From Deseret News archives:

Temple Square sees 40th year of holiday lights

Published: Friday, Dec. 16, 2005 5:29 p.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Forty years ago, Deseret News publisher E. Earl Hawkes proposed an idea that had some skeptics literally blinking: decorate Temple Square with thousands of lights and a nativity scene.

Backed by Elder Mark E. Petersen, a member of the Quorum of Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and chairman of the Deseret News board, the Christmas lights appeared on Dec. 9, 1965.

During that first open-night ceremony, 15,000 people crowded the square to watch then Church President David O. Mckay turned on a modest display of about 40,000 lights on a mere eight trees and a small nativity scene in the southeast corner of Temple Square.

Today, hundreds of thousands of people pass through Temple Square to view the spectacular display of numerous nativities and more than 700,000 lights twinkling in the trees.

The Temple Square lights are ranked as one of the nation's top 100 holiday events by the American Bus Association, but it took decades for the lights to become so magnificent.

In 1967, about 100,000 lights were put up. The number slowly increased through the years. By 1979 there were 180,000 lights, in 1981, 200,000 lights and in 1985 there were 250,000 lights.

The lights will be on until the end of the year from dusk to 10 p.m.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Image

The number of lights on display went from 40,000 on a few corner trees in 1965 to 700,000 lights placed all over Temple Square in 2005.

previousnext

Latest comments

No, students are NOT safe from predators. If a parent wants to make sure...

If you really think Mormon's are mainstream, you must not have paid attention...

I don't see the schools presidents voting to get rid of WYM or NM, even...

Big games keep UHSAA coffers full

why people complain about how football is covered by the media too much. when...

A little perspective is not a bad thing. Notice the Cougar's won loss record...

I actually was encouraged by some aspects of the game. Any Utah fan who has...

A story about Mormons as minorities? In this paper? Get over the "victim"...

she was an awesome woman someone i looked up to when i was younger she was...

Relieved Cougs prep for Falcons

Wow you just made one of the dumbest comments I've heard yet. Fire Bronco????...

Photos: A Royal welcome home

Re: Huh?, You like many other haters are probably oblivious to many obvious...

Advertisements
Advertisement