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Albany Visitors Association
122 Ferry St SW
Albany, OR 97321
PO Box 965
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541-928-0911
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The 30th Annual Night Time Magic Program
Holiday Light Contest 2017
Once again, the Albany Visitors Association is helping to make the holiday season bright by sponsoring the 30th Annual Night Time Magic Holiday Light Program. Residents are encouraged to enter a contest for best use of lights in decorating the exterior of their homes.
Three winners will be selected to win great prizes and one will be awarded the “Best Neighborly Effort.” Winners will be entitled to bragging rights for the entire year, and one of three fabulous prizes as determined by the prize committee. Be a part of Historic Albany’s magic!
The contest theme is “Holiday Night Time Magic.”
Participants are encouraged to share the source for their inspiration such as:
- A family tradition.
- A favorite holiday book, movie or special.
- Music, dance or art as inspiration.
- A special collection.
- Just Lights, Lights and more Lights.
- Or another favorite idea or inspiration (you fill in the blank!) _______________________.
RULES:
- Entries must be within the Albany City limits.
- Homeowners are encouraged to use lights to illuminate their decorations.
- Lights need to be on from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, December 1, 2017 – January 1, 2018.
- Entries for “Best Neighborly Effort” must have three or more partners in a concentrated area.
- Entry/Nomination Deadline: 5:00 pm on December 10, 2017.
Decorations can be any style and lights can be white, clear or colored.
Entry forms can be picked up, printed out by using the following PDF: Night Time Magic Holiday Light Contest Entry Form, or requested via e-mail at info@albanyvisitors.com. All forms should be turned into the Albany Visitors Association at 110 3rd Ave SE, Albany, OR 97321.
Winners will be announced by December 15th, and presentations made soon after.
People wishing to drive or walk through the historic districts to look at the displays can pick up a list of participants and a map at the Albany Visitors Association beginning December 15th. Lights will be on through January 1, 2018.
Thank you to all the homeowners who participate in this program, without your efforts this wonderful community tradition would not be possible.
Night Time Magic light display winners
Ladies and Gentleman! Announcing the “Night Time Magic” light contest winning displays! For all of those participating, we extend our greatest thanks for your participation. The following four light displays were selected by the judges:“Lights of the Polar Express,” 3849 Oakmont Loop NE, Albany, OR 97322.
“WATT-A-SHOW” (light up the darkness), 2035 Jefferson St SE, Albany, OR 9732.
“Snowman Land,” 255 Country Club Ln NW, Albany OR 9732.
“Light up the Night,” 1327 NW North Albany Rd, Albany, Oregon 97321.
Winners will receive a Winner Award Certificate and a $50 gift card to Albany’s downtown first-run movie house: The Pix Theatre. Photos of the winning homes will be on display at the Pix Theatre and on the Albany Visitors Association website along with a list of locations to see. Winners will also be entitled to bragging rights for the entire year! Thank you to all the homeowners who participate in this program. Without your efforts, this wonderful community tradition would not be possible.
The winners of the Night Time Magic Program are determined by a panel of judges who conduct individual random drive-by sightings between December 8 and 15. Homes must be nominated to win.
This is the 29th year that the Albany Visitors Association has been helping to make the holidays bright with the Annual Night Time Magic Holiday Light Program. All nominations receive recognition for participation in Albany’s Night Time Magic program.
The reward for participation: Your holiday spirits will be lifted, your home brightened, your neighborhood enlightened and your community enlivened. If you are interested in being a part of Historic Albany’s “Magic” for 2017’s contest, contact the Albany Visitors Association, 110 3rd Ave SE, or telephone 541-928-0911 to receive future announcements.
Map of the displays
Feel free to download a PDF of the 2016 light display map. If you would rather have one mailed to you, contact us at 541-928-0911 or stop by the AVA office at 3rd and Lyons.
Past winners
2015:
- 222 Fourth Avenue SE, Albany OR 97321
- 1000 Lincoln St SW, Albany OR 97321
- 2905 Lawnridge St SW, Albany OR 97321
- 140 First Avenue West, Albany, Oregon 97321
2014:
- 627 Broadalbin SW, Albany OR 97321
- 4160 Evergreen Street SE, Albany OR 97322
- 2110 Geary Street SE, Albany OR 97322
- 2670 Kingston Way NW, Albany OR 97321
- Washington Street houses, block 600
2013:
- 514 NE 13th Ave.
