'Christmas House' Owners Foreclosed On, Ordered To Vacate

TORRINGTON, CT — This is a story that only the Grinch could love. The owners of a famous Christmas lights display in Torrington must vacate their home, affectionately called the 'Christmas House,' by Jan. 1.

Ron Merriman, homeowner of The Christmas House at 285 Main St., received a foreclosure notice last year saying the Merrimans owe between $8,000 and $11,600 in unpaid mortgage, and the home was auctioned on Nov. 5, Fox 61 reports.

Merriman admitted to Fox 61 that he ran out of money and had no plans to set up his extravagant lights this year, but he saw a woman and her young son staring at the house and knew he had to do it one last time.

The holiday display has been going on for decades and it's reached the point where kids have grown up and now bring their children to view the extravaganza, Fox 61 reports.

Merriman's display is so popular that it's featured on the state of Connecticut's website under ConneCT Kids.

The display started in 1982 and features a "spectacular display of Christmas lights, Christmas scenes, animated figures, angels, snowmen/snowwomen, dolls, stuffed animals, and just about every cartoon character that ever had a Christmas Special on TV or in the movies. If you had, or still have, a favorite character, from Frosty to Snoopy, chances are you will see it on display at the Torrington Christmas House," according to the state's website.

There is no admission to see the lights and the electricity bill is nearly $2,000 a month.

"There is even free hot chocolate provided for visitors. Then there are the hundreds of unpaid setup hours it must take to get the display ready each year. Mr. Merriman is aptly named, for his is a house of merriment," according to the state's ConneCT Kids website.

You can view the display after 6 p.m. each night and inside tours are available to up until 9 p.m.

See related: Best Christmas Light Displays In Connecticut

Dazzling Christmas Display Brings CT Residents Holiday Cheer

Prior to the auction, Merriman tried a last ditch attempt to keep his home by starting a GoFundMe. It raised $200 but a lively debate broke out on the page. Some folks advocated the community and beyond should do whatever they can to help the family keep their home, while others blasted Merriman for not paying his mortgage and taxes.

People who have stopped by the home this year to see the display one last time say they wish they could do something to keep the family in town, Fox 61 reports.

>>>Read and watch the Fox 61 segment here.

Image via GoFundMe which is a Patch partner.