A Classic Bronx Christmas

By Denisse Then

The Garabedian House on Pelham Parkway in the Bronx has been entertaining residents for decades during the holidays.  

Dubbed by some “the crazy house,” the yard is decorated with almost 200 animated figurines that dance to the rhythm of music coming from speakers located in strategic places around the yard. Almost every inch of the house is decorated with Disney characters and chicly-dressed dolls, many in unique gowns and most decorated like Hollywood models.

Nellie and Eugene Garabedian started this outrageous yuletide decor in 1974. Today, their children — Linda, Elise and Gary — carry on the tradition. The elder Garabedians were inspired, says the family, by a “miracle” that they experienced in 1973. While they don’t mention specifics, they say something special happened to the family on Christmas Eve that year.

It is a labor of love and requires considerable labor, year round. During the holiday season, the male mannequins remain outdoors, covered by large plastic bags for rain or snows. But the female mannequins are stored inside nightly. Each evening at 5 p.m. the Garabedians take out the females, which each weigh nearly 45 pounds. Then, when the crowd dies down, around 11 p.m., they bring the ladies back inside to store overnight so that their gowns, furs and boas are not ruined by the weather.

Visitors donate money to the house by throwing the cash through the fence into the yard. The family gives these donations to nearby Immaculate Conception Church. The display, which goes up on Thanksgiving, usually stays up until January 6 of every year, depending on the weather.

Gary Garabedian gives a tour of the show, explaining its history and the production process: