Von Hollen Christmas house to return in 2027

Following a years-long hiatus, Rocky Mountain House’s storied von Hollen Christmas house is poised to make a return in 2027.

The labour of love from longtime residents Cheryl and Alfred von Hollen featured their Rocky home decked out with 130,000 lights, along with dozens of holiday-themed displays.

At its peak, some 40,000 people would visit annually.

When it was last held in 2014, the display raised more than 14,000 pounds of food and $10,000 for the local food bank.

Alfred, who spoke with 94.5 Rewind Radio this week, estimated the lights will be flicked on again around Dec. 1, 2027.

He says the decorations likely won’t be quite to the extent seen during peak years — with “only” 40,000 lights compared to the 130,000 in years past.

Still, he says the show will offer a fresh take on the longtime tradition. Returning favourites include the light tunnel, crystal palace, the backyard walkthrough and more.

New attractions will include 14 umbrellas with 700 lights each, and 70 globes wrapped with 50 to 100 lights.

Von Hollen says he started doing extravagant light shows at his first smaller home in Rocky Mountain House. That first year featured about 1,000 lights.

By 1991, he had moved into his current home at 57 Street Close, and the shows only got larger and larger from there.