Families say goodbye to legendary 'Mickey Mouse Christmas,' 'Bear' houses in Marin

MARIN, Calif. (KGO) -- Two elaborately decorated homes that have delighted Marin County residents for decades are saying goodbye. Families are now making sure to head to Marinwood this holiday season where the two houses are located.

For more than 40 years, a modest home on Blackstone Drive has had a special place in people's hearts.

"Oh my gosh, it was like going to Disneyland but like locally right? It's like tons of lights and all the like characters and everything it was great," said San Rafael resident Marisa Urim.

The Mizes are Disney lovers, and like clockwork, they bring out their collection every holiday season.

Their displays even evolve to keep up with the latest characters.

Age is taking a toll, which is why the Mizes have decided this will be the final year of what's affectionately known as the "Mickey Mouse Christmas House."

"I'm not up and down the ladders, like I used to be so we decided it was a good time to just go ahead and retire while we're at the top of our game you might say," said "Mickey Mouse Christmas House" creator Les Mize.

Less than a mile away, another homeowner is saying goodbye after the holidays. The beloved "Bear House" is moving out of state.

The Nisjas are leaving Quietwood Drive and headed to Nevada next year, taking their elaborate Christmas displays with them.

The trains, the teddy bears and the snowman that started it all will soon be packed up and hauled away.

"Hopefully somewhere along the way that little boy or little girl who's been here you know they're starting something small with the snowman like I did and they'll get to something bigger and it'll be something like this in years to come and hopefully in Marinwood," said "Bear House" creator Donn Nisja.

Two of Marin's longtime fixtures are now in their final days, but leave behind a lifetime of memories.

The "Mickey Mouse Christmas House" is located at 417 Blackstone Drive and open to visitors from 6 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 29. The "Bear House" is located at 383 Quietwood Drive and will be open through Dec. 31.

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