Tacky Light Tour

1. Introduction

Welcome to Tacky Light Tour (“we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Platform”), operated by Christmas Lights Near Me, LLC. Tacky Light Tour is a community-driven online platform dedicated to celebrating the holiday season by helping people discover, share, and enjoy Christmas light displays in their communities.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we collect, use, and share your information. This Privacy Policy explains:

• What information we collect from you
• How we use that information
• With whom we share your information
• Your rights and choices regarding your information
• How we protect your information

By accessing or using Tacky Light Tour at https://www.tackylighttour.com, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our practices, please do not use our Platform.

2. Information We Collect

We collect various types of information to provide and improve our services. The information we collect falls into several categories:

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

Account Information

When you create an account on Tacky Light Tour, we collect:

• Name: First name and last name
• Email Address: Used for account verification, communications, and login
• Username: Your chosen display name on the Platform
• Password: Stored in encrypted/hashed format for security
• User Role Designation: Whether you identify as a decorator, display creator, community founder, community ambassador, or general user
• Profile Information: Optional biographical information, profile photo, and preferences

Display Listing Information

When you submit a Christmas light display listing, we collect:

• Street Address: Complete address of the display location (publicly visible)
• Geolocation Coordinates: Latitude and longitude for map display (derived from address)
• Display Title and Description: Your description of the display
• Display Details: Hours of operation, best viewing times, special features, themes
• Contact Information: Optional contact details you choose to make public
• Display Photos and Videos: Visual media you upload to showcase the display
• Display Owner Information: Whether you are the owner, resident, or submitter
• Duration Information: Start and end dates for the display

User-Generated Content

When you interact with the Platform, we collect:

• Reviews and Ratings: Your reviews and ratings of displays
• Comments: Comments you post on displays or community features
• Favorites/Bookmarks: Displays you save to your favorites
• Voting Activity: Your votes in community contests and awards
• Custom Directions: Personalized routes or directions you create
• Messages: Communications you send through the Platform (if applicable)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Technical Information

When you visit our Platform, we automatically collect:

• IP Address: Your device’s Internet Protocol address
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type and version
• Browser Information: Browser language, time zone, screen resolution
• Unique Device Identifiers: Device IDs and advertising identifiers
• Network Information: Mobile carrier, connection type

Usage Data

We collect information about how you use the Platform:

• Pages Viewed: Which pages and features you access
• Time Spent: Duration of visits and session information
• Click Data: Links clicked and actions taken
• Search Queries: Terms you search for on the Platform
• Feature Usage: Which features you use and how frequently
• Navigation Path: The order in which you view pages
• Referral Source: How you arrived at our Platform
• UTM Parameters: Marketing campaign tracking parameters in URLs

Location Data

We collect location information in several ways:

• Precise Geolocation: GPS coordinates when you use map features (with your permission)
• Approximate Location: City, state, and ZIP code derived from IP address
• Display Locations: Geolocation coordinates for display listings you submit
• Map Interactions: Areas you view, zoom levels, and map searches

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

3.1 Providing and Operating the Platform

• Account Management: Creating, maintaining, and securing your user account
• Display Listings: Publishing and managing Christmas light display listings on our interactive maps
• Community Features: Enabling reviews, ratings, comments, voting, and community contests
• Personalization: Customizing your experience based on your preferences and activity
• Custom Routes: Allowing you to create and save personalized display viewing routes
• Search Functionality: Helping you find displays based on location, features, and ratings
• User Profiles: Displaying your public profile, contributions, and activity

3.2 Communications

• Transactional Emails: Sending account-related notifications, security alerts, and service updates
• Marketing Emails: Sending newsletters, seasonal updates, and promotional content (with your consent)
• Segmented Campaigns: Sending targeted emails based on your role (decorator, display creator, etc.)
• Personalized Content: Customizing email content based on your location, preferences, and activity
• Customer Support: Responding to your inquiries, requests, and support tickets
• Community Updates: Notifying you about contest results, featured displays, and community news

