Skakoon family Christmas display lights up Sudbury for 3 generations

A family tradition continues in Sudbury's Donovan neighbourhood this holiday season. The Skakoon family has been decorating their home with an elaborate Christmas display for more than 50 years.

Nicholas Skakoon said his grandfather started the tradition when he lived in the home on Frood Road in 1959. The house has remained in the family and now Skakoon lives there with his fiancee. He keeps the display going now with the help of his father, Michael.

Morning North6:45Lighting up the neighbourhood at Christmas for three generations

There's a house in the Donovan area of Sudbury that really stands out because of all the Christmas decorations. The Skakoon family has been decorating the home for three generations now. The CBC's Megan Thomas was at the home to get their story.​

"As long as that house is in our name, that house will be lit. It started in 1959 and it's not going to stop until, like I say, if that house ever leaves the family name," Skakoon said.

Skakoon said there is something new in the display each year, and some ornaments have to be switched out for repairs after years of weathering. There are now thousands of Christmas lights as part of the display, and Skakoon says in recent years he has added outdoor Christmas music.

The hydro bill jumps by a few hundred dollars over the holiday season, but it's well worth it to raise spirits for the holiday season, Skakoon said, adding the family often receives cards from strangers as a thank-you for the display at the home.

"It's now become a thing where it's not just for us, for our family, any more. It's for the whole community to enjoy, " Nicholas Skakoon said.

Have you seen other holiday displays at homes in Sudbury or other communities in northeastern Ontario? Send you photos to morningnorth@cbc.ca.