By Chris Marshall
Oh Wow – Covering the full Christmas lights spectrum from RV Glamping (yes, that’s a term – Google it) to high-tech sights and sound masterpieces, our Rossmoor owners stepped it up again and set even higher benchmarks!
This being our 12th year for the Rossmoor Homeowners Association (RHA) Christmas Lights Celebration, even the Christmas Lights Hot Spots Map is getting high-tech, and from the RHA website (https://ourrossmoor.com), you can either download it as a PDF, or click on the google link and enjoy an interactive map that helps you determine what route to drive, bike, or even walk (provided it doesn’t snow between now and Christmas).
The interactive Christmas Lights Hot Spots Map takes you directly to a page to see the Santa, Christmas Tree and Reindeer icons designating the winning, special sights and sounds, and honorable mentioned homes!
OK – enough about how to get there. Here are some highlights of what you will experience when you pack up the car with Aunt Mable and hot chocolate:
Passage to Wonderland Award, Den Hartog Family, 3212 Hillrose Drive
Santa’s dancing to the music, welcoming you to walk through the archway and enter wonderland. He had better watch out though, as we spotted his friends from Halloween lurking around the corner! Thanks to the Hartog family for creating a passage to wonderland, right here in Rossmoor.
Christmas Glamping Award, Vega Family, 11325 Donovan Road
It seems that the Vega family may have a surprise ‘lawn guest’? Still, quite a step up from what cousin Eddie brought to the Christmas party at the Griswald’s and it looks like the reindeer agree. The lit trees and lined lawn create the perfect atmosphere to host the special guests – Santa and his favorite Snowman!
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Award, Skunca Family, 11502 Harrisburg Road
Bring your dancin’ shoes and you’re sure to boost your mood and prepare for the Christmas season! If you thought this was good last year, stop by and see what the Skunca family did this year! A picture can’t do this justice as the entire setup comes to life to the music, with cars lining up and people out rockin’ to the beats.
Welcome to Rossmoor Award, Benjestorf Family, 3371 Druid Lane
You couldn’t ask for a warmer welcome to our neighborhood! The Benjestorf family has done it again, presenting a beautiful display that brightens your day as you drive home for the evening. If you don’t usually enter on the St. Cloud side of the neighborhood, you may find yourself changing your normal route home!
Kids’ Choice Award, Thurber Family, 3121 Copa De Oro Drive
Written by our 10-year-old judge, Amelia Jen: This house is the kids’ favorite. From the dog in the tree to snowmen, deer, and Santa, this is one of the most festive houses in Rossmoor. Did you see the giant teddy bear wearing the Santa suit? We really liked this house because of all the lights and animals. As soon as everybody saw this house, they KNEW it was going to be a winner.
Rookie of the Year Award, Pahl Family, 2821 Channing Way
Santa – stop here! We had some great new homes on the route this year, and the Pahl’s family’s work stood out! You’ll find a beautiful balance of the classic Christmas fused with modern lasers and a side of holiday surfing.
Special Sights & Sounds, Herzog, Bingham and Monsen Families
For additional Christmas stimulation for multiple sensory overload, these homes have also been Rossmoor favorites each year! The Christmas Lights Hot Spot Map also calls out festive streets you don’t want to miss including Martha Ann, Kempton and Woodstock (of course with the Holiday Light Posts).
Honorable Mentions: So many beautifully decorated homes each year and all worth checking out! Show your support for their efforts by honking your horn while driving by slowly (just not at 3:00 in the morning). All of these homeowners earned a spot on the Rossmoor Christmas Lights Hot Spots Map (which is why the RHA does the Celebration in the first place).
One more way for families to enjoy the Rossmoor homes on the map:
Christmas Lights Bicycle Tour: Happening for the third year, following last year’s ride with over 100 riders decorated in lights and playing Christmas tunes! Starts at Rush Park on Saturday, December 22 at 5:00 pm. Show up with your bike decorated in colored lights, and tour the homes together on a selected route! A local bicycling group, LightningVelo Cycling Club has even more pre and post activities planned for this year’s ride! Here are the details:
- 5 p.m.: The club will help families decorate their bikes. Bring your lights and/or some will be available for purchase
- 6 p.m.: Group photo by the lighted tree at Rush Park
- 6:10 p.m.: Lighted bike ride parade starts from Rush Park
- Then meet back at Rush Park for warm drinks until around 8:30
In addition to decorating your bike, make sure to wear warm light-colored clothing, including gloves, and of course a bike helmet.
If you haven’t used your bike in a while, there will be two safety check sessions on Friday evening at 7:00 pm or Saturday afternoon at 3:00 pm. Location for safety check is 3131 Druid Lane in Rossmoor.
Another great magical season – we’re getting better after 12 years! And just to put it on your radar screens. Next year, we are planning to host a Christmas lights hanging workshop (learn the tricks of the trade) to hang lights more efficiently and safely. Thanks again to all the participating homeowner families, and Merry Christmas from the Rossmoor Homeowners Association!
The 12th annual Rossmoor Homeowners Association (RHA) Christmas Lights Celebration has handed out its awards and posted a Christmas Lights Hot Spots Map on the RHA website (ourrossmoor.com). It’s available for download as a PDF, or as a google link for visitors to enjoy an interactive map that helps you determine what route to drive, bike, or even walk. Pictured is the Passage to Wonderland Award winner, Den Hartog Family, 3212 Hillrose Drive. For more see pages, 10-11.
The interactive Christmas Lights Hot Spots Map takes you directly to a page to see the Santa, Christmas Tree and Reindeer icons designating the winning, special sights and sounds, and honorable mentioned homes!
