STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — After wrapping up an amazing Halloween season, one South Shore homeowner, John DiMiceli, has already transformed his well-known corner house on 374 Huguenot Avenue into a full Christmas spectacle.
And that’s only part of the holiday magic and sparkle he brings to Staten Island each year.
The home has become a winter holiday landmark, drawing families from across the borough to see its elaborate displays, especially the Disney winter scene, the centerpiece of the display, according to DiMiceli.
The transition from Halloween to Christmas happens quickly, and the homeowner admits it’s no small feat.
“Doing both Halloween and Christmas back-to-back is a pretty big undertaking,” he said. “We do a rather large display for both seasons, as you saw with Halloween.”
DiMiceli also runs the popular Facebook groups Staten Island Haunted Houses and Staten Island Christmas Houses, two community-driven projects that help families find festive displays and holiday events across the borough.
While Halloween coordination gets support from volunteers who help maintain maps and lists of decorated homes, the Christmas season is a solo operation.
“Christmas is 100% all me,” he said. “I gather the homes for the list, I update the map, and just like on the Halloween page, I post events and updates for families.”
South Shore homeowner, John DiMiceli, transformed his well-known corner house on 374 Huguenot Avenue into a full Christmas spectacle. (Courtesy John DiMiceli)(Courtesy John Miceli)
From September through January, he works behind the scenes compiling addresses, answering submissions, checking updates and helping residents plan family outings to see lights and decorations.
“It’s a labor of joy, but a lot of work,” he said with a laugh. “My friend’s wife jokes that not a single holiday light goes on without me knowing about it.”
Despite the demands, he insists that the effort is about community — not recognition.
“It’s not about status — it’s about smiling faces,” he said. “Doing it for the community and the kids is what makes all the work worth it.”
“The Disney scene is the centerpiece of the display. I run both groups on Facebook, not for money, but for love of both holidays — Halloween and Christmas — and for bringing the excitement and the joy to the community.”
With thousands of Staten Islanders relying on the pages each year, the holiday maps have become a beloved tradition, guiding families to the borough’s brightest and most spirited homes.
“It’s a lot of time and work not only decorating but also gathering the homes to make the list, reaching out to the home owners and updating the Facebook pages,” said DiMiceli.
“It’s about making Christmas easy, free and fun for everyone by helping them find all these amazing houses in our community.”
It’s certainly a labor of love DiMiceli looks forward to every year, to the delight of countless Staten Islanders.
The display is available for viewing every night at 374 Huguenot Avenue, from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., weather permitting.
South Shore homeowner, John DiMiceli, transformed his well-known corner house on 374 Huguenot Avenue into a full Christmas spectacle. (Courtesy John DiMiceli)(Courtesy John Miceli)
South Shore homeowner, John DiMiceli, transformed his well-known corner house on 374 Huguenot Avenue into a full Christmas spectacle. (Courtesy John DiMiceli)(Courtesy John Miceli)
South Shore homeowner, John DiMiceli, transformed his well-known corner house on 374 Huguenot Avenue into a full Christmas spectacle. (Courtesy John DiMiceli)(Courtesy John Miceli)
South Shore homeowner, John DiMiceli, transformed his well-known corner house on 374 Huguenot Avenue into a full Christmas spectacle. (Courtesy John DiMiceli)(Courtesy John Miceli)
South Shore homeowner, John DiMiceli, transformed his well-known corner house on 374 Huguenot Avenue into a full Christmas spectacle. (Courtesy John DiMiceli)(Courtesy John Miceli)
South Shore homeowner, John DiMiceli, transformed his well-known corner house on 374 Huguenot Avenue into a full Christmas spectacle. (Courtesy John DiMiceli)(Courtesy John Miceli)