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Since I was a little girl, gathering the family in the car with a thermos of hot cocoa and driving around to look at Christmas lights with holiday carols blaring on the radio has been a December tradition. I now carry on this tradition with my own family, and one of our favorite discoveries is nestled in a quiet corner of Jacksonville. Thanks to one man’s desire to make the season a little brighter, visitors from far and wide have made the Santa of Sayles Christmas display a must-see on their holiday lists.
Tim Bir, the voice of Sylvan Hills Athletics, is affectionately known as Santa on Sayles thanks to a jaw-dropping display featuring over 170 inflatables, 700 blow molds and a meticulously arranged miniature village containing hundreds of pieces.
Bir’s adventure began in 1998 when he, along with his wife and four boys, moved to North Little Rock from Florida. A flyer circulating Bir’s neighborhood requested that residents pay five dollars to participate in a lighted luminary event. Bir declined, but when the day came, being the only home that didn’t participate left him feeling a bit like Luther Krank choosing to skip Christmas.
The next year, Bir decided to double down on the holiday spirit. His passion, fueled by a touch of ADHD and an unstoppable drive, led to the creation of a light display that, over the years, almost snowballed out of control. His massive operation isn’t just about spreading holiday cheer; it’s also a heartfelt tribute to community, family, and the spirit of giving.
About the time Bir’s display began to draw a lot of attention and traffic, Bir learned about an eight-year-old boy who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and passed away before his “Make a Wish” could be granted. That year, and every year since, Bir has used his light display to collect donations that are made to Make-A-Wish Mid-South in Little Rock. He also donates to the Sylvan Hills Booster Club and the Wounded Warrior Project. 100% of all donations made each season are sent to the three charities.
In 2019, Bir relocated to his new home on Sayles Street on the fringes of Jacksonville. His intention to continue his massive light display meant that he needed to make some special concessions when designing his home and yard. The display doesn’t wind through a park, a wooded trail or a large field. Every single decoration is nestled into Bir’s front yard, which he designed with his Christmas display in mind. The circle driveway allows visitors to drive through the display, and a small parking area is available for those who prefer to walk around and have the full experience. Special electrical lines were run to boxes in the yard, making sure everything stays lit up and fully inflated.
Santa on Sayles has become a beloved tradition for many families, but none more so than Tim Bir and his extended family. You can often find his grown children or grandchildren helping with traffic and snacks. It’s also a great time of year to visit with friends and family that come by. Santa (Bir) can often be found talking with people he hasn’t seen in years, meeting new people or listening to the Christmas wishes of the children of the children who first came to his early displays in North Little Rock.
Bir is now retired and isn’t sure what the future holds for the display. He wants to continue as long as he can but realizes that it gets tougher and tougher each year. Age is catching up with him, and it’s a labor-intensive endeavor. It’s open for this year, and that’s all he can promise. But if his passion and excitement are any indication, I think it’s fair to say he’ll continue for at least a few more years. As Bir says, “God willing and the creek don’t rise, we’ll meet again for Santa on Sayles [next year].”
FAQs
Where is the Santa on Sayles Display?
The display is located at 10301 Sayles Rd. Jacksonville, AR 72076.
When can I see the display?
Santa on Sayles usually begins on Thanksgiving night and runs through December 28th. The display is open every night (weather permitting) from dark until traffic dies down. They typically close around 9 p.m. on weeknights and at 10 p.m. on weekends, with extended hours as Christmas gets closer.
I drove all the way out here, but the display was closed. Why?
Bir will open his display every night as long as the weather permits. Wind and rain can cause issues that prevent opening or lead to early closures. Bir always posts updates on the Santa on Sayles Facebook page. If you are traveling from a distance, check the page for any updates before making the trip.
Will Santa be there?
Tim Bir didn’t earn the name Santa on Sayles for nothing. He spends months growing out his beard and dons a Santa suit every night the display is open.
Are there concessions available?
Bir and his helpers provide FREE hot chocolate and popcorn all season long. Those who visit with Santa also receive free candy canes. Occasionally, the Sylvan Hills Booster Club may be on hand to sell additional baked goods.
Can I donate to Bir’s selected charities?
100% of all donations are gifted to Make-A-Wish Mid-South, Wounded Warrior Project and the Sylvan Hills Booster Club. 2023 donations totaled $9,851 for a total of $86,216 since he began collecting donations. Cash donations can be placed in the buckets that are on hand each night of the display. You can also donate via Cash App to $santaonsayles (Rebecca Bir).
What is Cans for Claus?
Bir incurs a lot of expenses each year to keep the display up and running. Time and money are spent making repairs, purchasing new displays and paying his likely astronomical electric bill. Bir has made a commitment to give 100% of all cash donations to his selected charities but does encourage visitors to save up and bring their old aluminum cans. Bir collects these Cans for Claus, sells them for scrap and uses those funds to offset his cause. You can leave bagged cans by his gate year-round.
Tim Bir’s dazzling display isn’t just about decorations; it’s about community, generosity, and the magic of the holidays. Whether it’s the awe on a child’s face, the laughter of families walking the yard, or the thousands of dollars raised for charity, Bir’s passion continues to inspire all who visit. Santa on Sayles has shined his light on countless hearts.
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