3.3 Platform Improvement and Analytics

• Usage Analysis: Understanding how users interact with the Platform to improve features
• Performance Monitoring: Tracking Platform performance, load times, and technical issues
• Feature Development: Identifying which features are most valuable to users
• A/B Testing: Testing different versions of features to optimize user experience
• Research and Analytics: Conducting research on usage patterns and trends

3.4 Safety, Security, and Legal Compliance

• Fraud Prevention: Detecting and preventing fraudulent activity, spam, and abuse
• Security Measures: Protecting against unauthorized access, cyberattacks, and data breaches
• Terms Enforcement: Ensuring compliance with our Terms of Service
• Legal Obligations: Complying with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
• Dispute Resolution: Investigating and resolving disputes between users
• Rights Protection: Protecting our rights, property, and safety, as well as those of our users

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Public Information

• Display Addresses: Full street addresses of Christmas light displays
• Display Photos and Videos: All media you upload to display listings
• Display Descriptions: Titles, descriptions, and details about displays
• Geolocation Data: Map pins and coordinates showing display locations
• Reviews and Ratings: Your reviews, ratings, and comments on displays
• Username and Profile: Your username and any profile information you choose to make public
• User-Generated Content: Any comments, posts, or contributions to community features

Privacy Tip: Be mindful of what you share. Do not include personal contact information in display descriptions unless you want it to be public.

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf:

• Email Service Providers: To send newsletters, campaigns, and transactional emails
• Web Hosting Providers: To host the Platform and store data
• Cloud Storage Providers: To store photos, videos, and user files
• Map and Geolocation Services: To display maps and provide location-based features
• Analytics Providers: To analyze Platform usage (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Security Services: To protect against fraud, abuse, and security threats

4.3 Social Media Platforms

When you use our social sharing features or connect social media accounts:

• Facebook: When you share content to Facebook
• Instagram: When you share to Instagram
• Twitter/X: When you post to Twitter/X
• Bluesky: When you share content to Bluesky
• Mastodon: When you share to Mastodon instances

4.4 Legal Requirements and Protection of Rights

We may disclose your information when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to:

• Comply with Law: Respond to subpoenas, court orders, legal processes, or government requests
• Enforce Terms: Enforce our Terms of Service, policies, or user agreements
• Protect Rights: Protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users or the public
• Prevent Harm: Investigate or prevent fraud, security issues, or illegal activity

5. User Rights and Choices

You have several rights and choices regarding your information:

5.1 Access and Portability

You have the right to:

• Access Your Data: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format

5.2 Correction and Updates

You have the right to:

• Update Your Profile: Edit your account information and preferences through account settings
• Correct Inaccurate Data: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Update Display Listings: Edit or update display listings you have submitted

5.3 Deletion and Account Closure

You have the right to:

• Delete Specific Information: Request deletion of specific information
• Close Your Account: Delete your account and associated personal data
• Remove Display Listings: Delete display listings you have submitted

5.4 Email and Marketing Preferences

You have the right to:

• Opt Out of Marketing Emails: Unsubscribe from promotional emails at any time
• Choose Email Types: Select which types of emails you want to receive
• Update Frequency: Choose how often you receive communications

How to Manage Email Preferences:

• Click the “Unsubscribe” link in any marketing email
• Log in to your account and update your communication preferences
• Contact us at support@tackylighttour.com

6. Data Security

We take the security of your information seriously and implement reasonable technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect your data.

