WOODWAY, Texas (KXXV) — Wooded Crest Drive in Woodway transforms into a Christmas wonderland, drawing visitors nationwide for a decades-long holiday tradition.
- Decades-long tradition: Wooded Crest Drive in Woodway has been transforming into a Christmas wonderland for decades, drawing families and visitors from across the country
- Costly commitment: Homeowners spend $500-$600 per month on electric bills during the holiday season to maintain their elaborate light displays
- Tourist attraction: The Waco Trolley includes Wooded Crest Drive as a featured stop on Christmas light tours, with bookings coming from nationwide visitors
- Family memories: Multiple generations of families return annually to experience the lights, creating lasting holiday traditions and childhood memories
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BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
For decades, one Woodway neighborhood has transformed into a winter wonderland that draws visitors from across the country, turning an ordinary street into a magical Christmas destination.
Wooded Crest Drive may look like any other neighborhood during the day, but once the sun sets, the street becomes a beacon of holiday cheer that even Santa couldn't miss.
"We love these beautiful lights, we hope they keep doing it forever and ever and never stop," said Jason Cunningham
Christmas only comes once a year, and neighbors on Wooded Crest Drive have been making the most of it for decades. The streets fill up with families driving by or strolling through the wonderland of lights, grateful that homeowners are willing to look past hefty electric bills to spread joy.
"It runs probably $500 to $600 for the month. Is it worth it? Yeah it is, it is," said Arnel Morris, one of the participating homeowners.
"We are so grateful that they're willing to pay that electric bill, because for us, it's a Christmas tradition," said Jordy Barksdale
The holiday tradition spreads like Christmas cheer throughout the community.
"It speaks to all of us, the lights, the wonderment of the holiday season," said Lori Davidson.
Davidson owns The Waco Trolley and gets bookings from all over the country for her Christmas light tour. One of the tour's favorites is Wooded Crest Drive.
"That's where I raised my children driving down those streets after Christmas Eve service, that was our tradition," Davidson said.
It's the twinkle of these lights that creates memories that will shine for many Christmases to come.
"Having grandkids already, we know how fast kids grow up, so we just want to spend every moment we can with them, and building these memories, things they're going to remember forever," said Cunningham.
Morris said the lights typiclaly come down January 1st.
The Waco Trolley makes stops at other neighborhoods including the Karem Shriners. The tours run about an hour and a half, with hot cocoa and trivia games and prizes. Davidson will continue taking bookings until the end of December.
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