Simmons Family Christmas display begins Dec.1 in Yoakum, Tx

  • The Simmons Family Christmas LIghtshow beings each night at 6 p.m. at 11404 FM 682 in Yoakum. Courtesy photo
    The Simmons Family Christmas LIghtshow beings each night at 6 p.m. at 11404 FM 682 in Yoakum. Courtesy photo
  • A curious child inspects a Santa at the Simmons Family Christmas Lightshow in December 2021. Courtesy photo
    A curious child inspects a Santa at the Simmons Family Christmas Lightshow in December 2021. Courtesy photo
  • Inflatables, lights and other holiday decorations fill the Simmons’ property at 11404 FM 682 in Yoakum. Courtesy photo
    Inflatables, lights and other holiday decorations fill the Simmons’ property at 11404 FM 682 in Yoakum. Courtesy photo

    After more than fifteen years of dazzling the Yoakum community with light displays, the annual Simmons Family Christmas Lightshow has grown to approximately 80,000 lights on two acres. 

     

    This year’s holiday light show will be displayed nightly from Thursday, Dec. 1. until New Year’s Day. The local wintertime spectacle will shine for visitors at 11404 FM 682 in Yoakum on weekdays from 6-10 p.m. and 6-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 

     

    Aaron and Frankie Simmons are the primary masterminds behind the show, though they occasionally recruit their children and grandchildren to lend a hand in preparing the decorations. 

     

    While the Simmons enjoyed decorating their home in Yoakum each winter, their family tradition really took off when they moved to a property with more land for the display. Aaron estimated 60 total work hours are required for preparation for the light show each year.

     

    “We did a few lights, and then we just started getting larger and larger because everybody in town loved it,” said Aaron Simmons. “We enjoy the kids coming out and ‘oohing and aahing.’ It is completely nonprofit.”

     

    Aaron estimated monthly electricity costs increase by about $30 each month the light show operates. He said the hours of preparation and increased electricity bill were a small price to pay to help spread holiday cheer to the community.

     

    “I always wanted to put a car counter, but I never have because I'm not trying to hit any quota or anything. I just want to get as many people to come through as possible so they can enjoy it; the kids love it,” said Aaron Simmons. “On Friday and Saturday nights, typically, we hand out free hot cocoa and cookies baked by my wife.”