6.1 Security Measures

Technical Safeguards

• Encryption in Transit: All data transmitted between your browser and our servers is encrypted using SSL/TLS protocols
• Encryption at Rest: Sensitive data is encrypted when stored in our databases
• Secure Password Storage: Passwords are hashed using industry-standard algorithms
• Firewall Protection: Network firewalls to prevent unauthorized access
• Regular Updates: Security patches and software updates applied regularly

Administrative Safeguards

• Access Controls: Strict access controls limiting who can access personal data
• Employee Training: Staff training on data protection and security practices
• Vendor Management: Security requirements in contracts with service providers
• Incident Response: Procedures for responding to security incidents

6.2 Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information:

• We will investigate the incident promptly
• We will notify affected users without undue delay (typically within 72 hours)
• We will notify relevant authorities as required by law
• We will provide information about the breach and steps you can take

6.3 Your Responsibility

While we implement strong security measures, you also play a role:

• Strong Passwords: Use unique, complex passwords for your account
• Password Security: Never share your password with anyone
• Account Monitoring: Review your account activity regularly
• Secure Devices: Keep your devices and browsers up to date
• Phishing Awareness: Be vigilant against phishing attempts

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage, and provide certain features.

7.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device by websites you visit. They help websites remember your preferences, recognize you on return visits, and improve functionality.

7.2 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

These cookies are necessary for the Platform to function properly:

• Session Cookies: Maintain your logged-in session
• Security Cookies: Protect against security threats
• User Authentication: Verify your identity

Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced features:

• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings
• Language Settings: Store your language preference
• Display Favorites: Remember displays you’ve bookmarked
• Map Settings: Save your map view preferences

Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how users interact with the Platform:

• Google Analytics: Tracks page views, sessions, user behavior
• Usage Patterns: Identifies popular features and content
• Performance Monitoring: Tracks page load times and errors

7.3 Managing Cookies

You have several options to manage cookies:

Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to:

• Block all cookies
• Block third-party cookies only
• Delete cookies after each session
• View and delete existing cookies

How to Manage Cookies:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
• Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies
• Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions

Google Analytics Opt-Out

To opt out of Google Analytics, install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

8. Third-Party Services

Tacky Light Tour integrates with various third-party services. These third parties have their own privacy policies.

8.1 Google Maps

We use Google Maps Platform to display interactive maps and provide geolocation services.

• Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• Terms: https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/terms

8.2 Social Media Platforms

We integrate with social media platforms through our ShareBear plugin:

• Facebook: Privacy Policy
• Instagram: Privacy Policy
• Twitter/X: Privacy Policy
• Bluesky: Privacy Policy

8.3 Analytics Providers

We use Google Analytics for website analytics:

• Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• Opt-Out: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

9. Children’s Privacy

9.1 Age Restrictions

Tacky Light Tour is not directed to children under the age of 13 (or 16 in the European Economic Area). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under these age thresholds.

Age Requirements:

• United States: You must be at least 13 years old (COPPA compliance)
• European Economic Area: You must be at least 16 years old (GDPR compliance)
• Other Jurisdictions: You must meet the minimum age required by your local laws

9.2 Parental Consent

If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under the applicable age without verifiable parental consent, we will delete that information as quickly as possible.

If you believe that a child has provided personal information to us, please contact us immediately at support@tackylighttour.com.

10. International Users and GDPR Compliance

10.1 International Data Transfers

Tacky Light Tour is operated in the United States. If you are accessing the Platform from outside the United States:

• Your information will be transferred to and processed in the United States
• The United States may have different data protection laws than your jurisdiction
• By using the Platform, you consent to this transfer and processing

10.2 GDPR Compliance (European Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland, additional rights apply under GDPR.

Your GDPR Rights

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access (Article 15): Obtain confirmation of whether we process your data
• Rectification (Article 16): Correct inaccurate personal data
• Erasure (Article 17): Request deletion of your personal data
• Restriction (Article 18): Request that we limit how we use your data
• Data Portability (Article 20): Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Object (Article 21): Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

How to Exercise GDPR Rights

• Email: support@tackylighttour.com
• Subject Line: Include “GDPR Request”
• Response Time: We will respond within 30 days

Right to Lodge a Complaint

You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority:

• EU Data Protection Authorities: https://edpb.europa.eu/about-edpb/board/members_en
• UK ICO: https://ico.org.uk

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA/CPRA)

11.1 Scope

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) provide additional rights regarding your personal information.

