Deck the Streets: A guide to the season’s most festive homes in Mt. Pleasant

A few years back during COVID-19 lockdown, in an effort to lift holiday spirits and get out of the house, we packed the family into three cars and set off on a Christmas light scavenger hunt around town. 

Armed with a list of more than 30 holiday decorations to find, the three teams were challenged to check off items found and return with photos as proof. The first crew to return to the house in 45 minutes with the most decorations checked off won bragging rights. 

With the many elaborate holiday displays lighting up homes throughout the community this year, there are plenty of places to find every type of Christmas decor. We took a ride around town to check out holiday displays. We’re sharing the best, most extravagant decorations … and one we’ve dubbed most creative. 

So, load family and friends in the car, bundle up and take a drive after dark to see these stunning holiday lights brightening the spirits this season. If we missed any outstanding holiday displays, please share. The more the merrier.

Kathy Backus / Epicenter Mt. PleasantThe Beard family’s holiday display at 205 N. Kinney Avenue in Mt. Pleasant.The Beard Family: 205 N. Kinney Avenue

Antique sleighs and sparkling white lights take center stage in a festive holiday display at the corner of N. Kinney Avenue and Mosher Street. Homeowners Mark and Linda Beard, longtime enthusiasts of Christmas decorating, have expanded their efforts over the years to include meaningful touches that reflect their family's history.

Among the highlights are two sleighs, each with a story to tell. One belonged to Mark’s great-grandfather, while the other was owned by Linda’s father-in-law. These heirlooms now serve as centerpiece attractions, attracting passersby who often stop to snap photos with their children. For the Beards, the display isn’t just about spreading holiday cheer—it’s a way to honor their family’s past while creating new traditions.

Kathy Backus / Epicenter Mt. PleasantAt 1054 E. Maple Street, the Gurski family decorates their home near McLaren Central Michigan Hospital.
The Gurski Family: 1054 E. Maple Street

This holiday display offers a festive escape for visitors of all ages, with vibrant lights strung across trees and multicolored arches creating a magical walkway for pedestrians. Located near the Isabella Medical Care Facility and McLaren Central Michigan, the display not only brightens the neighborhood but also provides a source of joy for nearby residents.

Staff from the medical care facility especially look forward to the holiday display every year, saying it lifts the spirits of residents as they wheel them to the windows to admire the bright lights and animated decor.  

The thoughtful display has turned into a beacon of holiday spirit for the community.

Kathy Backus / Epicenter Mt. PleasantThe holiday display at 1717 E. High Street in Mt. Pleasant features lawn gnomes. 1717 E. High Street in Mt. Pleasant

This display gets props for “most creative.” Clearly the homeowners at 1717 E. High Street have a sense of humor and a good dose of holiday cheer. Bravo for creatively transforming existing landscaping into Christmas gnomes. Proof that holiday displays can be simple, festive and fun.

Kathy Backus / Epicenter Mt. PleasantThe Kinney Lodge is back in full holiday glory this year at 321 N. Kinney Avenue.
The Kinney Lodge: 321 N. Kinney Ave.

The city’s biggest Christmas display has returned this year. The holiday display lights up the entire house, inside and out. Every type of decoration can be found throughout the massive exhibit. 

The return of the beloved Sheahan family’s extensive display was a community effort. Grandson Dominic Thrasher purchased the family’s home and set out to resurrect the magic he grew up admiring every year. Thrasher hosted a community decorating day, inviting people in town to help with set up. 

The community is now invited to visit. The best way to enjoy the spectacular display is on foot. So, bundle up and get out of the car. Visit Santa Claus, the Grinch, and grab a cup of hot cocoa and a cookie in the Kinney Lodge Cookie Shop, open Thursday and Friday from 6-8 p.m. through Dec. 20. The display will remain up until Dec. 31.

Located across the street from the Kinney Lodge is another impressive holiday lights display in Mt. Pleasant.
304 N. Kinney Street in Mt. Pleasant

Located across the street from the Kinney Lodge, this family’s display is impressive for its simplicity and the work that went into getting the lights all the way to the highest peak of the house. Extra efforts required with the biggest Christmas display as neighbors.

Have you seen other outstanding holiday displays around town? Comment on our Facebook post and let us know where else the community should visit this year.