- Santa on the rooftop view from bridge & Water Ave.
- 5th Avenue SW, block 800
- 630 Seventh Avenue SW
2012:
- 1001 Washington SW decked out again for 2014
- 1830 12th Avenue SW
- 3407 Pacific Blvd SW
- 6127 Piedmont Pl. SW
- 4295 Clay Place SE
2011
- 730 Washington SW
- 425 6th Ave SW
- 2893 E Mountain View Dr SE
- 1340 NE Mayview Dr.
Albany Holiday Events Special Calendar
‘Tis the Season
Although we have several ways for you to view our upcoming events, including Featured Events and the full calendar, you might like to print this handy PDF of our 2016 Holiday Events for November and December. If you don’t have a printer, no fear! Stop on in to the AVA office and we will be happy to give you one… or, give us a call at 541-928-0911 and we’l mail you one.
Holiday Events & Christmas Dinners | Dec. 21-26, 2015
For families with kids at home, it’s officially Christmas vacation! If you’re looking for fun things to do in the final few days before December 25, here are details of holiday events this week in Albany. PLUS: looking for delicious Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners in Albany? Keep reading for details!
Here are our top picks for the fourth week of the holiday season, Dec. 21-26, 2015. For even more things to do in Albany, Oregon, visit our full event calendar.
Calapooia Brewing Holiday Ale Sale | Dec. 18-24, 2015. Calapooia Brewing’s annual Holiday Ale Sale is going on now–pick up a full case of 22-ounce bottles for $20/case, incuding their popular holiday seasonal, Kringle Krack. Details: Calapooia Brewing
Sweet Red Winter Solstice Dinner Party | 4:48 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21 2015. Celebrate the darkest day of the year with a flambe-themed dinner party. Cocktails start at sunset, 4:48 p.m. Details: Sweet Red Bistro
Storytime with Santa | 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015. Visit Heritage Mall and sit with Santa while his helper reads a holiday story to get you in the Christmas spirit. Details: Storytime with Santa
Visits with Santa | daily, until 6 p.m. Dec. 24, 2015. If the little ones in your life haven’t had a chance to meet Santa Claus yet this year, he’ll be at Heritage Mall every day until Christmas Eve for visit and photos. Details: Heritage Mall
Whitespires Christmas Eve Sing-a-Long | 7 p.m. Dec. 24, 2015. Gather at the beautiful, historic Whitespires Church (510 SW 5th Ave.) in downtown Albany to sing all your favorite Christmas carols. Details: Christmas Sing-a-Long
Christmas Meals in Albany
Christmas Eve Dinner at Frankie’s | Dec. 24, 2015. Frankie’s is open and taking reservations for Christmas Eve Dinner. The regular menu will be available, plus the chef is preparing Anderson Valley Rack of Lamb and Roasted Duck. Reservations recommended. Details: Frankie’s Restaurant
Christmas Day Dinner at Cellar Cat | 4-8 p.m., Dec. 25, 2015. Cellar Cat will be open Christmas Day, and offering a special menu that can be enjoyed a la carte or in a four course prix fixe. Optional wine pairings are also available. Reservations recommended. Details: Cellar Cat
Christmas Day Dinner at Elmer’s Restaurant | 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 25, 2015. Elmer’s is open Christmas Day and will be serving a ham dinner, turkey dinner, or combination ham and turkey plate. Prime Rib dinner will be served starting at 11 a.m. No reservations. Details: Elmer’s Restaurant
Still to come: stay tuned later this week for details of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Albany, Oregon!
Albany’s 2015 Night Time Magic Winners
The Albany Visitors Association is proud to announce the winners of The 2015 Night Time Magic Holiday Light & Decorating Contest! And the winners are …
Best Dressed Historic Home: 222 Fourth Avenue SE, Albany OR 97321. The J. Meyers House is a Queen Anne Cottage with East Lake elements (circa 1898). Many white lights highlight the architectural details of this house beautifully and bring a nostalgic feeling with classic red & green trim throughout their decorations.
