Christmas Light Displays in Rutherford County, Realtor Tony Crabtree Expands on Area Holiday Lights Map

Murfreesboro Realtor Tony Crabtree has spent the past couple of years compiling a map of the best places to see Christmas light displays and other festive decor in Rutherford County. This can be a perfect resource for families looking for fun and inexpensive entertainment around the holidays. Viewers can observe all of these displays from the comfort of their vehicles.

Tony explained to the Pulse how he got this idea.

“It’s cold outside. You can’t go to the playground, and you can’t go to the pool. At the time when I started the project my kids were 6, 4 and 2. There’s just nothing to do when you have young kids like that, so you’re constantly like, ‘Okay, I guess we’ll watch another movie,’” Crabtree said.

But even after the Crabtree family watched Elf five times one Christmas season, they were still looking for fun, festive activities.

1737 Marian Ln., Leibachs Lights on the Lane

“I was trying to figure out how to make a list of where all these places were, because driving around to see the lights was just something that my kids, especially my girls, really enjoyed about Christmastime,” the local Realtor said. “So we put together this list, and I just would start searching. . . . There’s this Facebook group that came out with lights from all over, even the Nashville area.”

While Tony is responsible for creating and maintaining the map, finding locations for the map has become a community effort. Submit unlisted displays by sending in a photo or video of the display along with the address. Crabtree will add fitting displays to the map throughout the season.

He told the Pulse that there will be an added element to the 2024 experience.

“One thing we’re going to do this year is a scavenger hunt where we’re going to put signs in some of the yards. Each sign is going to have a letter, and what you’re going to do is you’re going to go to a link that I’ll have posted with the map, and basically each address will have a new letter, and there’s a riddle that you’re supposed to solve using the letters on the signs. Each house address will have a different letter that answers the riddle, and you have to go to each house to fill in the blanks. Once you do that, you’ll submit this form, and it’ll take you to a website to donate to a place called the Tennessee Children’s Home, which is an organization that directly gives to foster families. All that money goes straight to families in Rutherford County who are helping to foster kids who don’t have a home.”

Even a $5 donation will enter those who solve the riddle for a chance to win a prize. Crabtree is still on the hunt for businesses to donate giveaway prizes or gift cards. “Anything you’d like to give helps,” he said.

648 Laurel Ln., Murfreesboro

Being a Realtor, Crabtree knows the importance of secure housing for families and for the overall well-being of communities.

“Over the past few years, families who are in foster care have really been just near to me and dear to my heart,” Crabtree said. “It takes sacrificial love to care for a child that is not yours. It’s a really beautiful thing.”

To donate prizes or submit Christmas lights for the map, reach out to Tony at tony@crabtreehomestn.com. When asking for displays to be added, be sure to attach a photo or video of the display.

Some of the local Christmas lights up for 2024 include:
1920 Higgins Ln. (one of Tony’s personal favorites)
305 Beverly Randolph Dr.
7922 Spire St.
107 Cannock St.
6527 Forrest Ln.
416 Bell Buckle Wartrace Rd., Bell Buckle
648 Laurel Ln.
103 Gateway Dr.
1910 Falsetto Ln.
1438 Trotters Ln., Rockvale
110 Slidell Ct., Rockvale
3016 Richlands Richardson Rd.
2407 Tinnell Ct.
2405 Ruston Ct.
2332 Londonberry St.
2556 Choctaw Trce.
Cannonsburgh Village
841 Lexi Ln.
1737 Marian Ln.
2119 Patriot Dr.
2050 Sugartree Dr.
1516 Neutrino Dr.
3031 Fallswood Dr.