Interlochen Holidays Lights Display

I had heard such amazing things about this light display, so went to check it out. Some of the houses had super cool displays, but there is only a street or two that really outdo themselves. After waiting in a line of cars for THREE hours, I expected something phenomenal. The website states that cops direct traffic and what not, but I never saw a single cop. It was chaos. Cars were cutting in line, honking horns, etc. By the time we got to the houses, it was 11:00 and everyone was starting to turn their lights off. If you do go, I’d reccommend going on a week day.

Traffic here was exceptionally bad. This was my first year going. I’d say it’s on par with Prairie Lights’ traffic, which is massive, but a paid experience.
Again, traffic sucks. If you’re going to try’n be a wise ass and zip around or cut (or because you’re really legit trying to get through the neighborhood), cops will stop you with a very official «No cutting!» bark. And if you do need in the line and manage to make it in without law enforcement bringing back 2^nd grade recess rules, the person (s) behind you will not let you in for several cycles. When you make it in East Coast style and cut your way in, the person behind you will spend the remainder of the linetime with their brights on. Everyone is totally in the Christmas spirit.
Once you get in the neighborhood though, the displays really are quite nice. You’re kind of in awe about how the community can agree to do one thing. Traffic kinda sorta moves once you’re in, with the worst hang ups being a) residents who park in the street, causing risky driving conditions, and b) an enterprising group of kids who sell beverages and snacks. Great idea on their end because it created quite the clusterf*k.
Oh, and Merry Christmas everyone!

Boo! We came here at 9:25, after 20 mins of sitting in the car without moving, we started to doubt our decision. We bailed at 10:50, because it was clear we were not going to get in by closing time (11:00). On our way to going home, we saw at least 100 cars waiting in line (I am not kidding). We were going about 0.1 miles an hour in the line and no policemen. Do not recommend coming here!

It’s not worth the wait if you come right at dark you can drive through and leave before the crowd starts to pile up. It’s just lights I think I out grew seeing Christmas lights cause I wasn’t that impressed. Only saw two houses that were cool glad I didn’t wait 4 hours for that.