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For many folks the Christmas season isn’t the same without the twinkling of hundred (or thousands) of tiny lights adorning windows, eaves, bushes and banisters. While the Hill may not have the sprawling front yards on which to place the cavalry of toy soldiers or the life size replica of Santa and all his reindeer, our neighbors find ways to brighten the holiday evenings with décor fitting to our dense, historic neighborhood. A few strings of Christmas lights can really enliven the doors and windows of a federalist style row house, which the porches of the Wardman style homes provide opportunities for layers of lights in three dimensions. Many Hill dwellers even invite the viewer into their home this season with a glimpse of a Christmas tree set right behind a prominent window.
Some light displays are more restrained than others, and some homeowners show their creativity by thinking “outside the yard.” Do you have a favorite Christmas light display on the Hill this year?
I have to give a holiday nod to the residents of the 1500 block of D Street SE, who seemingly have banded together to buy out the decoration stock of some local lighting supply company. The variety of display and number of houses all in one block make for a festive, entertaining, and bright evening stroll.
Stroll along East Capitol Street between 8thStreet and Lincoln Park and you’ll find some restrained yet whimsical electrified elements. Make sure to look carefully to the north side of the street, as there is a reindeer in flight nightly. The south side brings illuminated ornaments festooning a tree, making for an enchanted looking garden.
North Carolina Avenue between Eastern Market and 10th Street has several dapper looking trees to see in front windows.
So readers, your turn to share. Where should one go on the Hill this Christmas season to take in the most festive lighting displays?