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Osborne Lights 2016: Final Tribute and 5 Reasons It Could Return

A Glowing Goodbye to a Holiday Tradition

The final performance of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights took place on January 6, 2016. For over 20 years, the lights created unforgettable memories and filled Disney’s Hollywood Studios with shimmering holiday joy. The backstory behind the Osborne Lights is just as magical—starting with Jennings Osborne’s gift to his daughter in Little Rock, Arkansas, eventually finding a new home at Walt Disney World. If you’d like a deeper dive into the full history.

The Osborne Spectacle of dancing Lights.
The Osborne Spectacle of dancing Lights.

But this blog isn’t just about the end of the lights. It’s about preserving that holiday magic.

Watch the 2-Hour Tribute Video

To honor the final season, I recorded a two-hour loop of the Osborne Lights. This is more than just a quick highlight reel—it’s a full immersive experience that captures every twinkle, every beat, and every dancing bulb from the last year of the show. Perfect for background ambiance during your own holiday celebration!

 

5 Reasons the Osborne Lights Could Return

While 2015 marked the “final” season, here are 5 hopeful reasons why we haven’t seen the last of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights:

Why the Christmas Lights will be back at Hollywood Studios Reason #5: Osborne Electric Co.

The Osborne Tribute Window
In 2015, Disney installed an “Osborne Electric Co.” tribute window with photos of the original Arkansas display and Disney installations. Why add that if it was all ending?

Why the Christmas Lights will be back at Hollywood Studios Reason #4: Merry and Bright Dessert Package

The Merry and Bright Dessert Package
Disney launched a dessert party that year—complete with signs and branding—but carefully left out the word “Osborne.” Easy to reuse when the lights return.

Why the Christmas Lights will be back at Hollywood Studios Reason #3: 20 years of Financial Investment

20 Years of Investment
From the original Residential Street setup to LED upgrades and programmable lighting boards, Disney spent millions making the lights better year after year.

Why the Christmas Lights will be back at Hollywood Studios Reason #2: Construction is Temporary

Construction Is Temporary
The reasons given for removing the lights—Star Wars and Toy Story Land—focused on construction. But those construction zones didn’t initially include Streets of America.

Why the Christmas Lights will be back at Hollywood Studios Reason #1: The Fine Print

The Osborne Name Expired
The original deal lasted 20 years. When it ended in 2015, so did the Osborne branding. But Disney can still bring back the magic—just under a new name.

Merry and Bright Dessert Package: One Last Celebration

During that final season, Disney offered a VIP Merry and Bright Dessert Package. Held at the Studios Catering Company, the event featured themed desserts, drinks, and exclusive access to a viewing area under the iconic globe. That’s where I filmed the full tribute video. The crowd, the atmosphere, and the music all contributed to one last magical memory.

New for 2015 - The Merry and Bright Dessert Party and VIP Viewing Location.
New for 2015 – The Merry and Bright Dessert Party and VIP Viewing Location.

So go ahead, hit play, and relive the final Osborne Lights show with us. Maybe—just maybe—we’ll see them dance again someday.

Move it, Shake it with Mickey

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