Oakland California Temple recorder David Newport has strung the lights along the 100-yard fountain path and around the 32 palm trees, the hedges and walkways for most of the past decade. Lights brighten the grounds at temples and visitors centers from Oakland to Washington, D.C., to herald the Christmas season and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Several stakes and wards from Ontario, Canada, to Springfield, Mo., help transform their chapels to showcase miniature Nativity sets as gifts to the community. Elswhere, unique traditions have persisted, like at the Historic Mormon Trail Center near the Winter Quarters Temple in Nebraska, a gingerbread house display has grown and this year includes a replica of the temple.
Here are some of the photos and displays and traditions.