Memories of Christmas Past (Candy Cane Comeback): 1000 Lincoln St SW, Albany OR 97321. Remember those glowing candy canes that adorned the poles on Pacific Blvd in Albany? Well, a few of them still shine bright during the holidays, thanks to folks like these who bring them out to share this special time of year. This beautiful light display has been shining each year for the past 15 and we absolutely agree it is award worthy!
Family Traditions from One Generation to the Next: 2905 Lawnridge St SW, Albany OR 97321. So much to see. There is really no photo that could do this display justice, so you’ll just have to drive by to see for yourself. Every bush, building and pole, lit up to create a bright and awe-inspiring display. So much flair for the younger generation continuing the family tradition. They certainly have the knack for sharing that holiday spirit.
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! –Sid Stevens Jewelers, 140 First Avenue West, Albany, Oregon 97321. We whole-heartedly agree because everything is more magical when it snows! Every year residents and visitors are welcomed into the downtown shopping district by the warm glow of the c. 1925 Bikman Block dressed in style with lights and garland. Sid Steven’s gorgeous windows serve as an enticement to slow down, perhaps even stop and browse for a while in the not-so-hectic pace of Historic Downtown Albany, Oregon. (photo coming soon)
Map to award winners: click image to the left for a larger view, or click link to download a PDF: map to 2015 award winners
Even more lights: Check out these past award winners, which are still gorgeously decorated and fun to visit!
Previous Holiday Light Award winners
2014:
1. 627 Broadalbin SW, Albany OR 97321
2. 4160 Evergreen Street SE, Albany OR 97322
3. 2110 Geary Street SE, Albany OR 97322
4. 2670 Kingston Way NW, Albany OR 97321
5. Washington Street houses, block 600
2013:
1. 514 NE 13th Ave.
2. Santa on the rooftop view from bridge & Water Ave.
3. 5th Avenue SW, block 800
4. 630 Seventh Avenue SW
2012:
1. 1001 Washington SW
2. 1830 12th Avenue SW
3. 3407 Pacific Blvd SW
4. 6127 Piedmont Pl. SW
5. 4295 Clay Place SE
2011
1. 730 Washington SW
2. 425 6th Ave SW
3. 2893 E Mountain View Dr SE
4. 1340 NE Mayview Dr.
Multi-time repeat nominees that are always well worth a drive: Christmas Village at the Piedmont Neighborhood. This neighborhood pulls out all the stops! A delightful way to pass the time while waiting for the big day. Once through is just not enough.
Directions from Albany Visitors Association (110 3rd Avenue SE) to the Piedmont Neighborhood:
1. Head west on SE 3rd Ave. toward Ellsworth St. SW 50 ft.
2. Take second left onto US-20 W/? Ellsworth St. SW 50 ft
3. Turn right onto Pacific Blvd SW 0.5 mi
4. Turn right onto Belmont Ave. SW 2.9mi
5. Turn right onto Piedmont Pl. SW. 0.4mi
Prizes: 2015 Winners will receive a Winner Photo Award Certificate and a $50 gift card to Albany’s downtown first-run movie house: The Pix Theatre. Photos of the winning homes will be on display at the Pix Theatre and on the Albany Visitors Association website along with a list of locations to see. Winners will also be entitled to bragging rights for the entire year! (Thank you to all the homeowners who participate in this program. Without your efforts this wonderful community tradition would not be possible!)
Judging: The winners of the Night Time Magic Program are determined by a panel of judges who conduct individual random drive-by sightings between December 7 and 13. Homes must be nominated to win.
History: This is the 28th year that the Albany Visitors Association has been helping to make the holidays bright with the Annual Night Time Magic Holiday Light Program. All nominations receive recognition for participation in Albany’s Night Time Magic program. The reward for participation: Your holiday spirits will be lifted, your home brightened, your neighborhood enlightened and your community enlivened. If you are interested in being a part of Historic Albany’s “Magic,” contact the Albany Visitors Association, 110 3rd Ave SE, or call (541) 928-0911 to receive future announcements. People wishing to look at the participating locations can pick up a list of winners and directions at the Albany Visitors Association or find it online at albanyvisitors.com. A special thanks to Burcham’s Metals for helping to make the season bright.
