Night-Time Magic: Albany’s don’t-miss holiday light displays

If you’re looking for the best places to see holiday lights in the mid-valley, don’t miss the winners of this year’s Night-Time Magic Holiday Light & Decorating contest. Sponsored by the Albany Visitors Association every year for 26 years, the winning homes and neighbors are full of sparkling seasonal cheer. Take a drive or a stroll around Albany this weekend and enjoy these festive locations:

(Click here to download a PDF document with driving directions for your holiday light tour: Directions to Holiday Light Contest Winners 2013)

26th Annual Night-Time Magic Winners

Christmas Village by Pat Kight

“Christmas Village,” Fifth Avenue S.W., block 800. A favorite for caroling tours by foot or horse-drawn wagon, this neighborhood of glowing historic homes creates a Hallmark-worthy moment in the Historic Monteith District. (photo by Pat Kight)

NE 13th St.

“Sharing Christmas Joy with Our Community,” 514 NE 13th Avenue. A working carousel stands center stage with a Ferris wheel, reindeer, a snowman and elves at the ready. Be sure to look for Bumble, the Abominable Snow Monster, as seen in the classic Rudolph TV special. Owners: Ed & Elaine Cardwell. (photo by Rebecca Bond)

“The Candy Cane Comeback,” 630 7th Ave. SW. A now-past holiday tradition in Albany was to hang giant glowing candy canes along Pacific Boulevard. A few of those old-time candy canes are left in town and proudly displayed by those who were here to remember. Always dressed for the occasion, this home has a welcoming seasonal porch and for Christmas, the traditional candy cane beckons to guests and passersby. Owners: Kim & Julie Jackson. (photo by Julie Jackson)

Santa by Cathy Webb

“The Santa Claus Greeter,” 317 First Ave. SW. The owners of this downtown building have been recognized for their restoration efforts on the J.C. Penney building for their work on the front facade, but ho, ho, ho, who wouldn’t go over the bridge to North Albany just to come back and get a joyful glimpse of Santa all lit up and waving to folks as they enter downtown. A walk along Water Street is more festive this time of year under Santa’s watchful eye. The Santa came to downtown in 2012 and is fast becoming an Albany tradition. Owners: Rick & Sherri Mikesell. (photo by Cathy Webb)

To participate in next year’s 2014 Night Time Magic Holiday Light Program, call 541-928-0911 or email info@albanyvisitors.com.

Other Festive Spots to Visit:

The Piedmont Neighborhood (from Pacific Blvd. southbound, turn right onto Belmont, then right onto Piedmont). This neighborhood won in 2012 and pulls out all stops every year, including Santa, a reindeer and sleigh, and a giant snow globe.

31495 Easy Ave. SW (south on Oakville Road, left onto Easy Ave.) This extra-spirited house has its own radio station visitors can tune in to, timed to choreograph with its holiday light display. The show starts every half hour, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. every night.

Christmas Storybookland. Albany’s one-of-a-kind winter wonderland. Walk through displays of storybook and fairy tale characters, marvel at the model trains and dollhouse village, and visit Santa. Bring a can of food to donate if you like. Details at www.christmasstorybookland.org

Santa at Heritage Mall. Get the classic photo on Santa’s lap at Heritage Mall, plus other holiday activities including storytime with Santa, Christmas music specials, and visits with live reindeer. Details at www.heritagemall.com.

Pastega Family Light Display at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Formerly the PepsiCo Light Display at the Pepsi bottling plant in Corvallis, all of the beloved holiday characters from the traditional display have been transferred to the Benton County Fairgrounds, off of 53rd Ave in Corvallis.

2 Comments on “Night-Time Magic: Albany’s don’t-miss holiday light displays

  1. I’m putting together a Christmas image with an old truck and Santa and need a back drop for it. Would it be possible to use your house photo for it?

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