Holly's recommended Historical Tacky Christmas Lights 2006 IN FAIRFAX COUNTY, NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Site updated almost daily during the two weeks before Christmas Last Updated 16-Jan-2008	Now Playing:  It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

(With a name like 'Holly', how could I not recommend Christmas Lights???)

Looking back at Christmas 2006 A special thanks to all who sent me addresses to check out. You keep this list going with your participation. This list grew by 9+ new additions in 2006 with only one loss.  May your days (and nights) be Merry and Bright....Holly Via this page, I have become a minor local celebrity this year. I was interviewed by two news organizations. I was heard on WTOP talking about Christmas lights. I was interviewed and photographed for an article appearing in the Times newspaper, Fairfax edition. (See... even a simple data manager can achieve notoriety.) Link to Times article: http://www.zwire.com/site/tab5.cfm?newsid=17611967&BRD=2553&PAG=461&dept_id=506096&rfi=6 Each Christmas brings some new "in" thing. I remember when I first saw icicle lights (which I love). I was disappointed when inflatables took the place of many light displays in 2003 but was happy to see lights (and inflatables) returning the following years. This year the "in" thing is synchronizing lights to music and broadcasting on an FM channel. Note to homeowners: Have all lights come on frequently enough so viewers can see the full volume of your decorating efforts.

1. 5811 Ash Drive, Springfield
   
   
   
   
   Nice layout, lots of lights and lighted figures displayed on two sides of the house, some blowups, also many lighted wire deer.
   (Need to put lights on the house to increase Tacky rating) Two large pines across street decorated with huge multi-color lights adds to display.
   






2. 3309 Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax - since 2004
   
   
   Display with lots of lights and things in the yard.
   Enough yard for future Tacky expansion... (Photo taken during an ice storm)

   
   Returned in 2006 - House directly across the street decorated with lots of colorful lights, photo doesn't show true volume of lights
   Both put off quite a glow and slow traffic on Prosperity Avenue. Let the battle begin....
   






3. 3622 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax City (at corner with Warwick) - since 2005

   

   Decorated fence opening on Warwick

   Lots of white and multicolor lights on every object in the yard, trees and fences. Very colorful and bright. Puts off a great glow...


Can't get a good picture because of trees and traffic... You need to park and get out the really enjoy this one...






4. 3608 Old Post Road, Fairfax City

   

   
   
   Very tacky but, I love the unique things (lighted wire carousel, helicopter) in the front.
   House encircled with icicle lights, deck in back yard too. Go around the block to see it.






5. 7704 Wilbur Court, Springfield

   

    
   A multitude of lighted white wired deer backed by multi-colored lights including the backyard
   Entire street well lit. 12/24/05 - met Mr & Mrs Wilbur Court...delightful people...
   We counted the figures, there are 28 lighted deer figures, 1 moose, 2 polar bears, and one animated pink flamingo.

   In 2005, the neighbor directly across the street has a small herd of deer in his front yard and the neighborhood joke is that it got too crowded at 7704 and some migrated across the street.

   

   
   

6. 2122 Galloping Way, Vienna
   
   
   Wide yard with decorations spread from end-to-end.  All white lights and painted 2-D wooden cut-outs set up in various scenes.
    

   10203 Lawyers Road, Vienna
   
   On Lawyers to the left where you turn onto Galloping Way. Hidden behind trees on road. I really like this one.
   Very beautiful layers of multicolored lights. Large decorated tree with groupings of animal figures in gated courtyard in front of house.
   Must be a great site looking down from 2nd floor windows. Just can't get a photo that shows the true volume of lights, which is huge.

   10000 Garrett Rd, Vienna (corner of Lawyers)

   
   New for 2006 - Brightly lit white display with white silhouette manger figures in yard.
   Found this one while riding out to Galloping Way this year.

7. 7723 Fisher Drive, Falls Church - since 2005
   If Pimmit Hills is still having a contest, this one is the winner. The green wire light tree is 3 stories high.
   
   
   
   

   
   Another house in Pimmit Hills - corner of Griffith and Leonard I think...
    






8. 1713 N. Quebec Street, Arlington

   

      
   A small yard jam-packed full of lights and vintage lighted figures (blow molds) set up in various displays.
   I like the large Thomas the Tank Engine, an all-seasons yard decoration, being boarded by a multitude of lighted Santa figures.
   (In 2005 Santa and Thomas are part of the choir. In 2006 it's a Santas crossing the Delaware.)
   Also liked all the different colored trees and the polar bear/penguin display.






9. 6283 Wills St, Alexandria

   
   
    

   
   Several groupings of lighted figures backed by multi-colored lights synchronized to music.
   Loved the Penguin and Polar Bear group and the gingerbread group. A forest of lighted trees.
   Nov. 24, 2006 - Graciously invited to lighting party, delightful people...






