Jason and Elaine Thompson are selling their Sachse home, ending an 11-year Christmas light display the couple says drew hundreds of thousands of visitors.

The Thompsons' Edgeglen Trail property featured up to 250,000 LED and pixel lights synced to music each holiday season, WFAA first reported Tuesday, Sept. 22. Children walked through a lighted tunnel. Couples proposed in front of the display. Santa made visits.

"It's been something that's been in our hearts for 11 years now. It's gonna be hard to give it up," Jason Thompson told WFAA.

The couple custom-built the four-bedroom house and once considered it their forever home.

Rising costs pushed them toward the door. Jason Thompson told WFAA that taxes and expenses have climbed steadily. He and Elaine said they are ready to move to the country, where they will have more space. Jason grew up on a farm and said he fondly remembers that life.

The decision also follows a health scare. Jason Thompson was hospitalized for 318 days in 2021 with COVID and pneumonia. While he was in the hospital, Elaine and their children hung the majority of the lights themselves. Jason programmed the display from his desktop computer.

The couple announced the move on social media, and messages of thanks poured in from people who had visited the display over the years. As of Sept. 22, the home had already had 35 showings. No Christmas decorations hang outside this year. Only a real estate sign sits in the yard.

Elaine Thompson told WFAA she plans to put up some lights at their new home in the country. She told WFAA she hopes whoever buys the Edgeglen Trail house will carry on the tradition.

Upcoming in Sachse

The city's Christmas Extravaganza is set for Dec. 2, starting with a lighted parade at 6 p.m. on Miles Road. A tree lighting follows at 7 p.m. at the Michael J. Felix Community Center, 3815-E Sachse Rd. Activities include a snow slide, petting zoo, hayrides and visits with Santa until 8:30 p.m.