A wealthy couple in Texas have ignited a fresh wave of neighbourly discontent by transforming their multi-million-pound mansion into a dazzling 'Grinch's grotto' for Christmas, following a similarly contentious Halloween spectacle.
From Viral Halloween to Christmas Controversy
Ryan and Mandi De Vitis, owners of a $6 million (approx. £4.8m) mansion in the prestigious Preston Hollow area of Dallas, are no strangers to attention. Their property has become infamous for its over-the-top holiday displays, which draw hundreds of spectators. Last Christmas, the show even attracted the curiosity of rapper Snoop Dogg.
This year, their 9,000-square-foot property is festooned with giant inflatables of classic Dr Seuss characters, Santa hats, and candy canes, creating a luminous spectacle. However, for those living nearby, the festive cheer has been replaced by frustration.
Neighbourhood Backlash and Council Intervention
Residents have lodged multiple complaints about severe light glare, noise, and a significant influx of traffic clogging their usually quiet street. One council member, Gay Donnell Willis, stated it was "unfortunate that the enjoyment created for some has created the opposite effect for the neighbours."
The disruption has required tangible public resources. Last year, the city council spent an additional $25,000 on police resources solely to manage the traffic congestion caused by visitors to the De Vitis home.
Neighbours have claimed the brilliant display "blinds them a mile away," a statement Ryan De Vitis strongly refutes, saying his friends on the street are not forced to pull down their shades.
A Festive Feud with Deeper Accusations
Despite the protests, the couple defend their right to celebrate. "I'm not doing anything wrong. I'm celebrating, enjoying [the holidays] just like everybody else does," Ryan De Vitis told the Dallas Morning News.
The dispute has taken on a more serious tone, with De Vitis suggesting bias and hinting at underlying social tensions. He accused some neighbours of being people who "don't want certain people in the neighbourhood" and "only want their type of people." He also pointed to other residents' 'greenery' which he believes violates city code, arguing for equal treatment.
Addressing a group of visitors, De Vitis advised them to "Be nice to my neighbours, even though they’re not nice to me." He maintains he "didn't ask for the fame" when his home went viral and insists he won't change his life because of it, setting the stage for this festive feud to continue.
