In Windcrest, Texas, what began with a single idea and a few strands of Christmas lights nearly 70 years ago has transformed into a spectacular holiday tradition that continues to dazzle thousands. During the holiday season, the streets of Windcrest burst into festive cheer, with houses adorned in elaborate decorations, outshining the ordinary tranquility of the city. This now-famous tradition was sparked in roughly 1956 by Barbee Winn, who along with her husband Murray developed what would become the city of Windcrest. “She would hold a stick and he would look through the survey instrument and get the lay of the land and put the streets there and then started building houses,” their son Tom Winn recounted to KSAT.
The city, now home to about 6,000 residents, holds an annual "Light Up" contest with 11 categories for winners. The event's fame escalated after a local homeowner claimed a $50,000 prize on ABC’s ‘Great Christmas Light Fight.’ With an expected rush of visitors each season, local authorities even resort to setting up barricades to manage traffic. To assist sightseers, maps can be obtained at the Windcrest fire station to easily navigate to the most stunning displays, as reported by KSAT.
Notably, this year's Light-Up might have made history with its 'Twas The Night Before Christmas theme, as Windcrest Mayor Dan Reese told KENS 5, "The application called Yelp has named us as the number one place for Christmas lights." An unprecedented number of participants brought the beloved Christmas poem visually to life, with the community putting forward a literal holiday storybook. The Wilsons, prominent figures from a past display renowned nationwide, opted for a humbler exhibit this year, due to John's knee surgery and the intensive labor required in previous editions. Their yard now humorously adorned with a sign stating, '2021 WINNER. The Great Christmas Light Fight. NOW WE'RE TIRED!' reflects the dedication and tireless effort put into this community-centric celebration.
Traditionally the busiest night of the season, Windcrest intensely lit up this past Friday. Families from nearby cities, already infused with holiday spirit, cruise through the adorned neighborhood, embracing the local festivities as part of their seasonal ritual. Archie Archambault from Universal City shared with KENS 5, "When you're together with your kids seeing lights, we got hot chocolate going in the back, Christmas music going, there's nothing better during Christmas time." This shared sentiment encapsulates the essence of Windcrest during the holidays, a communal delight that has, over decades, woven itself into the fabric of the city's identity. They will continue to shine until January 31, 2024, urging visitors to partake in the magic early and preferably on a weekday for the best experience.
