As the spooky season closes out for the year, daylight savings marks the turn into the holidays. Carlsbad, California may not have the classic winter chill, but its sunny skies and palm-lined streets do not stop residents from embracing the festive spirit. One neighborhood goes all out in the name of holiday cheer and friendly competition.
Residents in Canterbury, off Cannon Road and just west of El Camino Real, take their holiday decorations seriously. Some locals compare the Canterbury Holiday lights to those of Bressi Ranch during Halloween; with each passing year, the neighborhood continues to prove itself as the most festive street in Carlsbad.
Three streets mainly take part in the winter festivities, including six different competitions that range from Santa’s Favorite to Best Overall. These competitions are finally judged by former Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall on the night of Christmas Eve.
In the weeks leading up to judging night, residents trade ideas and pitch in to help each other set up. Wooden Dr. Seuss-style trees handcrafted line the entrance, and synchronized light displays are carefully curated to holiday favorites.
Resident Sharron Doyle said she goes all out every year and has for as long as she can remember. She noted that she has won several awards over the years. This year, though, she is hoping to bring a winter wonderland to her home with a snow machine and interactive visuals.
“I think it is a sense of community, especially for the young kids, because they like to come and see the lights and animation,” Doyle said. “It is this sense of everyone getting together and helping each other out.”
Sage Creek senior Spencer Rogow is a resident of Canterbury and takes pride in passing by the beautiful displays. He remarks that he can not wait until his neighbors begin setting up for the year, as he loves seeing the decoration process the most.
“My family does not really celebrate Christmas all that wildly, but I feel like I get a touch of that spirit as soon as I step outside,” Rogow said.
For residents like Rogow, and anyone lucky enough to find themselves strolling through Canterbury this season, the bright lights serve as a reminder that holiday spirit is not about the weather or the size of your displays, but the joy of coming together as neighbors and friends.
Looking ahead, residents far and wide are anticipating the big night that Canterbury prepares for all year. Judgment day will be here before we know it, and it’s clear that the carefully curated light displays will be bigger and brighter than ever.
