By: Carolanne Korolowicz
This holiday season marks my first as a toddler mom. The concept of Santa and the significance of the celebrations are far beyond my son’s understanding, but the themes, images and magic are starting to click. Besides the constant supply of sugary treats, my son is mesmerized by the glow of a Christmas light.
As someone whose holidays have always been spent in Arlington, I wanted to relive my earliest memories of driving around sleepy neighborhood roads to see displays of holiday cheer. My husband and I packed up the kids, my brother joined too, to experience the nostalgia and see Christmas through a child’s eyes.
Of course, the first stop was 1713 N. Quebec Street, the famous “Christmas House”. For over 30+ years, the owner – who is considered an unofficial resident historian – has created a winter wonderland in the heart of Cherrydale. Built in 1898, the Dutch Colonial acts as the perfect backdrop for this temporary Santa’s Workshop.
(1713 Quebec St.)
My son was lifted up to overlook the vast array of vintage Santas, a life-size Thomas: The Train Engine, Garfield with his lasagna in tow, and a toy-shop window display. As I look out onto the scene I’ve admired for three decades (many years where I, too, had to be held up to get a decent view), the magic was less about the mythical characters, but the humans behind it. First, the logistics of pulling this off year after year are impressive. But mostly, I was taken aback by the dedication and gift these neighbors continue to give.
This home is more than a road-side attraction, but a tradition shared by many Arlingtonians. The simplicity of admiring the same decorations, in the same formation, in front of the same home, provides comfort. As the paint dulls, the lights get finicky, and some of the figures wobble– this “patina” represents connection, character and consistency.
As quickly as these decorations pop up, they seem to disappear just as fast. In an area ever changing, these seasonal reminders are ones I encourage we all take time to stop and appreciate. From a simple string of lights to intricate scenes, every home who puts effort into their holiday decor is providing joy available to all.
(Our best attempt at a photo in front of “The Christmas House”)
Arlington is home to many impressive residential holiday lights. Here are a few of my favorites:
961 Patrick Henry Drive: Christmas in a galaxy far, far away is right here in Arlington. The display features the entire trilogy gang in holiday, inflatable form.
523 S. Harrison Street: Christmas lights or an EDM show? Along with animated lights, Christmas music videos are projected off the home’s exterior.
354 N. Kensington Street: For those who love Christmas movies– see your favorite characters in Arlington, including Cousin Eddie!
1620 S. Quincy Street: How many individual lights do you think there are? I’m taking bets!
