2022 CHRISTMAS TOUR OF LIGHTS
Songbird Drive: If there was a Christmas address in Chico, this is it. One of our favorite yards filled with international birds and animals has returned. A good place for an evening stroll, but watch for cars. Be astounded by the huge windows and equally towering Christmas trees at some homes. Bring your canned nonperishables. There’s a can food drive for Chico’s Sixth Street Center for Homeless Teens along the way.
Greenberry neighborhood: Wind your way around Greenberry, Goldenrod and Morning Glory for some bright lawns and extralarge inflatables. Then head down to Wild Rose Circle, where nearly all neighbors have joined the fun of lawn extravaganzas. This is a “wow” street.
Nighthawk Way: Two facing neighbors hatched an idea to string lights across the street. Of course there is a star; of course there are decorations galore. You can even sing along with Christmas carols as you drive. 1518 E. Lassen Ave.: Small yard packed with lights, decorations etc. What more needs to be said? He is welcoming the community from 7to 10p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for hot chocolate and cider, cookies and candy canes.
Ceanothus Avenue, Lucy Way:
To the west on Ceanothus, two houses are bright beacons, including a blue-light “waterfall.” Turn to the east down Lucy for the extravaganza neighborhood that is home to our feature story.
Whitewood Way, Upland Drive: Side-by-side houses on Whitewood Way are tasteful and spirited, with porch decorations and a Nativity. Across the street on the Upland corner, there’s the family’s 60-year-old Christmas blow-mold, and a plethora of candy canes, a must-have for the grown daughter. This one caught our eye with the Nativity on the patio roof. Good for viewing from Floral Avenue.
2410 Floral Ave.: This decorator has been at it more than 30 years. Bright, glowy blow molds rule this yard in little vignettes of angels or singers or Santas. Because cords and plugs run everywhere, visitors are asked to stay off the lawn, but are welcome to park in the driveway.
841 Inyo St.: New to our list, this decorator has a corner filled with characters that are fun to see, including Yoda, Disney’s Lion King, a unicorn, dogs, Christmas stockings and — of course — reindeer on the roof.
3 Baroni Way: From extralarge Santa and snowman, this yard says “merry.” We liked the flamingo seated on an ornament with Santa’s hat. There’s a tip-o-hat to Scooby-Doo’s “Mystery Machine.”
Skymountain Circle, Wildflower Court: While home to last year’s featured “Ho Ho Ho” house by now-18-year-old Jamison others on the Skymountain loop are impressive. Watch for the classic “Peace on Earth” sign and our favorite star high up. And be sure to catch the “Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle” sign. On Wildflower, see Mr. and Mrs. Claus caroling, an artistic gift from the Carrolls.
New Dawn Circle: This loop offers several nicely decorated homes, including one bulging with inflatables. If you like Disney’s “Minions” this is the one for you. After being inside a car, it’s nice to stretch the legs with a sidewalk stroll.
Pine and East Eighth streets: You saw the humongous skeleton at Halloween, and now at Christmas. The resident who loves Mr. Bones definitely has a sense of humor in honor of Dec. 25. 767 Westmont Drive: Likely the biggest star on the list shares the lawn with plenty of decorations, not to mention sweet Christmas stockings bearing kiddos’ names. Check out the candy canes in everyone’s yard. Can you say, Storybook Land?
1206 West Wind Drive: The tractor has arrived from the farm and Stewart the
Elf is at his post. Upstairs, hand-sewn Santa and
Mrs. Claus love to see the scene below. One of the long-timers on the list, this house beckons for a closer look and you might even see the family’s sweet golden retriever, who can’t make it up the stairs anymore to sit with the Clauses, but might be seen on the front yard.
Moyer Way: Once again on the list, this is a merry cruise. Check out the ornament-dotted cactus at one house. Another one combines white lights and inflatables. 130 Zinnia Way: We challenge you to count the number of big dog decorations at this home. 20? 30? 40? This family loves big fluffy dogs, with several of their own, so it’s natural to have the front lawn done up in dogs too.
Mathews Drive: The house at 879 is a perennial for the abundance of blow-ups, especially Snoopy. Catch an array of Snoopys and polar bears while enjoying a movie with Rudolph. Other neighbors share in the spirit
Amber Grove: Take Yellowstone, Greenfield or Amber Grove. From traditional light strings to inflatables, this is a cheery area, but watch for basketball hoops and garbage cans in the street.
West Eaton Road: Get over to a newer neighborhood west of The Esplanade and find pretty places. At 409 Southbury Lane, a bright yard is the stage for a Santa movie and a graceful Nativity.