Long Island Middle School Teacher's Holiday Decorations Map Lets The Lights Shine

LONG ISLAND, NY — Like many parents, William Floyd High School teacher Jonathan Dignam began a lot of holiday seasons just driving his daughter, Lilianna, around looking for holiday lights near their neighborhood.

It wasn't enough.

His quest for shimmering lights eventually morphed into a hobby that exploded from the demand of like-minded Long Island parents.

Forget about New York City and its light displays — Long Islanders go all out during the holidays.

His family grew with the addition of Nico, and so did his seasonal ritual. But there were so many houses that Dignam could not remember where all the showstoppers were, so he would have to bring the newspaper or print out addresses from online.

So as a matter of convenience, he began his winter hobby about five years ago with the launch of an online holiday lights guide to 500-plus homes expertly-decorated for the holidays.

The map also extends into the New York City limits, so it's growing.

It has over 3.5 million views and the accompanying Facebook page has garnered over 12,000 likes and 13,000 followers.

"The success of this map is due to the hundreds of Long Islanders sending me information and pictures," Dignam stated in a news release.

So it is easier for light-seekers, he has not only created the map, but a spreadsheet, and other resources.

Non-Facebook users can find the map, by clicking here.

To view the spreadsheet with addresses organized by town, click here.

And for Dignam, it's now that time of year again — time to take a drive and check out holiday light displays.

But because Dignam is now collecting suggestions, he has been relegated to a site administrator.

He is asking that holiday light seekers, contact him if they find a nice house, and take a picture or two and send it with an address — tips will be credited.

The map also lists which houses have been verified, meaning decorated, this year and which houses have a light show, according to Dignam.

If a house has not been verified, he asked followers to take a few seconds to verify it, adding there is a link to click on the house description.

"Enjoy the map and be sure to share it with family and friends on your favorite social media app," Dignam said.

Dignam also encourages followers to pack some hot chocolate in their car as they turn up the holiday tunes and cruise the sights of holiday displays and consider taking his LI Lights Map Scavenger Hunt/Link to "Elf on the Shelf" Scavenger Hunt.

Anyone who wants their home added to the map or if they know a good one that hasn’t been included yet, can message Dignam through the LI Lights Map Facebook page or email jonmtme@yahoo.com.