10. 6634 South Kings Highway, Alexandria

    
     

    My son in front of this popular house decorated differently every year but always over-the-top
    Has a small working train for giving the little ones a ride, Dec. 22-24, 2006, 6-10pm

    Other houses on Memorial, east and west
     
    






11. 128 Nutley Street, Vienna

    
    
    
    
    Again very pretty with use of different colors for different objects...lots of blue (my favorite color) lights outlining the house, buildings
    The lights are abundant and wide spread but subtle. Photos don't do justice...
    I also like the shopping center (The Village Green) decorations next door. The uneven roof lines look great outlined.






12. 3912 Lincolnshire Street, Annandale
    Also, check out 3909 Lincolnshire and houses on Patricia St. and Brookcrest Pl. off same section of Gallows Rd.

    

    
     
    For some reason the right front yard was bare but for the one snow globe
    Looking down the driveway. Most of the blow molds were set up here

    
    a cascading snow flake, wire deer and other figures and lights in the back yard
    

    3909 Lincolnshire St

    2005 2006 Patricia St.

    3912 is an all-time favorite... Lights and lighted figures cover every square inch of the yard, backyard decorated, too and gets bigger every year.
    3909 since 2005 picking up the slack left by 3917 which stopped decorating in 2005 due to loss in the family.
    
    

13. 2507 Fairview Drive, Alexandria

    
    How does he get all that on the roof?????
    

    2006 - The moving/singing deer on the porch cracked me up.... Thought I was at Disney World, at Bear Jamboree...

    2006 - added path for walking through yard and on porch...
    Another of my top three favorites... You'll see the glow through the trees as you approach.
    Overdone to the MAX!!! He is the KING of the Inflatables!!! He must have one of every kind available.
    The right property line is lined with intermixed Santas and Snowmen.
    The roofs was covered with lighted figures and inflatables, and there is still lots of lights...
    Has a miniature village in picture window on porch. Love the vintage Three Stooges on the porch steps.
    12/21/04 - Met Mr. & Mrs. Fairview Drive and son. A real pleasure! He's been doing this for 35 years!

    6517 Hillside Lane, Alexandria

    

     

    

     Son of Fairview on Hillside Lane. Everything Fairview can't fit in his yard is displayed in son's yard just around the corner on Hillside Lane.
    Hillside has a much bigger lawn for displaying and now rivals his Dad's display.
    






14. 1601 Collingwood Road, Alexandria

     
    More colorful in 2006
    
    
    New creation for 2005 - Leaping reindeer

    My top favorite...Extremely large house and yard with beautifully done lights everywhere!
    Very classy and tacky at the same time. I loved the ground cover done in green lights with the larger red (berry) lights.
    Also, many groups of lighted deer figures. And the homeowner does all this, not a landscape company...
    2006 - added 28 more leaping deer, 30 shooting stars, 250 strobes and 21,000 led's. Animated to music. Tune to 98.1FM.






15. East Juniper Avenue, Sterling (Loudon County) (east side of Sterling Blvd)
    BTW: Sterling Blvd has several nice houses....

         

    ...And for NASCAR fans, Santa's pitstop....

    Everyone on this entire street gets into the act and it's like one of those drive-thru light shows. I loved the variety.
     One house has large wooden Peanuts characters, for another it's the Simpsons. Look for a life-size Spiderman on one house.
    Keep an eye out for Santa (Box for canned food donations)
     

    1607 N. Amelia St., Sterling (west side of Sterling Blvd)

    

    Small colorful yard.
    House across street would be a nice compliment except there was too much flashing...






16. 10715 Shadow Lane, Fairfax Station

    

    
    Very large house and yard (several acres) with property line and all outbuildings outlined in white lights
    2006 - got out to take pictures and was surprise by two large horses coming to greet me.
    They seemed friendly. Next time I'll bring an apple or some carrots.
    Check out colorful 11003 Hampton Rd. on right just before Shadow Land turn. Has bulls-eye on house.






17. 5700 Claret Place, Centreville - since 2005

    

         
     
    the dancing-lights skating rink

    Corner lot encircled with candle and soldier lighted figures . Lots of vintage blow-molds.
    Lots of lights and lighted figures some with animation and a few inflatables.
    Love the angel chorus on the home-built platform.  2006 - Animated to music. Tune to 105.7 FM.
    2006 - View write up on this one in local paper: http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=75274&paper=62&cat=104



 

18. Lee Manor Dr, Manassas (Prince William County)
    (Andy & Barb's Christmas Wonderland) - returned in 2006

    
    Back after a two year hiatus.
    Visit their website at http://www.christmaswonderland.org/





19. 6226 Stonehunt Place, Clifton (Little Rocky Run) - since 2005

    

     

    These lights took my breath away. These photos don't begin to show the true volume of lights, it's blinding!!
    I've never seen so many light strings going in so many directions. Reminds me of a spider web. You've got to see this to believe it.

