A HANDCRAFTED WONDERLAND
From afar, the cases could be mistaken for a work project on the lawn, but come evening and the lights come on, 970 Mathews means Christmas spirit abounds with hand-crafted exhibits on display. This is not to say that the displays on Pierce Hutler's lawn are anything but magical, but unlike other holiday displays, a close inspection is required to truly appreciate what's inside the cases.
Hutler doesn't mind visitors coming into his yard for a closer look.
One box contains a Christmas village with decorated buildings, a moving train, moving carnival rides, a village scene, and a ferris wheel. The other is Santa's workshop, with Santa at work, flanked by tool-wielding elves.
The two buildings date to 2020, but Hutler's been collecting Christmas items for decades. He got the bug when he was 12, when he decorated his parents' house on Burlingame and made the front page of the Chico Enterprise-Record. Now he's somewhat older, and a project manager for Northwest Lineman College in Oroville.
Asked what was the spark for the two buildings, he answered, “It was a wild hair. I just decided to do it.”
As a youth, Hutler was among the many who loved the East First Avenue extravaganza of Chico's “Mr. Christmas,” the late Don Cory. That iconic yard featured more than a dozen small buildings that Cory constructed for everything from living room scenes and dolls, to elves and Santas galore. A pint-size train ran in and around the yard, and Cory was there dressed as Santa, handing out candy canes every night.
“I had never seen anything like (Cory's house). It was so cool to see these scenes in boxes, the moving train and everything that lit up.”
And it's not only Christmas that gives Hutler cheer. He's big on Halloween, evidenced by two medallions cemented to his yard pillars that say “Haunted Mansion.”
“I've always liked having a haunted house and the neighborhood kids like it too.”
The Christmas buildings live in a storage unit ten and a half months a year, but right before Thanksgiving, out they come and Hutler starts his work. Not only does it give him joy to piece together his yard “show,” but it reminds him of special times in his life — like the blow-mold Nativity scene, which was a gift from his
grandmother in his younger years. He adds to the collection when he can, like the Santa and reindeer strung over his yard, which is new this year.
Always one to be adding to his work — “I'm never satisfied, I'm never done. I look at it and think, `Oh, I should have done this or that,'” he said with a smile.
Chico Tour of Lights
Songbird Drive — If there was a Christmas address in Chico, this is it. One of our favorite yards filled with international, hand-made birds and animals has returned. A good place for an evening stroll, but watch for cars. Is that the biggest Santa you've seen in these parts? We love Santa's sleigh pulled by Pacific Flyway geese. Be ready for an eye-popping flashing light show.
Greenberry neighborhood — Wind your way around Greenberry, Goldenrod and Morning Glory for some bright lawns and extra-large inflatables. Then head down to Wild Rose Circle, where nearly all neighbors have joined the fun of lawn extravaganzas, especially one grandmother.
4505 Garden Brook Drive — A teenager here used to help Grandma with her decorations, but has gotten into the spirit at his home. There are cute inflatable scenes, including Santa peeking into the chimney, chickens out front, and a marshmallow toasting in the corner. Catch the wreath over the road too.
3922 Barbados Court — Big yards provide the perfect canvas for large light displays, and this one fits the bill. Every bush, tree and object bears lights. Nice too is the lit “Toy” at the end of the road, but wait, it's really “Joy.” Both are good this time of year.
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, including a big nutcracker. You can even sing along with Christmas carols
and synchronized lights.
530 Windham Way — Certainly a unique Christmas experience and a fun one for the kiddos. A window video captures Santa putting gifts under the tree, and — wait — he sees you and waves! Nearby Rogue River Drive is merry too.
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.
1518 E. Lassen Ave. — Small yard packed with lights, decorations etc. Certainly a place to stop and stare and even compliment the artist, who is welcoming the community from 7 to 10 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with hot beverages and sweets.
26 Turnbridge Wells — Check out the big, big, basketball-size lights on the fence of this corner house. The compact yard and roof is light bright.
Eaton Road — While you're heading to the next stop, enjoy the decorated homes along this arterial road.
1576 Champlain — The corner lot gives plenty of room for inflatables. Make sure to see the green wreath on the garage, and check out the delicate lights inching up the trees.
Ceanothus Avenue, Lucy Way — On Ceanothus, two houses are bright beacons. Turn to the east down Lucy for the extravaganza neighborhood. Featured on the E-R front previously, the house at 2794 Lucy has
a full-sized sleigh and a Santa just made for family pictures.
Whitewood Way, Deschutes and Upland drives — Side-by-side houses on Whitewood Way are tasteful and spirited. Across the street on the Upland corner, there's the family's 60-year-old Christmas blow-mold, and a plethora of candy canes. This one caught our eye with the Nativity on the patio roof. Good for viewing from Floral Avenue. Deschutes is downright merry all the way around.
2410 Floral Ave. — This decorator was among the originals on our list. Bright, glowy blow molds rule this yard in little vignettes of angels or singers or Santas. Too much to see for just a drive-by. Stop and gaze.
120 Delaney Drive — Lots and lots of white lights cover a Nativity scene, grazing deer and more. Because there is so many white lights, it may be hard to see each feature, so plan to stop and stare.
Dogleg — Oh Wow! Cool, huge stars ascend on the roof at the house at the end. Check out Star Wars inflatables, and lots of lights — flashing, moving, twirling and changing colors. Lights in trees, lights that are trees. It's quite merry and bright. Remember it's a cul-de-sac so be aware of parked cars and kiddos playing.
3 Baroni Way — From extra-large Santa and snowman, and “tons of lights” as the nominator said, this yard says “merry.”
New Dawn Circle — This loop offers several nicely
decorated homes, including one bulging with inflatables. Santas rule one house. After being inside a car, it's nice to stretch the legs with a sidewalk stroll.
Skymountain Circle, Wildflower Court— While home to a previously featured house, No. 6 Skymountain once again bears the “Ho Ho Ho” mark of the young man, who started decorating in high school and came home from college to decorate at Thanksgiving this year. Be sure to catch the “Don't get your tinsel in a tangle” sign. On Wildflower, see Mr. and Mrs. Claus joining in the joy with neighbors.
841 Inyo — This decorator has filled the yard with characters that are fun to see, including a lion, dogs, nutcracker, Christmas stockings and — of course, reindeer and a sleigh.
Pine and East Eighth streets — You've seen the humongous skeleton at for several years, but now the lawn is a “skelly fest,” all in the Christmas spirit.
352 E. Fourth Ave. — We've seen these arches over a sidewalk before, but what a light-bright yard. Arches bear multi-colored lights which add a Northern Lights glow to the yard to the delight of this family. We appreciate the American flag.
767 Westmont Drive — What a huge star at this house, not to mention sweet Christmas stockings bearing kiddos' names. Check out the candy canes in everyone's yards.
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 dog checking out onlookers.
Mathews Drive — While home to our featured yard, other houses on this street are joyful and inflated. Catch an array of Snoopys and polar bears as you cruise by.
130 Zinnia Way — Could you tell this family loves big, fluffy dogs? There are dozens of canine decorations, and live ones too, if the family happens to be out in the front yard.