Gone for 23 years the Gai Family Christmas display is back
Mon, 12/16/2019
In the 1960's and in fact until 1996, there was one house if you were a fan of Christmas lights in West Seattle, that was a must.
The Gai family home in the 3200 block of 36th SW, owned by Phil and Dorothy Gai, of Gai's Bakery fame was iconic. The centerpiece was a statue of Mother Mary but the brick home itself is very wide and lights extend well beyond the middle out to the edges. Phil passed away in 2005.
The lights and other parts of the display were put in storage in 1996, apparently to live only in the hearts and memories of the thousands who loved them every year.
According to their next door neighbor, Ron Gai, their son and his siblings thought it was time to bring the lights back. Stored in Woodinville they were put up in the last few days. Dorothy, now in her 90's still lives in the home.
The street itself is narrow with parking only on the west side, so if you go, please be courteous as it can get pretty crowded with people stopping to admire the display and take pictures.
Christmas from the Gai family is back. Sort of makes you want to sing a Christmas carol, doesn't it?
Comments
What a joy to hear it is…
What a joy to hear it is back, that was a very important part of our Christmas Holidays.
A very big thank you to the Gai family.
It was always beyond…
It was always beyond beautiful I think there was music too. He would bring a very large basket outfit fresh Breadsticks to the carolers walking by. What a great neighbor hood
I remember the Gai Christmas…
I remember the Gai Christmas display from back in the 60's. We've missed it and am happy to see it again!
How wonderful to have that…
How wonderful to have that beautiful dIsplay back. That was an every year event driving all over West Seattle checking out the Christmas lights. The Gai's was always the grand finale. Merry Christmas!
Still the best bakery we…
Still the best bakery we ever had here. Thank you family
When we were small our…
When we were small our family always anticipated the lights on the Gai house. They were breath taking! Always a very slow parade of cars so we kids were enchanted for a little longer....carols too!
HOW BEAUTIFUL.MUST BE WHERE…
HOW BEAUTIFUL.MUST BE WHERE I PICKEDUP THE TRADITION.JUST LOVE IT.
I am so happy this is back! …
I am so happy this is back! We always drove by on our way home from Christmas Eve mass. My Grandmother remembered how one Christmas the Madonna was surrounded by blue lights which shone through the snow. Thank you for going to all this work - I can't wait to go by to see Mary again. :)
Yes! This makes me happy. I…
Yes! This makes me happy. I was in Seattle last week and telling my husband about the annual pilgrimage, kids in tow, to see the lights at the Gai home. Had I known they were up again, I would have gone by, but I’m back in Arizona, where Christmas has a very different feel.
Grew up in West Seattle and…
Grew up in West Seattle and it was long before the 1980s Phil put up those marvelous Christmas Decorations. My husband lived behind them to the west a block and knew the family well It was a tradition to either join the caravans of cars driving by or to just walk around the block to admire it. That was in the mid 1960's. George was West Seattle HS Class of '65 and I was '66.
I remember their Cmas lights…
I remember their Cmas lights when I lived in West Seattle way back in the early 1960’s! Glad they brought them back! HO HO HO Merry Christmas ? & HOPPY New Year 2020! ?
They need to join our club…
They need to join our club and get on the map. Facebook: PacNWChristmaslights
Or Pacificnwchristmaslights.com
Beautiful home with a great story
In your article you say…
In your article you say since the "80's" But I remember going there back in, at least, the early 70's with my own parents and siblings. Am I wrong?
I also remember the Gai…
I also remember the Gai family displays from the 60's and beyond. I lived on 35th and Brandon S.W. about 2 miles south so it became a Christmas tradition to visit this exemplary display for many years until we either moved away or the Gai family discontinued it. Glad to hear it has been brought back for more generations to enjoy.
Wish they'd bring back Gai's…
Wish they'd bring back Gai's scissors rolls.
Always a must see. Merry …
Always a must see. Merry Christmas, Don,Ron , Elaine and Mike. From the Elliott's
This was a big part of my…
This was a big part of my childhood Christmas memories in West Seattle. Mom would load us up in our 54 Chevy, freezing cold, and we would drive over and see the Christmas lights at the Gae's! They were the star on top of our WS tree!!!
I have heard about this for…
I have heard about this for years. What a beautiful display of lights . I have had the Privilege of working with this beautiful family for 37 years. They are as beautiful as this beautiful display. ?Happy Holidays
An iconic Christmas display!…
An iconic Christmas display!.Seeing the Gai's home at Christmas time was always a stunning, beautiful experience. This picture brings back many memories. How wonderful that this was preserved, re-set up, and shared.
This is so AWESOME!! The Gai…
This is so AWESOME!! The Gai's house was always my favorite at Christmas! My best friend and I were just talking about this house the other day, I'm so glad I get to see it again!! Thank you and God Bless You to the Gai family!! MERRY CHRISTMAS ❤️
I'm glad their lights are…
I'm glad their lights are back! I took my wife and one of my daughter's there last night to see the Awesome display!!!?
Beautiful and tastefully done! Thank you.