Murrieta Christmas Lights Honor Late Parents With Disney Magic, Military Tribute

MURRIETA, CA — On a quiet cul-de-sac in Murrieta, one family’s Christmas lights tell a love story — and a story of loss, in shades of purple, blue and gold.

At 39588 Saba Court, holiday decorating has never just been about crafting a twinkling winter wonderland.

Last year, homeowner Monte Cano turned the family front yard into a glowing tribute to his mother, who had recently died, and his father, whose health was in decline, bathing the house in purple and blue lights to reflect their favorite colors.

Cano wrote Patch this week to thank us for writing a story last year about his Christmas light tribute to his mother.

“Last year, 2024, I lost my mom and made the color of lights in purple with the Christmas decor as well as Disney… thank you. It made my year last Christmas.”

This year, the display has taken on an even deeper meaning.

Cano’s father, a Vietnam veteran and “great military officer,” died the day before Thanksgiving 2025, he said. Now, his Christmas lights are a tribute to both parents and a way to imagine them together again.

“I reorganized my Christmas display and added a tribute to my father,” Cano wrote. “I have added a military banner, flags and candles to a great military officer a Vietnam veteran. I also did a Disney theme with blue and purple lights, my parents’ favorite colors. ...They are now together at peace.”

The front lawn and pathways along Saba Court are alive with holiday and Disney characters, gathered together in a jubilant show of Christmas cheer. Intertwined with the familiar figures are the new symbols: the military banner, the American flags, and a quiet corner of candles for Cano’s father.

The colors — rich purples and cool blues — wash over the scene, uniting the Disney magic with the solemn nod to service and sacrifice. For neighbors and visitors, it’s a festive display. For Cano, it’s something more intimate: a way to honor his parents, keep their memory close and share a piece of them with anyone who drives or walks past.

“Merry Christmas to you, the staff and of course your family, from the Cano family,” he wrote.

There's also an interactive element again this year — a game hide and seek. A sign out front challenges you to find Ella, Elli, Gino and Gina, which are hiding in different places each day.

"Just for fun, do you want to play? We move around from Day to day. so from the sidewalk, look around. We are waiting to be found."

Can the holiday lights on your home be seen from space? Does it look like the Las Vegas strip?

If you've spent days or weeks painstakingly hanging strands of lights on your house, palm trees and shrubs, or hauling multiple figurines out to your lawn — Patch wants to hear from you.

Email photos and a description of your winter wonderland to Kat Schuster at kat.schuster@patch.com.