(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — For over five decades, the Becker Christmas House brought light and magic to Simi Valley, becoming a treasured holiday tradition for families throughout the area. Located at 1332 Sycamore Drive, the Beckers’ home transformed each December into a winter wonderland, captivating children and adults alike.
What began as a simple cardboard box train in the mid-1960s evolved into an elaborate display of moving animations, vibrant lights, and whimsical decorations. Every year, John Becker, a skilled structural engineer, and his wife Phyllis, poured their creativity, energy, and love into crafting a spectacle that radiated holiday cheer.
The Beckers’ holiday tradition began when Phyllis asked John to motorize the wheels on her handmade cardboard train. That single request sparked a lifelong passion for creating something extraordinary. With John’s engineering background from Rocketdyne (later Boeing) and Phyllis’ artistic vision, the couple built displays that included a Ferris wheel, a carousel, the Santa Express train, and countless colorful characters from movies and cartoons.
Each display took months to design and days to assemble, but the Beckers embraced the work. They wanted to give back to the community they loved. Their home became more than a house—it was a gathering place where joy and wonder flourished, especially for young visitors mesmerized by the festive magic.
The Beckers’ Christmas House became an annual pilgrimage for families across Southern California. For many, it wasn’t just about the lights and decorations but about the sense of warmth and connection the Beckers fostered. Parents who first visited the house as children later returned with their own kids, creating lasting memories across generations.
While Christmas was the main event, the Beckers also brought seasonal joy during Halloween and Easter with smaller displays. The couple’s dedication to delighting their neighbors was unwavering.
Despite their intricate displays and rumors to the contrary, John never worked for Disney. Yet, his creations often felt as magical as anything found in an amusement park. Phyllis, however, once caught the attention of Disney and was offered a job when Disneyland first opened.
Their bond, formed in the late 1950s while cruising Van Nuys Boulevard, was the foundation of their creativity. Married for 56 years, John and Phyllis shared a love of bringing happiness to others, a passion that defined their life together.
Though the Beckers have both passed—Phyllis in 2022 and John in 2023—their legacy endures in the hearts of the Simi Valley community. The Becker Christmas House was more than a holiday display. It symbolized generosity, creativity, and the joy of giving back.
As Simi Valley remembers the Beckers, their home will remain an important part of the city’s history. Their story is a testament to the power of tradition, community, and love. While the lights may no longer shine on Sycamore Drive, the joy they sparked will continue to illuminate the memories of all who visited.
In honoring the Beckers, Simi Valley celebrates the spirit of togetherness and the magic of the holiday season that they shared with so many for so long.
This is what Christmas was all about. You always knew you were going to go to the house on Sycamore. From bringing the kids to bringing the grandkids. It always will be a great memory to me.