The “World” According to Jack

The following is taken directly from a sign posted on the Streets of America in the Disney-MGM Studios.

In 1986 Jennings and Mitzi Osborne of Little Rock, Arkansas granted their daughter’s Christmas dream by covering their home with sparkling red lights.
By 1993 the Osbornes had bought and decorated their neighbors’ homes, too. The Christmas display had grown to three million lights and drew crowds from all of the state of Arkansas.

Some of the Osborne’s neighbors were more frazzled than dazzled by the display as they endured nightly traffic jams. Citing the display as a public nuisance, the Arkansas Supreme Court pulled the plug.

The night the lights went out in Little Rock wasn’t the end of the Osborne’s Dream. It was only the beginning. In 1995 Mickey and Goofy came calling and invited Jennings, Mitzi and Breezy to bring their lights to the Disney-MGM Studios.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights opened on November 24, 1995 on the Residential Street Backlot at the Disney-MGM Studios. It became an instant Holiday tradition for countless families. Over the years, more than 1.5 million guests have experienced the display.

In November of 2004, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights moved to the Streets of America Backlot where it is bigger and better than ever.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights looks right at home here. As for the Osborne’s, this is the fairytale ending to their Christmas dream. And since the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights first lit up the Studios, the Osborne’s have sponsored over 32 Christmas lights displays throughout Arkansas. What began as a Christmas wish from a little girl has grown into holiday magic that has touched the lives of millions of people.

End Signage

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights begins each evening at 6pm and remains lit until one hour after the park closes. A giant light switch can be found about halfway down the Streets of America. Each night, a child is selected to “throw the switch” and turn on the lights.

Last year a new tradition was started with the beginning of Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Selected Christmas songs have been synchronized with the lights and the entire street “dances” as lights turn off and on in time with the music. If you haven’t seen this new addition, you need to do so. It’s an all new show!

As always, falling snow, hot chocolate and spiced nuts add to the wonderful Christmas atmosphere.

More Osborne Light Photos from this year's display.