New Jersey Family transforms their home for the holidays

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. (WPVI) — For the past seven years, a Pennsauken family has completely transformed their home for the holidays.

They grew so large that it became a community event called “Lights on Bryn Mawr.”

It always takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Hundreds of family members, friends and neighbors made their way to 8220 Bryn Mawr Avenue to flip the switch.

Before the Hak family can turn on the switch, they are busy preparing.

Planning is in full swing in August and the lights will be installed by October.

Brian Hak may be an electrician by trade, but his love for Christmas makes it all possible. He calls it a labor of love.

“It’s amazing to live in such a great neighborhood that is happy for me to light these lights,” Brian explained.

With 82,000 lights, the display is quite spectacular.

“Many people have a favorite holiday like a national holiday. I call it my favorite holiday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving,” said her oldest daughter, Lauren Hak.

This year’s theme is “Summer in December”.

“A lot of people really liked the theme last year, so we decided to stick with the same theme but had to do it a little differently,” noted Jennifer Hak.

With that, they added more lights, electronics and even a lifeguard stand on a lighted beach that occupies their driveway.

Growing up, the Hak’s always loved Christmas, but now they enjoy spreading that holiday joy to others.

“I think it’s great that we can make 3-400 people smile at once, it’s a really cool moment for all of us,” Jennifer said.

This exhibition is not just for fun, but also for a good cause. The Hak family asks people to bring a new, unwrapped toy.

They have set up toy-by-toy donation bins outside their home. In just one night they have already collected almost eight tons and they are just getting started.

“It started with just us in the neighborhood, then it grew and grew and grew. I think it’s amazing,” said a neighbor, Lilly Kehl.

“Lights on Bryn Mawr” will be held at 8220 Bryn Mawr Ave. until January 1st every night until 10 p.m. be seen.