Kraynak's display puts shoppers in the holiday spirit

The sign out front says "your store for all seasons," but Kraynak's clearly has the most to offer at Christmas time.  From its approximately 15,000 square feet of toys to its nursery full of poinsettias, the store provides a lot to holiday shoppers.  If you're just window shopping, Kraynak's elaborate display of holiday scenery, known as "Santa's Christmas Land," gives customers something they can't find on a shelf.

Kraynak's first began as a garden center and nursery in the Hermitage area.  Founder John Kraynak Sr. and his sons started selling Christmas trees and decorations during the winter months to help keep the store busy during the off-season.  They put their decorations on show first in 1963 and naturally it grew each year.  In 1969 they constructed the current store where the display now resides.

With all its lights, trees, figurines, and music, the display draws a healthy crowd each year.  Folks from as far out as Pittsburgh and Cleveland come to visit Kraynak's.  Store manager Dan Zippie says some kids come as often as once a week.

"My favorite part is when I get the chance to walk through the display, just to see the children go through with their families...having a good time."

WCN's Joe Ligo shows us the sights and sounds of this year's "Santa's Christmas Land"

Each year a committee begins planning the display in January.  It features over 100 lighted trees and always ends with a Nativity set.