Stittsville home hosts the largest Christmas display to date

It’s a combination of the Turcotte family’s three favourite holiday movies: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Grinch and Die Hard — “Yes it’s a Christmas movie.”

Over the last several years the Stittsville home — 18 Cypress Gardens — has been decked out in lights, props and extravagant scenes from holiday movies.

This year’s display takes iconic portions from the three movies and is said to be the “biggest display” yet, with some cut-outs and movie magic crossing over to the neighbour’s front lawn.

The family is asking people to donate Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) to build the integrated treatment centre, which when finalized will improve access to kids with complex medical, developmental or behavioural needs.

Shawn Turcotte said on X that it would be the family’s fifth and final Christmas fundraiser.

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Since 2020, the house has lit up the neighbourhood with over-the-top decorations. The first year the family did Christmas Vacation, set with the Griswolds’ station wagon, scenes from the movie and thousands of lights that they blew a few fuses.

After raising thousands for the Stittsville Food Bank, the family tackled another beloved classic: Home Alone.

In 2022, they displayed Elf, with a sleigh and cut-out of Buddy. Last year, was return of Christmas Vacation with the addition of extra lights and the RV of Cousin Eddie.

However, the family promises that 2024’s display will bring even more.

“There will be more customized vehicles from the movies, more props and yes, more lights if you can believe it,” the family’s fundraiser reads.

Over the last four years, the fundraisers have raised about $175,000 for both CHEO and the Stittsville Food Bank.