The Morales Family Christmas Light Show

A Magical Disney Display only in Marana!

The Morales Family Story

The ability to shine bright – to gain attention, stand out, or lift the spirit of a special season – is a gift that brings joy and warmth to every family and home during the holidays.

For Frank Morales and his family in Marana’s San Lucas neighborhood, this idea comes to life each year with a spectacular Christmas light show that has become a community favorite.

And while it continues in one of the first neighborhoods built just east of Interstate 10 and the Marana Rd. exit, that is not where it began.

For the Morales family of seven, it started when Frank – the father, was 10 years old. Growing up in his Phoenix home, much like now, decorating during the holiday season was an all-hands-on-deck event.

“We’d go excessive, we would use our money we earned for lighting,” Frank explained. “But it is not about the lights, it is about keeping the spirit.”

He has done just that, so much so, that it has gained the attention of thousands in Southern Arizona since about 2016 when his extravagant light show drew many to his home off of River Rd. and La Cañada Dr. His two-story light display allowed you to tune into the show through your car radio.

“We used to use that as our Christmas home,” Frank said.


A Magical Disney Display only in Marana!

The show even gained the attention of the hit ABC television special: The Great Christmas Light Fight in 2021. The Morales family competed with four other homes in Arizona, two in Tucson and three in Phoenix for the grand prize of $50,000.

After facing logistical challenges, the show moved to the families primary residence in 2022 allowing for an even bigger show.

“It was almost like I couldn’t stop, because of the families and to see all the kids, and the family traditions got more and more involved,” shared Frank.

So, in 2022, they moved the show to their primary residence in Marana and with that came even bigger changes.

Having been a part of the carnival industry for over 33 years, Frank used that to his advantage. “We kept doing our displays, bigger and bigger!”

His shows are all electronically programmed to music that he syncs with light displays with more than 250,000 LED’s. Couple that with a fire display, bubble and fog machine as well as animatronics and that is the Morales Family Christmas Show.

CreditBrandon Mejia

The setup has grown so large that Frank purchased a bucket truck – like those used by utility workers – to install towering trees and light structures. He even consulted the FAA to ensure his displays wouldn’t interfere with air traffic.

“It is a full-time job for the months of November and December,” Frank said. He takes those two months off work to be able to prepare and set up. And just like when he was younger everyone in the family pitches in.

During the first year in San Lucas, the show drew 20–30 visitors a night. Now, the word has spread, and attendance has doubled, with neighbors and out-of-town families coming to enjoy the magic.

“Nighttime is showtime, you can’t disappoint,” he said.

The Morales Family Christmas Show starts on the first of December every year. The displays feature Santa, reindeer, characters from Disney and the Nightmare Before Christmas as well as free hot chocolate and full-size candy canes. While it doesn’t cost anything to see the show, the Morales family is always collecting donations for families in need.

And just like Frank likes to say, if you are having a hard time finding the home, just follow the lights.

If you are looking for another light show while you are already in and around Marana, top the evening off with Marana's nightly Christmas tree and musical light show at the Ed Honea Marana Municipal Complex in Downtown Marana.

Experience 200,000 music-synchronized, dancing lights strung around the complex, with a 45-foot-tall town Christmas tree as the centerpiece. Witness the tallest municipal Christmas tree in Arizona. You can park, walk up, and enjoy the show or even tune into the show through your car's FM radio dial.

CreditBrandon Mejia
Brandon Mejia

Author

Brandon Mejia

Tourism Marketing Specialist

Brandon is a product of the Marana Unified School District and proud Arizona Alumni. His multi-faceted background includes radio and television news, social media distribution, public affairs and communications. He loves spending time outdoors playing in his slow-pitch softball leagues, golfing at Quarry Pines, and being an avid cross-fitter at his local gym, CrossFit Onward.
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