“Light Up Rye,” the holiday lighting project that turned Purchase Street into a glowing winter wonderland last year, is returning — and the group behind the project wants to extend its reach.
“We started in the middle of Purchase Street last year and fanned out on both sides,” April Saxe explained on behalf the April May June Team at Compass Real Estate, which was responsible for the lights.
“We couldn’t quite reach all the way, so our goal this year is to get the whole street glowing,” Saxe said. “We can’t guarantee it, but that’s what we’re aiming for.”
The idea for “Light Up Rye” was first floated in the summer of 2024.
“We just thought it would be fun to do something different that would make people smile,” Saxe said. “My sisters (May and June) really rolled up their sleeves and handled the details. They deserve a lot of the credit.”
The project quickly grew beyond their expectations.
“We had so many people contribute — families, shop owners, and especially the realtor community,” Saxe said. “It was really touching to see how our colleagues, even at other firms, stepped up. In an industry that can be competitive, here we really are friends.”
Last winter’s lights touched the Rye community in ways the organizers never expected.
“We heard so many stories from people about how much the display lifted their spirits,” said Saxe. “For some, it was a source of comfort during difficult times, and for others it was simply a reminder of how special this town is.”
One of the most moving tributes came from the Holmes family, whose members are major sponsors this year in memory of Michael Holmes, the late husband of Rye real estate agent Pati Holmes.
“It’s a beautiful example of how something as simple as holiday lights can bring people together and honor those we’ve lost,” Saxe said. “It’s really about community and connection.”
The lights are to be installed by MC Lighting of Long Island, the same vendor that handles Greenwich’s display. While Greenwich’s lighting is a large-scale production with corporate sponsors, Rye’s project remains proudly local.
“Ours is grassroots,” Saxe said. “The average donation is $50 or $75. It’s just regular people and small businesses coming together to make the town beautiful. And it’s not a charity — it’s simply about making people happy.”
The Rye Chamber of Commerce serves as the project’s largest supporter.
“It’s a win for everyone,” Saxe said. “Last year, business owners told us people were coming from other towns just to walk around and grab a drink because it looked so beautiful. It brought life to downtown during the dark months.”
The team is still collecting donations for this year’s display.
“We’d love to cover every tree on Purchase Street, and if we can, maybe one day expand toward the Village Green and the library,” said Saxe. “Those big trees would look amazing with lights and hanging orbs. That’s our dream.”
But for now, they’re focused on the coming weeks.
“We’re in crunch mode,” Saxe laughed. “You stick your neck out there and you want it to be good, so we’re doing our best to make it really shine.”
The April May June Team has been in business together for nearly 25 years, with offices in Rye. “We grew up nearby and have always loved Rye,” Saxe said. “When you drive through town in winter and see those lights, it really does look like something out of a Hallmark movie.”
While “Light Up Rye” might have started as a simple idea, it has become a symbol of the town’s spirit.
“It’s just a little thing,” Saxe said. “But it makes people smile, and that’s what it’s all about.
“No donation is too small. Every light helps brighten Rye.”
