30K Christmas Lights, Hundreds Of Decorations Bring Holiday Cheer To Fanwood

FANWOOD, NJ — Clark Griswold has nothing on Greg Roser's Fanwood home. Adorned with more than 30,000 lights, hundreds of decorations, a visit from Santa Claus while raising donations, it is no wonder it is called "Fanwood's Famous Christmas House."

Roser began decorating when he lived in Union Township with a few decorations. Since moving to 83 Paterson Rd. in Fanwood 33 years ago, his collection has grown tremendously.

"It seems to grow each year," said Roser.

His display is made up of a combination of homemade wooden decorations, purchased lights and decorations, and donated displays.

"I've become known as the go-to guy for those who don't want to decorate anymore. They have contributed to the growth of my display," said Roser.

Roser has amassed so many decorations he can't fit them all on his front lawn. Instead, he rotates the display.

Some decorations such as his own handmade wooden nativity set, an 8-foot-tall wooden snowman that "stands tall and proud in the back", and his dozen of 4-foot-tall candy canes are out every year. While some such as donated inflatables are rotated.

"Someone donated 15 inflatables to me last year. My display is more traditional and I hesitated to put them out but I did and it was a crowd favorite," said Roser.

Roser begins working on his display in September where he starts repainting or rewiring decorations in need to be ready for his official lighting on Black Friday each year.

His "biggest nemesis"? Squirrels.

"They like to chew my wires," said Roser. "After each year I have to make a repair list of ones they damaged. It's a vicious cycle. But I will not be defeated by the squirrel. Too many people enjoy this display."

The display is lit from 4:30 to 10 p.m. every day from Black Friday through Jan. 8. The display also runs around the clock on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Running all 30,000-plus lights might make one wonder what Roser's electric bill looks like. Surprisingly he said, "not as much as you think."

He previously used incandescent bulbs which would cost him $100 a week to keep the display lit. In 2015, he began to change over to LED bulbs. Now with 95 percent of his display switched over his bill is about $25 per week.

Gaining more attention over the years, Roser started collecting donations for the NJ Institute for Disabilities(NJID) seven years ago. NJID is a local NJ-based charity in Edison that operates a day school for disabled children called Lakeview School and group homes for disabled adults. All donated money goes to NJID, Roser pays for all of his electricity and decorating expenses on his own.

His first year he collected $300 and last year he was able to donate $17,000.

Topping off his magical display, Santa Claus makes an appearance every year. This year it will be on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The event is free and Santa will give gifts to the children. Refreshments are donated by Fanwood PBA Local #123.

Roser noted there is no real cut-off time for Santa. If a child is in line by 7 p.m. they will still be able to see him.

"Every child will see Santa. The last thing I want to see is a disappointed child," said Roser.

Roser loves bringing joy to the community and hopes others will follow suit.

"It's grown to the point where I don't think I fully realize what my impact is. The Mayor of Fanwood, Colleen Mahr, has called me a Fanwood Legend. I don't know if I deserve that title or not," said Roser. I prefer to be behind the scene and listen to shrieks of joy coming from the children looking at my display."

For more information on the display visit facebook.com/Fanwoods-Famous-Christmas-House.

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