    13703 Stonehunt Ct.

    
    
    
     House behind on 13703 Stonehunt Ct. decorated with lots of lights and bright red candy canes lining driveway.






20. 5509 Sequoia Farms, Centreville - since 2005

    

     

    A ton of lights and figures. The yard is ringed by candy cane and candle lights.
    Lots of wire-frame, motion figure lights.  2006 - Animated to music, 105.7FM.






21. 11303 Stones Throw Dr, Reston (corner of Fieldview and Stones Throw) - since 2005

    

     

    His large, unique Santa and reindeer to the left of front door (Notice halo behind Santa head created by light reflection)

    His life-size Manger to the right of the front door

    A beautifully done home in twinkling white lights. Very tasteful and extravagant at the same time.
    The entire property and home is encircled with white trees and bushes. Every window of the house is perfectly outlined in white lights.
    Love the single pair of white wire deer in back yard and two-story Christmas tree visible through side window.
     

    
    

    22. 13897 Ferrara Ct., Chantilly (off Poplar Tree Rd)

    
    
    

    
    New for 2006 - Large collection of very unique wire-frames. Includes a Texas shaped one.
     

    
     

    23. Chantilly - going live on Dec. 18, running nightly from 5-8pm
    Please email for address until homeowner says ok to publish....

    

    

    New for 2006 - A very colorful local version of a Wizards-of-Winter-like display synchronized to music. Tune to FM 97.7
    From green to red to blue to various mixtures of those to white. I like the reindeer and sled next to the driveway as they come on, one by one.
    Also like when lights formed holly-bush coloring (green with some red).
    House is on small pipe stem so park outside and walk up pipe stem to see display. Also, has outdoor speakers playing the music.
    Homeowner requests that visitors not drive or walk on neighbor's yards. Not all are supportive of his efforts and he doesn't want to get shut down so, please honor his request...
    View video performance at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfp8QNfPM94
    Dec. 2006 - Was invited for a private show prior to going live. Spent an hour talking to owner about his efforts and concerns. A very talented gentleman.
     

24.  11610 Henderson Road, Clifton

25.  8209 Lorton Road, Lorton

New for 2006 - Lots of unique wire-frames. But house only has lighted wreaths on windows.
Great display but hard to see from road because yard is below street level.

26. 9905 Barbara Ann Lane, Fairfax
    
     
    
    
    
    New for 2006 - Very colorful yard. Multicolored lights outlining house, roof, windows, fences and spiraled around every tree.
    Santa and reindeer leaving skid marks on the roof and some inflatables...Love the giant nutcracker/drummer.
    The Hi-Tech decorations have moved here....
    
    
     

27. 5017 Swinton Dr, Fairfax
    
    
    Bright, multi-colored display. Arch-lights over driveway. I like the wireframes lying on the roof, especially the nutcracker.
    Has a "Frosty's day care" display (big snowman with little ones) around front tree.

28. 9117 Anderson Lane, Fort Belvoir (close to Fx. Co. Pkwy off Rt. 1)

    

    

29.  9419 Braymore Circle, Fairfax Station - (not sure if house address correct)

Small yard encircled with red and green candy canes. Couple of palm trees for good measure.
Santa in sleigh with full compliment of 8 large reindeer. I like the nutcracker between garage doors.
Needs to add lights on the house...

30.  5601 & 5604 Hereford Ct., Alexandria

This one absolutely glowed...

New for 2006 - Described as "Dueling Tackiness on Hereford Ct."...
5601 has lots of multicolored lights around windows, house outlined, trees, front columns and a large Santa and reindeer on the roof.
5604 has lighted figures, inflatables, candy canes, multicolor and white lights. Look for flamingo in the tree.
(12-27-06 met 5604 Homeowner - scaled back display this year due to an injury but has big plans for next year - look out!)
BTW: Neighborhood has great Christmas spirit with lots of decorated homes.
Also check out the corner of Kingsbury and Broadmoor for lots of multicolored trees and deer, candy cane entrance arch
And check out 7716 Hayfield for another multicolored house with 4 red & white striped columns and lit candy cane walkway.

2.  Shell Station at corner of Rolling Road and Old Keene Mill Rd

Tackiest Prior to 2005 - Hi-Tech Transmissions, Merrifield

The definition of "Tacky". This business put lighted figures on their roof for years but, discontinued in 2004.
Last year they were going to throw them away. I saved them and as of 12/20/06 they have a new home with #26 on the list.

And if you live in Maryland, here's one for you......

8406 Elko Dr, Elliott City, Maryland

Photo by Jon

Kluckhuhn Christmas Tree, a decorated 65-foot white pine tree at 1200 Montgomery Street, Laurel, Md.
A treasured holiday tradition since the 1960s - Owner passed in spring 2006 and family is continuing the tradition.