The Conrad home lights up Highway 1 in Upper Granville each Christmas. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentLester Conrad smiles when he sees people stop outside his home in December.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe Upper Granville resident has been decorating the family’s property for more than a decade. The front and side yard are full of lawn ornaments, inflatables and decorations. Many people stop and take photos – particularly at night.Article contentArticle content“It makes people happy, I think,” Conrad said.Article contentWhile he doesn’t often get a chance to speak with people as they enjoy the decorations, it warms his heart to know they appreciate the display that lights up the night sky.Article content“I love Christmas – always have,” Conrad said. “It’s cheerful.”Article content Lester Conrad loves Christmas. That is why he spends about a week each year decorating the outside of his Upper Granville Home. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentThe display is located along Highway 1, a kilometre west of Bridgetown.Article content“Many years ago, I started out with a few and every year it just kept getting bigger and bigger.”Article contentArticle contentIt’s hard to miss the Conrad home in Upper Granville while driving along Highway 1 this time of the year. We are lucky so many people invest so much time in helping spread the Christmas spirit. pic.twitter.com/F8KVOUd661— Jason Malloy (@JasonMa47772994) December 11, 2025Article contentIt includes reindeer, snowmen, bears, nutcrackers, candy canes and multiple Santas – including one in a helicopter, another driving a motorcycle and one moving on a swing.Article contentNew to the display this year are Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, The Grinch and Santa Claus. The motion-sensored animated characters sing Christmas carols and are located on the home’s veranda.Article content“They’re pretty neat when you turn them on,” Conrad said.Article content The veranda of the Conrad home in Upper Granville includes Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, The Grinch, Santa Claus, nutcrackers and Olaf. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentHe likes to have the decorations in place by the beginning of December. It’s not so much to beat the snow, but to get ahead of the cold weather. They also cover each of the plugs with plastic bags to keep the moisture out.Article contentThree people were involved in installing this year’s display and it took about a week. They had it completed around the middle of November and it will stay up until early January.Article content“I have an addiction,” Conrad said with a smile, noting there’s a cost involved with buying the ornaments plus the electricity bill, but knowing people are enjoying the display “makes it all worthwhile.”Article contentArticle content The Christmas spirit shines bright along Highway 1 in Upper Granville where Lester Conrad has a large display. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentDustin Enslow, who represents the district on the County of Annapolis municipal council, said displays like Conrad’s mean a lot to the community.Article contentArticle content“It’s something people look forward to every single year. It’s how some people mark the beginning of the holiday season,” he said. “It’s definitely a big attraction and it boosts the morale of the community.”Article contentEnslow also suggested people visit John Osborne’s home, located off Centennial Drive in Bridgetown, to view the family’s decorations that include Christmas movies running on a screen after dark. Enslow said Osborne is involved in many organizations and initiatives in the Bridgetown area and helps “instill community spirit.”Article contentBridgetown hosted its annual Light Up the Town event, which included a parade, on Dec. 5.Article content“It’s really uplifting,” Enslow said.Article contentEnslow remembers driving around looking at Christmas lights with his family as a kid and it is a tradition he has passed down to his children.
Merry and bright: Conrad spreads Christmas spirit by decorating Upper Granville home