Albany Holiday Events | Dec. 14-Dec. 20, 2015
Make some holiday memories in Albany, Oregon this week! It’s the final week of Christmas Storybook Land for 2015, plus a visit from Santa’s reindeer, a chance to ride the Candy Cane Express, and still 10 more days of holiday shopping before Christmas. Keep reading to find out what’s happening in Albany this week.
Here are our top picks for the third week of the holiday season, Dec. 14-20, 2015. For even more things to do in Albany, Oregon, visit our full event calendar.
Final week of Christmas Storybook Land 2015 | 5-8:30 p.m. Dec. 14-17, 1-8:30 p.m. Dec. 18, 2015. If you haven’t done it already, this week is the last week of 2015 to take your kids to this magical Albany tradition. Walk through a winter wonderland of storybook scenes, Christmas trees, model trains and dollhouses, including a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Details: Christmas Storybook Land
Storytime with Santa | 9:30 a.m. Dec. 15, 2015. Come visit Santa at Heritage Mall and hear a classic Christmas story. Details: Storytime with Santa
Holiday Light Winners announcement | Dec. 15, 2015. Winners of the 2015 Night Time Magic Holiday Light Contest will be announced this week. Stay tuned for the winners and then plan an evening outing to visit Albany’s favorite Christmas light displays.
Meet Santa’s Reindeer | 3-7 p.m. Dec. 18, 2015. Come see live reindeer at Heritage Mall! Details: Live Reindeer Visit
Hoodoo Ski & Recreation Opens | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 18, 2015. Hoodoo Ski & Recreation kicks off its 2015/16 season on Friday, Dec. 18, and will remain open until at least 4 p.m. every day through Jan. 4. Check the official website for updates and mountain status: Ski Hoodoo
Holiday Sleigh Rides | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 19, 2015. Visitors to Heritage Mall can enjoy free sleigh rides around the parking lot in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage. Details: Sleigh Ride
Holiday Nosh Tour | 4-7 p.m. Dec. 19, 2015. Ride on a vintage trolley and taste your way through town, enjoying tasty bites from half-a-dozen chefs at stops along the way. UPDATE: Regular tickets are sold out for this event, but until Dec. 15 new subscribers to Albany Visitors Association’s e-newsletter are entered to win the final pair of tickets. Click to subscribe to the newsletter and be entered to win: E-newsletter sign-up
Willamette Valley Concert Band Christmas Concert | 2-4 p.m. Dec. 19, 2015. Treat your ears to a festive celebration featuring traditional and popular Christmas songs, at the Russell Tripp Performance Center at Linn-Benton Community College. Details: Willamette Valley Concert Band
Christmas Caroling Wagon | 5-8 p.m. Dec. 20, 2015. Ride through Albany’s historic districts in a horse-drawn wagon, singing Christmas carols along the way. Tours every 45 minutes between 5-8 p.m.; by reservation only. UPDATE: Spots on these tours are full; names are being added to a waiting list. 541-928-0911.
Candy Cane Express Train Ride | 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m., Dec. 19 and 20, 2015. Take your kids for a ride on the Candy Cane Express with Santiam Excursion Trains. Details: Candy Cane Express
Shopping: Find unique gifts for the folks on your list when you visit Albany! Browse through charming shops in downtown Albany, and find great seasonal specials at Heritage Mall throughout December.
Still to come: the Whitespires Christmas Eve Sing-a-Long and more! Check back for next week’s events and check our full event calendar for additional holiday happenings.
Photo: Christmas Storybook Land by Ann Kinkley
Need a place to stay in Albany for the holidays? Have friends and family coming to town? Check out Albany’s hotels, B&Bs, and RV Parks for holiday rates.
Albany Holiday Events: Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2015
Albany is the perfect place to celebrate an Oregon Christmas. This friendly little town goes all-out during the holiday season, with historic homes decked in lights, great seasonal boutiques, community parades, and plenty of ways to experience the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas.
Here are our top picks for the first week of the holiday season, Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2015. For even more things to do in Albany, Oregon, visit our full event calendar.
Holiday Light Contest: Do you go all-out when it comes to Christmas decorating? Do you know someone who does? Nominate yourself (or your friends or neighbors) for a prize in our annual Night-Time Magic Holiday Light Contest. Nomination deadline: Dec. 7, 2015. Details: 2015 Albany Holiday Light Contest.
