Christmas house in Spring Hill becomes yearly attraction

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Every Christmas season, on the cul-de-sac of Alhambra Court in Spring Hill, Joe and Connie Castorino's home turns into their own North Pole.

"There's about 300 lights and animated things out here now," said Joe. "To do the whole thing you're looking at about 10 solid days to do the outside and the garage."

The couple started decking the halls in lights and characters more than 30 years ago.

"Way back when Sears and JCPenney's catalogs were coming out," said Joe.

The Castorinos put their own touch on some of these decorations.

"There are several handmade things, like the guardhouses. There are bells on the house that are handmade, Seasons Greeting sign," said Joe.

The hallmarks of the holiday are there, including a nativity scene.

"These camels are unique in the fact that you can't find them anymore," said Joe. "We obviously don't put Jesus out until Christmas Eve".

Santa's face lights up the house. Mechanical reindeer are in the yard. There's a whole other world in their garage.

"The garage is seven solid days to set up," said Joe. "I run the trains for them when they come, we've got monorails, the working drive in and there's a ton of animated stuff."

It's become a local attraction.

"Last year we had about 1,400 people here," said Joe. "We had Santa come last year one week before Christmas surprised us totally."  

There's another room in their house filled with toys and tiny villages that some have been lucky enough to see by invite only.

Their reason for making Christmas so special at their home isn't for the attention.

"We've had a few people come they're having terrible days or family problems or whatever and they just kind of forget all of that for the amount of time that they're here," said Joe.

Their work year after year is worth it for one reason.

"For the smiles on people's faces, I don't care if you're two years old or 92," said Joe.

The Castorinos are allowing the public to come and view their Christmas decorations at their home on 7452 Alhambra Court nightly from 6pm-9pm through New Year's Day.