11.2 Categories of Personal Information Collected

11.3 Sale or Sharing of Personal Information

We do not sell your personal information in the traditional sense. However, under CCPA’s broad definition of “sale,” certain data sharing practices may constitute a sale:

• Sharing data with social media platforms through tracking pixels
• Allowing advertising partners to collect information via cookies

11.4 Your California Privacy Rights

Right to Know (Access)

You have the right to request:

• Categories of personal information we collected
• Categories of sources from which we collected your information
• Business purpose for collecting your information
• Categories of third parties with whom we share information
• Specific pieces of personal information we collected

Right to Delete

You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.

Right to Correct

You have the right to request correction of inaccurate personal information.

Right to Opt-Out of Sale/Sharing

You have the right to opt out of the “sale” or “sharing” of your personal information.

To Opt Out:

• Email us at support@tackylighttour.com

Right to Non-Discrimination

You have the right not to receive discriminatory treatment for exercising your CCPA/CPRA rights.

11.5 How to Exercise Your California Rights

To exercise your rights:

1. Submit a Request:
   • Email: support@tackylighttour.com
2. Verification: We will verify your identity using information you’ve provided
3. Response Time: We will respond within 45 days (extendable to 90 days)

12. Other State Privacy Rights

Several U.S. states have enacted comprehensive privacy laws providing rights similar to CCPA/CPRA.

12.1 Virginia (VCDPA)

Effective: January 1, 2023

Virginia residents have rights including access, correction, deletion, data portability, and opt-out of targeted advertising.

12.2 Colorado (CPA)

Effective: July 1, 2023

Colorado residents have rights including access, correction, deletion, data portability, and opt-out of targeted advertising.

12.3 Connecticut (CTDPA)

Effective: July 1, 2023

Connecticut residents have rights including access, correction, deletion, data portability, and opt-out of targeted advertising.

12.4 Utah (UCPA)

Effective: December 31, 2023

Utah residents have rights including access, deletion, data portability, and opt-out of targeted advertising.

12.5 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise your rights under state privacy laws:

• Email: support@tackylighttour.com
• Include your state of residence in your request
• Follow the verification process

13. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected.

13.1 Retention Periods by Data Type

Account Information

• Active Accounts: Retained while your account is active
• Closed Accounts: Deleted within 90 days of account closure

Display Listings

• Active Listings: Retained indefinitely as part of our historical database
• Deleted Listings: Removed from public view but may be retained in backups for 90 days

User-Generated Content

• Reviews and Comments: Retained indefinitely (may be anonymized after account deletion)
• Photos and Videos: Retained while associated display is active

Communication Data

• Email Correspondence: Retained for 3 years
• Marketing Emails: Retained while you remain subscribed

Usage and Analytics Data

• Web Analytics: Retained for 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Access Logs: Retained for 90 days

13.2 Backup Retention

Deleted information may persist in backup systems for up to 90 days after deletion.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

14.1 Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in our data practices
• New features or services
• Changes in applicable laws
• Industry best practices

14.2 Notification of Changes

Material Changes

For significant changes:

• Post a prominent notice on the Platform homepage
• Send an email notification to registered users
• Provide at least 30 days’ notice before changes take effect

Non-Material Changes

For minor updates:

• Update the “Last Updated” date
• Post the updated policy on our website

14.3 Continued Use

Your continued use of the Platform after the effective date of changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

15. Contact Information

Regulatory Authorities

United States

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

• Website: https://www.ftc.gov
• Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP

European Union

Your Local Data Protection Authority

• Find your authority: https://edpb.europa.eu/about-edpb/board/members_en

United Kingdom

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

• Website: https://ico.org.uk
• Phone: 0303 123 1113

Thank you for trusting Tacky Light Tour with your information.
We are committed to protecting your privacy while helping you discover and share the magic of holiday lights in your community.

Last Updated: October 30, 2025
Version: 1.0