CLARKESVILLE, Ga. – Red Bird Acres, one of Habersham County’s most beloved home-based Christmas light displays, has announced new rules for visitors after an incident of damage at their property last weekend.
The display, run by Chris and Christy Jones at their Clarkesville home, draws thousands of visitors each year and has become a local holiday tradition. The family provides the attraction free of charge and has long welcomed guests to walk among the lights, inflatables, and handmade decorations.
However, their recent Facebook post indicated their generosity has come with some challenges.
According to the family, over the weekend people were “running through the
display,” “jumping and sitting on inflatables,” and in some cases “damaging and even cutting lights.
The behavior was serious enough that it made the Jones’ initially question whether to continue the display moving forward.
“We just want everyone to enjoy the Christmas season, and enjoy our property,” Christy Jones told Now Habersham on Monday. “It’s just myself and my husband Chris who run the display, and we can’t keep an eye on everything at all times. We want everyone to have a happy time while they are here.”
In their public post, the family outline several new policies aimed at protecting the display and keeping visitors safe.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The family emphasized they are “not a babysitter,” and said guests will be asked to leave if children are left unsupervised or repeatedly break rules.
- No touching or climbing on decorations. Anyone who continues to pull on, jump on, or otherwise damage lights or inflatables after being asked to stop will be removed from the property.
- Cameras are now installed throughout the display. Any vandalism or theft will be reported to law enforcement and backed by video evidence.
“We truly hate that we even have to make a post like this,” the post read. “Most of you are respectful and kind, and you’re the reason we keep doing this.”
Red Bird Acres opened its 2025 display on Thanksgiving night, continuing a tradition that has grown significantly over the past decade. The Jones family said they hope the new rules will ensure the display can remain open for years to come.
“Please remember: this is our family’s home. not an amusement park,” they wrote. “Treat it with respect so we can keep Red Bird Acres Christmas Lights going for years to come.”
The light display from now through Christmas evening. Updated events and hours can be found on their Facebook page.
