For residents of Pompano Beach and beyond, the holiday season is synonymous with one dazzling spectacle: the Macek Family Christmas Lights. Every year, the Macek home transforms into a winter wonderland, captivating thousands of visitors with its breathtaking display. This tradition, built on community spirit and festive cheer, has become a must-see destination, illuminating the hearts of children and adults alike.
A Pompano Beach Tradition: The Macek Family Lights Story
The story of the Macek Family Christmas lights is rooted in humble beginnings and a desire to spread joy. What started in 2000 with a modest number of lights has grown exponentially, fueled by passion and community collaboration. Joe Bird and his son, Kyle Bird, joined Mark Macek in 2002, adding their expertise and enthusiasm to the project. Kyle, who has been involved since childhood, even credits the tradition with inspiring his career as an electrical contractor. The team expanded further with John Anderson and Wendy Webber, who connected through their shared love for decorating the Macek home.
From Humble Beginnings to a Dazzling Display
The evolution of the Macek Family Christmas lights display is a testament to dedication and creativity. Inspired initially by a neighbor’s American flag light display after the events of September 11th, the decorations grew year after year. Now boasting nearly 200,000 lights and numerous handmade, animated displays, the spectacle is a true labor of love. The intricate setup, which includes decorating the palm trees lining Southeast 6 Street, begins weeks before Thanksgiving, often as early as Halloween. The large tree in the front yard alone takes over a week to decorate, highlighting the immense effort involved in creating this festive masterpiece.
The Team Behind the Lights
The magic of the Macek Family Christmas lights is brought to life by a dedicated team. Mark Macek, along with Joe Bird and his son Kyle, are the core creators of this annual wonder. Their combined skills and passion, along with the help of friends like John Anderson and Wendy Webber, make this enormous undertaking possible. The team’s commitment to spreading holiday cheer is evident in every light and display meticulously placed on the property.
Kyle Bird, Mark Macek, and Joe Bird, the dedicated team behind the spectacular Macek Family Christmas lights display in Pompano Beach.
A Spectacle of Lights: What to Expect
Visiting the Macek Family Christmas lights is an immersive experience. The sheer number of lights is astounding, creating a vibrant and enchanting atmosphere. Beyond the lights, visitors are treated to a variety of displays, many of which are handcrafted and feature moving elements, adding an extra layer of wonder. To enhance the visitor experience, a large screen TV in the front yard provides interesting facts and information about the display’s creation, though Mark Macek remains tight-lipped about the electric bill, playfully calling it “Santa’s Secret.”
Hundreds of Thousands of Lights and Handmade Displays
The Macek Family Christmas lights are not just numerous; they are thoughtfully arranged to create a cohesive and captivating scene. The handmade displays add a personal touch, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of the team. From classic Christmas characters to unique, animated scenes, there’s something to delight every visitor. The scale of the decorations is so significant that Mark Macek even built a dedicated garage solely for storing the lights and displays during the off-season, each item having its designated spot.
Community Joy and Appreciation
The Macek Family Christmas lights have become a beloved tradition, not just for the Macek family but for the entire Pompano Beach community and beyond. Joe Bird eloquently captures the motivation behind the elaborate display: “They’re leaving with a smile.” The joy and wonder the lights bring are palpable, evident in the reactions of visitors like Jazmine Garcia, a Pompano Beach resident who visited for the first time this year with her children and was overjoyed by the experience. Lori Chandler, a neighbor who hosts an annual Christmas party, emphasizes the consistent and “over the top” nature of the decorations, highlighting the high standards maintained year after year. The Macek family has received countless letters and gifts expressing gratitude, and before the pandemic, guest books were filled with heartfelt messages from appreciative visitors, demonstrating the profound impact of this community treasure.
The Macek Family home in Pompano Beach brilliantly illuminated with Christmas lights, creating a festive and magical atmosphere for all visitors.
The Future of the Macek Family Christmas Lights
However, the future of this cherished tradition is currently uncertain. Kyle Bird’s recent career move out of the area means he will no longer be able to contribute the significant time and effort required for the annual setup. This crucial change has prompted reflection on the sustainability of the display. Joe Bird also acknowledges the time commitment and is considering re-prioritizing family time. The decision about whether the Macek Family Christmas lights will continue next year will be made after the current display concludes.
Kyle Bird’s Departure and Uncertainty
Kyle Bird’s involvement has been integral to the Macek Family Christmas lights for many years, and his departure presents a significant challenge. The hundreds of hours of work he contributed are difficult to replace, raising questions about the feasibility of continuing the tradition at the same scale. The team is understandably reassessing the situation and considering the future.
A Community Tradition Worth Cherishing
Despite the uncertainty, the Macek Family Christmas lights remain a testament to the power of community spirit and the joy of the holiday season. The tradition has touched countless lives, creating lasting memories and spreading cheer during the holidays. As Mark Macek aptly stated, the future is a “tough situation,” but the legacy of joy and light that the Macek family has created will undoubtedly be cherished by Pompano Beach for years to come.
If you wish to experience this year’s display, the Macek home is located at 2700 SE 6 St. in Pompano Beach. The lights are on nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 6 to 11 p.m. on weekends until January 1st. Visitors are advised to park at the city cemetery at 400 SE 23 Ave. and take a short walk to the house, as street parking near the house is limited and the street is closed at night. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this magical display and create your own happy memories with the Macek Family Christmas lights.
