The Decatur Minute

Decorate Decatur night comes but once a year. That’s when Decatur residents and businesses plug in the string lights, set up the cut-outs, carefully unwrap the giant figurines and show their holiday spirit. As soon as the sun goes down a dedicated group of judges, anonymous by tradition, load up in a trusty vehicle to cruise the streets of Decatur and seek out the best in holiday decor. Here are their findings for your holiday viewing pleasure.

Commissioners Cup Winner: 332 Lockwood Terrace
On the east side of Decatur, what to the wondering eyes of the anonymous judges appeared but this explosion of lights. They cover the roof of this home, outline the windows and doorways, extend to the shrubs and ornamental trees, and go all the way up the trunk of a tall pine tree smack dab in the middle of the yard. There are few things our judges like more than an over-the-top interpretation of what holiday décor should be, and they hope that the awarding of the Commissioners Cup encourages more of this decorating behavior.

115 W. Hill St
One thing you can count on in this world is a fabulous display of holiday lights on Hill Street each year, and this home is the epicenter. Beyond the lighted arch you’ll see carefully-positioned reindeer, Christmas trees, a Santa figure and lights draped around the eaves and shrubbery. The lights extend around the sides of the house, an extra level of effort always noted with favor by the anonymous judges.

245 Mt. Vernon Circle
This home is a tasteful treat of white lights, green garland and red ribbon with decorations that extend around the sides of the house and yard. The anonymous judges note appreciatively that the use of ribbon and garland provide beautiful décor visible by day as well as by night. One anonymous judge was spied making some personal notations about the ribbon/garland combination and how that might dress up a certain home next year . . .

424 Glendale
This quaint home plays with scale, with decorations that feature oversized light balls hanging in a small ornamental tree juxtaposed against the geometry of the traditional façade framed by white lights. Lit trees and shrubbery punctuate the design.

210 Garden Lane
The anonymous judges were quite taken by the overall effect of this decorating scheme that features oversize stars gently glowing with light, offset by a dazzling tree wrapped in white lights from the trunk up into the branches. Wreaths and garland provide the perfect finishing details that look good by day as well as by night.

107 2nd Ave
Heading out of Oakhurst along E. Lake Drive, as you round the bend you can’t miss this generous electrical display – white lights, color lights, shaped lights, LEDs, C9s – you name it, all under the watchful gaze of two enormous inflatable toy soldiers. The anonymous judges were especially pleased by the addition of holiday music and the lights synched to flash on and off.

142 Fairview
Photos do not do this home justice, but there is truly something here for everyone. The more you look, the more you see: light-up figures of a snowman, Santa, and a giant candle, plus nativity scenes, and festoons of garland with ribbon and beads fill up the front yard and extend to the back. Walk by the front steps and you’ll see a charming Christmas village. Holiday music provides the perfect finishing touch for a total experience.

128 Pharr Rd.
On the southern edge of town the anonymous judges were impressed by this stand-out display of dazzling lights and garland lining every available inch of fence, walkway, roofline and shrubbery. The strategic placement of colorful candy canes and jaunty, welcoming Santa make the front door the focal point.

Neighborhood award:  E. Ponce de Leon Avenue between Arcadia and Sycamore
This well-orchestrated effort resulted in a row of nine cozy cottages all decorated with white lights that welcome drivers entering Decatur from the east, and make a dazzling succession of lights for drivers heading west.

Special Shout-out: Lamont and Vidal Boulevards for their impressive display of luminaria that lined every twist and curve of these two long streets.

Business Category

Greenes, 141 East Trinity Place
Always offering a pleasing display of old-school window dressing, this year Greene’s has a distinctive new neon sign that contributes greatly to Decatur’s “Christmas time in the city” ambiance.

Boogaloos, 246 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Another downtown shop that still offers up imaginative seasonal window displays, much appreciated by the pedestrians and passersby of Decatur.

McGowans Pub, 321 W. Hill St.
The Hill Street effect extends its influence all the way to the west end, culminating at McGowans Pub where a welcoming dazzle of lights beckons you in to relax and refresh.

Out of the Pan, 105 Clairmont Ave.
One of Decatur’s newest eateries, this business stepped up to the Decorate Decatur challenge with a charming nutcracker topper on a chimenea, lit by a classic street lamp.