Christmas Light Spectacular at the Elks National Home: Bedford, Virginia

Christmas Light Spectacular at the Elks National Home: Bedford, Virginia - As Christmas nears every year, a big part of the holiday is the arrangements of Christmas lights-- not only inside, but outside, as well. Each year, in some places, it seems like the Christmas light displays get bigger and better. We have evolved from just plain lights, to LED lights, blinkers, icicle lights, different shapes-- and not just those, but also displays made out of plastic and wood-- icons of Christmas. With the right assembly, these displays can even move. Technology has made it possible to make some of the most impressive displays we have yet to see. Luckily, I lived in Bedford-- the Christmas capital of Virginia! From the Christmas parade on the first Saturday of December, to wreaths and lights downtown, as well as extravagantly decorated storefronts, it is indicative of Christmas, no matter where you turn in this city. However, perhaps the most popular, and the main attraction is the Elks Home Christmas Lights. Every year, starting the first week of November, thousands of lights and displays are set up by the maintenance crew with the aid of residents, in the front yard of the home, as well as on the home itself. This is a job that takes place all the way up to the day of the lighting ceremony-- on a Friday, usually one or two weeks before Christmas. This year's is scheduled to take place on December 12th, at 5:00 PM. The ceremony takes place in the main dining room, with the public present, and a esteemed member of the Order of the Elks, flips the switch. These lights stay on everyday from then until New Year's Eve, from 5:30 to 10:00 PM every night.

This tradition of the Elks Home Christmas Lights was started in 1953, and since then, maintenance members and residents have been making and purchasing decorations to be added every year. From icons like Santa and Mrs. Clause, his elves, candy canes, Christmas trees, and "old timey" Christmas scenes; to more religious Christmas icons like the nativity scene, crosses, and angels, there's a lot to see. There are many displays, and there are about 50,000 estimated lights. My favorite thing to look at is at the beginning of the drive-around circle. When my friend, Randall's, mom worked there, everyone knew Randall. So, one of the people that made displays for the Elks Home Christmas Lights made one of the elves on a slide display, look like Randall. We always go and get a good laugh out of it. Also, as you drive around the display, when you get nearer to the home itself, you can hear Christmas music playing quite loudly, so roll down your windows, and enjoy. There are also people standing outside, to hand you a piece of paper, sharing the history of this event.

Thousands of cars pass through the Elks Home Christmas Lights display every year. People come from near and far. If you are having friends and family in from out of town, this is one Christmas event you won't want to miss!