Special Light Crew Brings the Holiday Magic Each Year In Lake Havasu City

By Janet Cruz

The holiday season has officially arrived in Lake Havasu City, and soon the English Village Lights will shine for visitors and the local community, thanks to a special light crew who make it all happen.

What began as a small local display has grown into one of the city’s most cherished winter attractions. It is one that takes months of planning, preparation, and installation to bring to life each year. There are aproximately more than 500,000 lights that are displayed.

“The lights themselves have been a tradition for 30 years, I have only been here for some of those years, ” said Stephen Samarin, London Bridge Resort employee who heads the London Bridge light crew.

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The crew also say the work is worth every minute.

For first-year light crew member Verenice Ramirez, this season feels especially meaningful.

“It’s my first year, and I want to spread joy to the kids by putting up lights,” she said. “I grew up here, and it was my favorite part. Now I get to do it for the kids, and it’s a really great feeling.”

While some crew members are new, others have made the display part of their lives for many years.

Lake Havasu Kokomo Light Crew London Bridge 12 Days of Christmas Festival of Lights

Billy Staib, Jordan Yingling, Stephen Samarin, Robbie Mitchell, Megan Samarin, and Geoffery Blair pose for a photo with lights at Kokomo. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“I have worked on the lights since the second year it happened,” said Robbie Mitchell. “It is a lot of work we start months in advance, right about after Labor Day.” Mitchell said. “I enjoy seeing the kids seeing the display and visiting with Santa and the Grinch.”

Lake Havasu Light Crew RiverScene Magazine London Bridge Festival of Lights

Jeffery Blair and Robbie MItchell install the light arches at the London Bridge Resort. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jeffrey Blair, who has been helping with the English Village Lights for eight years, says the most rewarding part is seeing families return year after year.

“I like doing it for the families and the kids coming by, and also the tourists,” Blair said. “I take pride in putting more lights up every single year.”

Working alongside him is Billy Staib, whose attention to detail helps ensure the Village glows brighter each season.

This year also welcomes Jordan Yingling, a first-time crew member who has deep personal ties to the display.

“I’ve grown up coming to this event since I was little with my family,” Yingling explained. “Now we take my kids here. It’s just a fun time being part of it — lighting everything up, putting it all together, and seeing everyone’s reactions. People love it so much, and seeing how happy it makes them is the best part.”

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Billy Staib, Jordan Yingling , Jeffry Blair , and Derenice Ramirez install light arches at the London Bridge Resort. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The holiday experience extends beyond the lights themselves. Yingling also helps with other holiday Resort activities, which presents a festive “12 Days of Christmas” program filled with family attractions.

“We have s’mores, Santa, the Grinch, and letters to Santa,” she said. “This year, we added new lights — we’ve got a snowman up there. I think it’s going to be really exciting.” It brings everyone together,” Ramirez added. “That’s what makes it special.”

As the English Village celebrates its 30th year of illuminating Lake Havasu City, the passion of the new and longtime crew members continue to drive the event forward. With months of planning behind them and thousands of visitors ahead, they say the glow of the season shines brightest when the community gathers together.

“The Village Lighting and 12 Days of Christmas have become essential parts of Lake Havasu’s holiday season, bringing a sense of warmth and togetherness to a city better known for its summers.”
said London Bridge Resort Assistant General Manager, Kristina Gallo.

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Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

On, Nov. 28, Lake Havasu City residents and visitors are invited to kick off the Christmas season under the London Bridge with the lighting of the English Village.

The event will begin with the Swim Across the Channel at 6 p.m., where the winner of that race gets to flip the switch to turn on the dazzling Christmas lights in the English Village.

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The annual 12 Days of Christmas festivities will take place at Kokomo at London Bridge Resort on Nov. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Residents and visitors can also visit Kokomo every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from Dec. 3 to 19, from 5 to 8 p.m., for some festive fun for the whole family. There are photo oportunties with Santa as well.

Local bites from vendors will be on site and ice skating oportunities at the skating rink will be available Monday through Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 4 to 10 p.m.Tickets to skate are $10 for ages 5 and under and $15 for ages 6 and up.