If you’ve ever driven down Montauk Highway in Islip during December and thought you’d stumbled into the North Pole, you can thank one man: Bill Thompson. The 70-year-old head chef at the Oconee Diner has been serving up meals and magic since 1964. For over 40 years, he’s also been the mastermind behind the diner’s over-the-top holiday displays that make even Clark Griswold look minimalist.
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From Fry Cook to Christmas Legend: Thompson started decorating the Oconee in the 1980s. When new owners took over 23 years ago, they wisely kept him on as the official holiday decorator. “People come from all over to see our lights,” he said. “Kids tell their parents, ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet!’ before it’s even finished.”
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A Family Operation: As the displays got bigger, Thompson’s wife Ruth Ann joined in to help craft wreaths, wagon wheels, and other décor. Together they organize everything in labeled bins stored in the diner’s basement—because when you’re decking the halls at this scale, you need an inventory system.
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Not Just Christmas: The Oconee doesn’t take a break once the tinsel comes down. Thompson decorates year-round—Valentine’s Day hearts in January, shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter pastels, and patriotic flags for summer. After the 4th of July, the display evolves into a 9/11 tribute lined with even more flags, then shifts to autumn themes leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas again.
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Holiday Spirit That Never Stops: Thompson often decorates late at night after the diner closes, though regulars sometimes spot him mid-transformation. “I’ve seen people coming to see the decorations since their childhood,” he said. “That’s what keeps me going.”
So if you’re ever feeling Grinchy, head to Oconee Diner, 749 Montauk Highway, Islip—where the coffee’s hot, the pancakes are stacked, and the Christmas spirit shines brighter than the neon sign out front.