Christmas Storybook Land opens: This beloved holiday tradition transports visitors to a winter wonderland full of Christmas trees, toy trains, fairy tale scenes, and a chance to visit with Santa Claus himself. Storybook Land runs from Dec. 4-18, 2015.
Pioneer Christmas Party: Bring your kids to the Monteith House and celebrate like it’s 1859. Kids will learn what a pioneer Christmas in Albany would have been like, and will have a chance to ride in a horse-drawn wagon in the Downtown Twice Around Christmas Parade at 5 p.m. Party starts at 3 p.m. and costs $15/child ($10 for additional siblings); call the Albany Visitors Association at 541-928-0911 to reserve your child’s spot.
Downtown Twice Around Christmas Parade: Anyone can join in this zany Christmas parade, which circles downtown Albany twice. Expect to see horse-drawn wagons, holiday lights, an umbrella-twirling brigade, and more. The only rule: the parade has just one Santa Claus, arriving at the end of the procession! Parade starts at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015. Details: Downtown Twice Around Christmas Parade.
Albany Community Tree Lighting: Immediately after the Christmas parade, gather in the parking lot at Two Rivers Mall (corner of second and Ferry) to sing carols and light the community Christmas tree. (Approximately 6 p.m., Dec. 6, 2015).
Shopping: Get your holiday shopping off to a good start this week with the Town & Country Christmas Bazaar, Dec. 4-6; Christmas at the Roost, Dec. 4-5 and 11-12, Pumpkin Hollow Christmas at the Mill, weekends through Dec. 20; charming shops in downtown Albany, and great seasonal specials at Heritage Mall throughout December.
Visits with Santa: The big guy in red will be at Heritage Mall every day throughout the holiday season for visits with children and Christmas photos. Special dates this week include kids’ storytimes with Santa Dec. 1 and pet photos with Santa Dec. 6 & 13.
Still to come: 36th Annual Christmas Parlour Tour on Dec. 13, the Holiday Nosh Tour Dec. 19, and more! Check back for next week’s events and check our full event calendar for additional holiday happenings.
Need a place to stay in Albany for the holidays? Have friends and family coming to town? Check out Albany’s hotels, B&Bs, and RV Parks for holiday rates.
Albany’s Night Time Magic Holiday Light Contest 2015
Once again, the Albany Visitors Association is helping to make the holiday season bright by sponsoring the 28th Annual Night Time Magic Holiday Light Program. Residents are encouraged to enter a contest (or submit your friends and neighbors) for best use of lights in decorating the exterior of their homes.
Three winners will be selected to win great prizes and one will be awarded the “Best Neighborly Effort.” Winners will be entitled to bragging rights for the entire year, and one of three fabulous prizes as determined by the prize committee. Be a part of Historic Albany’s magic!
The contest theme is “Holiday Night Time Magic.”
Participants are encouraged to share the source for their inspiration such as:
- A family tradition…
- A favorite holiday book, movie or special…
- Music, dance or art as inspiration…
- A special collection…
- Just Lights, Lights and more Lights…
- Or another favorite idea or inspiration.
Contest Rules:
- Entries must be within the city limits of Albany.
- Homeowners are encouraged to use lights to illuminate their decorations.
- Lights need to be on from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. December 1 – January 1st
- Entries for “Best Neighborly Effort” must have three or more partners in a concentrated area.
- Entry/Nomination Deadline: 5:00 pm on December 7, 2015.
- Decorations can be any style and lights can be white, clear or colored.
How to enter: Entry forms can be picked up and turned in at the Albany Visitors Association: 110 3rd Ave SE, Albany, OR 97321. You can also click here to request an entry form by e-mail.
Deadlines: Entry/nomination deadline is 5 p.m. Dec. 7, 2015. Winners will be announced by December 15th and presentations made soon after.
Touring Albany’s lights: People wishing to drive or walk through the town to look at the participating locations can pick up a list of participants and a map at the Albany Visitors Association beginning December 15. Lights will be on through January 1, 2015.
A special thanks to Burcham’s Metals for helping to make the season bright. Thank you to all the homeowners who participate in this program, without your efforts this wonderful community tradition would not be possible.
Photo: by Dan Bateman
