Billings North Pole lights celebrate Christmas

A Christmas display, known as the Billings North Pole, has received worldwide attention and opened for viewing this week.

Families came out for the artistic creation at 4516 Stone St. on Friday.

Chris Troup started with 10,000 lights 13 years ago and is now up to 300,000 with miles of wire.

Visitors and even his neighbor have shared pictures of Troup’s lights outside the United States.

He was was at work Friday evening but his neighbor, who serves hot chocolate next door, said Troup does the work by himself for children and families to enjoy.

“100% man that’s what it’s all about,” said neighbor Eric Babb. “This is for Billings. This is for the community. This is the Billings North Pole. I can’t give him enough credit for what he does, and why he does it. It’s Chris. That’s his giving back to the community. I enjoy it. I live next door. I think everybody walks out of here feeling just a little bit happier. A little bit more cheerful. A little bit more of the Christmas spirit.”

The Billings North Pole started on Dec. 1 and will be lit from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1.