And to my neighbour across the street who added creative touches over the years like reflective surfaces to amplify the lights—those details didn’t go unnoticed.

This display may have had my name on it, but it was truly a neighbourhood effort.

Thank you to everyone who supported, visited, and made this what it became.

– Mike “Rusty Griswold” Madole

🎄 December 15, 2025 — As Featured in BURLINGTONTODAY.COM 📰

BurlingtonToday recently featured the Rusty Griswold Christmas Light Display, highlighting how a personal Christmas tradition has grown into a neighbourhood event focused on community, kindness, and supporting Halton Women’s Place.

Drone video footage from December 7, 2023 of the Rusty Griswold Light Display show.

Click PLAY to listen while you visit our site! Click Save on Spotify to add this to your Spotify account, and enjoy 70+ songs of our favourites year-round!

Official Rusty’s Magical Christmas Coloring Book

We have created a family-friendly colouring book with 45 unique pictures! It is published exclusively with Amazon. Available now worldwide!

Click the book cover above to be redirected to Amazon or learn more by clicking here!

As Featured ON:

What They Say - Verified Reviews

Tyler Rogers

The best light display in the area. 2025 update... After taking a year off, Rusty Griswold's light display has made a triumph return and is better than ever.

Andrea

I live nearby and this is always a fun stop around the holidays. They have the lights synced to a holiday radio station, so you can enjoy from your car. People have always been respectful and only stayed a few minutes when I stop by, and I never see more than 4-5 cars at a time. The neighbours have joined in on the fun and it's hilarious. Definitely a fun place to drive by, with a hot chocolate in hand!

Charles Gauthier

Wow what a light show! Totally worth the trip and the wait. (It was only a short wait)

Elizabeth Avetissian

The absolute best display in the GTA! A holiday must see for all ages. Thank you Rusty for the holiday spirit and joy you give us.

Afsoon Taa

I thought this was going to be a drive thru light show experience, however it was one home that puts on a different experience where you watch the lights synced to the music you have to tune in thru the radio station! We loved the experience and it was free. Thank you.

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Mike Madole

aka Rusty Griswold

Who is Rusty Griswold?

Hi, I’m Mike — though around December, most people in Burlington know me as “Rusty Griswold.” I live here in Burlington, Ontario, and like millions of others, I grew up watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and thought, “One day, I want that many lights… preferably without shutting down the power grid.”

Every year, I put that inspiration to work by creating the Rusty Griswold Christmas Light Display — a fun, family-friendly tradition that brings a little extra sparkle to Burlington during the holiday season. What started as a small neighbourhood display has grown into a well-loved spot for people exploring Christmas lights in Burlington or looking for a cheerful family Christmas activity.

I’m grateful every time someone drives by, takes a photo, or tells me the display has become part of their holiday tradition. Sharing the magic of Christmas — with a hint of classic Griswold chaos — is one of my favourite parts of the season.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope the lights bring some joy to your holiday!

Featured Articles

In my Blog you will find many different articles from how to animate your own light show, to securing Christmas inflatables, to the history of the Christmas Pickle! Be sure to check out the many articles I have posted over the years!

Rusty Griswold Light Display Partners with Halton Women’s Place This Holiday Season

Each year, as the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the Rusty Griswold Light Display comes to life. For us, it’s not just about decorating our home with thousands of dazzling lights – it’s about creating a place where families, friends, and neighbours come together to experience the wonder of the holidays.

Opening Night 2025: What’s New This Year

It’s that magical time of year again! The Rusty Griswold Light Display returns for its 10th anniversary — brighter, smoother, and ready to bring holiday cheer to Burlington once more. We’ve been busy behind the scenes making improvements, rebuilding parts…

Rusty Griswold Light Display 2025: Goodbye FM, Hello PulseMesh!

Every year, I try to make the light show a little brighter, a little better, and a little more magical — and this year is no different. I’ve got some exciting news about a new feature coming to the Rusty Griswold Christmas Light Display, and I also want to share the bittersweet decision to retire a fan-favorite part of the show.