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Supercharge Your Holiday with these Spectacular Christmas Light Displays in Alpena

Posted on December 21st, 2016
Do you remember Christmas light cruising around with your parents as a kid? Slowly driving through the subdivisions, checking out the beautiful light displays adorning the houses and fixtures, all while comparing your favorites with your siblings? 

 

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Truckey Rd. display, save this one for last!

***We’ll give you a minute as the waves of nostalgia wash over***
 
This tradition still goes strong in many families, and whether you have children or not, there is just something about watching Christmas lights that ignites the warm and fuzzy feelings from inside. We asked our Facebook viewers where some of the best Christmas light displays are here in the Alpena area, and here is the list we came up with:
  1. Start your journey in the city of Alpena on Ferncliff  Drive, located off of Hobbs Dr. Look for flashing lights and a sign to tune your car radio in to 93.1 FM. The music playing as we drove by was the Star Wars theme song. What did you hear?
  2. Next, follow Hobbs Drive north just a little ways and take a left at the 3rd Avenue stoplight towards the neighborhood behind the Thunder Bay Junior High School. Turn down both Kensington Court and Bristol Court for some beautiful Christmas light exhibits.  This subdivision is also known to light up the neighborhood on Christmas eve with a beautiful candle display. Don’t forget to take pictures!  Use the #sanctuaryofthegreatlakes hashtag, and be sure to tag @sanctuaryofthegreatlakes!
  3. Onward! Continue your journey back down 3rd Avenue. In approximately 6 blocks, take a right on North Street. You can’t miss it!  Here you’ll find another serious Christmas light display dancing to the tunes on 92.1 FM. Be sure to take a good look, you might just see Santa in the window waving!

    Culligan Plaza in Downtown Alpena

    Culligan Plaza in Downtown Alpena

  4. Return to 3rd Ave. and follow it towards downtown Alpena. Turn Right on Washington Street and continue around the corner to 2nd Avenue.  Culligan Plaza is on your right, in the heart of downtown Alpena. You will notice the giant, beautiful blue spruce Christmas tree right away. Don’t miss your chance to stop in and visit with Santa while you’re there. He will be in his Santa house from now until Christmas Eve, Wednesday-Thursday 5:30pm-7:30pm, and Saturday, from noon until 4:00pm.
  5. Take Chisholm Street toward US-23 North for the final stretch of Christmas light sight-seeing. Make a stop at the covered bridge at Duck Park/Island Park for a nice family photo op and head back out US-23 North until you get to French Rd. Once on French, drive a few miles down and turn left on Truckey Rd. Here is where the grand finale lies! This homeowner pulled out all the bells and whistles to create a display that will definitely end up as one of your all-time favorites!

    Alpena's covered bridge, courtesy Lisa Roskey

    Alpena’s covered bridge, courtesy Lisa Roskey

Be sure to make time during the rush of the holidays to enjoy the things in life that really matter. Take in the serene moments spent with friends and loved ones, and may the wonder of Christmas surround you throughout the holiday season. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, from your Sanctuary of the Great Lakes!