For those who grew up in The Region, December marks a time where front lawns transform into twinkling wonderlands, and neighborhoods change into glowing exhibits of Christmas cheer. Per tradition, car loads of families can be seen this time of year slowly rolling past the most extravagant displays, noses pressed against the icy car windows, eyes wide in awe.
Bringing all of those holiday-loving families together for a sight-seeing extravaganza, the Crown Point Tour of Lights takes guests in vintage trolleys for a guided tour of the city’s most decked-out houses.
Starting around 10 years ago, the event has grown from a one-day tour to week-long festivities. Katelyn Cecich, assistant special events coordinator for the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, said the tours sold out quickly, even with 2 trolleys and multiple time slots. Every night, anywhere from 224 to 168 people take the tour.
“I think we get such a big drive for it, and people want to be such a big part of it because it gives that nostalgic, community, old “Christmas Vacation,” Clark Griswald-style feel,” Cecich said. “Instead of seeing something on T.V., or kids being on their phones, it’s something so interactive. The trolley is old-fashioned, it’s not new-age technology driven stuff, it’s just riding around seeing the Christmas lights like everybody’s parents and grandparents used to.”
The tour hits 10 locations, each of which entered to be a part of the event, near the downtown Crown Point area. The trolley emcee tells a short description or story at each stop, highlighting interesting facts about the display and the family behind it. At the end, people can vote for their favorite house.
“I think it’s a little competition between the neighborhoods, too,” Cecich said. “A lot of our entrants on the tour and even on our honorable mentions, and places that I personally seen, have been doing it forever. We have one man in the tour and he’s 77 years old and he does it all by himself every year, year after year. So I think it’s a little bit of competition, like who can keep going, and who can be the best on the block.”
Highlights include Candy Cane Lane on Holton Ridge, where all of the neighbors have lavishly decorated their houses with a candy-cane theme since 1958. There’s also the houses on South Court Street, known for their colorful, lawn-to-roof lighting displays.
The tours run from December 11th through December 16th with three departure times from the Crown Point Civic Center at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. There are is an additional 8:30 p.m. ride on Friday and Saturday.
Before boarding the vintage trolleys, families gather in the Crown Point Civic Center for cookies, hot chocolate, coloring and Christmas-themed stories from the librarians of Crown Point Library. On Tuesday evening, Julie Wendorf, adult programming and outreach librarian, read silly stories like “Elfie Selfie” and “Santa’s Underwear,” that got the crowd giggling.
“Christmas time is the perfect time for stories, there’s so many great Christmas classic books, but I like to bring some new ones out, too,” Wendorf said.
Crystal Swirdski of Crown Point brought her 6-year-old and 4-year-old to enjoy the tour and festivities.
“It’s a family event, it’s awesome that the community gets together and decorates their houses and it’s nice to have an organized event instead of just driving around on our own,” Swirdski said. “It brings everyone together.”
Luanne Horvath, event volunteer, has been a part of the Tour of Lights since it began.
“It adds a great deal, look how popular it is,” Horvath said. “They have a waiting list, and every year it’s more and more people who have heard about it, read about it, and want to join in and go on the trolley. It’s an excellent community event.”
While the tours are already booked up, those interested can still call 219-662-3290 to get on the waiting list.