2nd Place Winner of 2025 Shimmer & Shine Holiday Lights Contest: 139 Patrick Henry Dr
2nd Place Winner of 2025 Shimmer & Shine Holiday Lights Contest: 139 Patrick Henry Dr
Cole and Lauren Tomlinson are the amazing couple behind this really stunning display. Really until you see this at night it is hard to explain but it glows. Some home shimmer, some have fun inflatables but this one glows with a warm magical Christmas light and it is so worth visiting!
Voting took place online from December 10 to 17, 2025. The Shimmer & Shine Holiday Lights Contest & Map has been a cherished WilliamsburgFamilies.com holiday tradition for the past 10 years.
Thank you to our Prize Sponsor: Busch Gardens
Keep reading to enjoy this festive family’s quick 10-question Q&A….
- How long does it usually take you to set up your holiday lights display?
It takes us three full days to decorate. The first day is usually a 16 to 18 hour day. - What inspired you to go all-out with holiday lights? Was there a specific moment or idea that sparked this tradition?
I really enjoy vintage Christmas decorations, and my husband loves the thrill of the hunt. In 2019, we had three vintage Santa blow molds in the circular part of our driveway. One day, someone stopped their truck to tell us how much they enjoyed them, and that is all it took! We started heavily collecting and decorating after that. - How many years have you been decorating with more lights than the average home?
We’ve been decorating with more lights than the average home since 2020. Our first big year, we had 68 blow molds and now we have over 170 blow molds. - Who takes charge of the decorating process?
Is it a family effort, or do you do it solo? I like to say that I am the creative director, and my husband does everything else. This display would not happen without him! - Do you have a theme or special inspiration behind this year’s display?
Our theme this year, and every year, is vintage Christmas. We love the nostalgia that blow molds bring. We also love that it is unique. - Are there any unique or standout decorations in your display that have a special story behind them that you want people to know?
The Santa that is in the center of the circular part of our driveway was our first blow mold! We got it at Marketplace Antiques in Gloucester, Virginia. - What’s the reaction been like from your neighbors or the community?
Our neighbors love it! On set up days, they stop by and cheer us on. Sometimes they even drop off little presents. We are very appreciative of their support. - Do you have any funny or memorable stories from past years while setting up or running your display? A few years ago, I was parked in my driveway waiting for my husband to come outside so we could go to dinner. A man knocked on my car window and asked me if the house was mine. I told him yes, and then he asked me if I could move my car because his wife wanted to take pictures and videos.
- Have you added any new features or special touches to your display this year?
We are constantly adding blow molds to our display- just last week we put five more out. This year, we put more ground lights in our rock beds. We love the fun and glowy vibe the extra lights give.
- What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking of starting a big holiday lights tradition of their own? (tips or tricks)
Do it! It is so fun to create magic for the community. You won’t regret it. Stay organized throughout the year. It will make set up day so much easier. Also, be on the lookout for items year round and when you travel. You’ll be surprised at what you can find. - Will you be decorating next year? Of course!
We decorate every year right around Thanksgiving, and we leave our decorations up until right after Christmas. Stop by and consider bringing a nonperishable food item for our donation box if you can.
See the Map with all the homes HERE
2025 Top Three Homes Voted on by Readers
Prize Sponser is Busch Gardens!
- 116 Mill View Circle, Williamsburg VA (Settlers Mill)
- 139 Patrick Henry Dr, Williamsburg VA (Skipwith Farms)
- 6141 Richmond Road, Williamsburg (near the Outlets)
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