Over the past four months, we at Chapel Hill Watch have ranted and raved, chided and complained, held politicians’
toes to the fire and picked nits. We’re giving it a rest for the next few days to enjoy Christmas with our family. One of our traditions is looking at holiday lights. Here are some bright spots we’ve found around town:
U.S. 15-501 North, between Smith Level Road and the entrance to Southern Village: A couple of small brick ranches on the east side of the highway have created a winter wonderland that ranges from angels to elves, all lit up in colored lights, blinky and not.
Pinehurst Drive in Meadowmont: While the Old Money homes in The Oaks were a disappointment, one segment of Pinehurst in Meadowmont made up for it. Note the polar bear with the jaunty cap camped out on the lawn of No. 1152 and the 8-foot-tall nutcrackers guarding the door at No. 1148.
Honeysuckle Drive at the T with Sedgefield: Peer into the window behind a small stand of electric trees in primary colors to see the tallest indoor Christmas tree we’ve seen this side of Biltmore.
543 Piney Mountain Road: Santa prepares to drop down an inflatable chimney amidst hardwoods draped in colored lights.
Intersection of Old Forest Creek and Old Forest Creek: The yard is a veritable birthday cake afire with tiers of lights. Lit candy canes and an army of miniature Santas edge the curb, and lighted balls dangle from a tree. Circle the entire Old Forest Creek loop and peer into the cul-de-sacs. See the snow fall at No. 222?
N.C. 86 South, across the road from Joppa Oaks, about a mile south of Interstate 85: Set just to the south of Hillsborough, this house takes holiday lights displays seriously. Dozens of Santas cavort among a forest of electric trees. Angels hover and icicles drip from the eaves. In the center of it all is a small lighted cross. Well worth the drive.
Chandler’s Green: Enter at Sweeten Creek Drive off Sunrise Road to tour a neighborhood that could double for Universal Studio’s set from Christmas — the Movie. The tree dipped in red lights at No. 3605 sets the tone for these unique but tasteful displays. With icicles dripping from the eaves and a wreath and candle in each window, the houses at No. 7700 and No. 7600 Amesbury must have been beamed over intact from New England. No. 3903 Sweeten Creek wrapped its pillars like candy canes. Farther down the block, No. 4005 commands “Santa Stop Here” amid strands of colored lights, including blue and purple. Next door at No. 4007, an inflatable nutcracker looms over Santa sitting outside an igloo, huddling with his reindeer around a fire.
We’ll be back Monday. Happy holidays.
– Nancy Oates








