By Connie Morrison —
Onancock is definitely a hot spot for Christmas lights. This Christmas town is incandescent.
Entering Onancock on Market Street from U.S. Route 13, it’s hard to miss the glow of an entire block on Hall Street, on the left just before the car wash. Residents on both sides of the street participate and this location seems to get brighter — and have more inflatables — every year.
Continue down Market Street to Ker Place, 69 Market St., for Lights on the Lawn, sponsored by the Onancock Business and Civic Association. Lights line the drive, including a Tyrannosaurus rex tree directly in front of Ker Place.
Take in the town’s multi-colored Christmas tree across from the post office, and the illuminated gazebo in the town park on the way to Onancock Wharf to view the lights in the shape of sails on the Mt. Prospect Street bridge and the lighted marina.
From there, return to Ames Street to view the lighted trees on docks. Consider parking in the town lot behind North Street Playhouse and walking across the bridge and down Ames and Sturgis streets where lights adorn many homes and yards.
It’s easy to see why 18184 Airport Drive, Melfa, is the most-nominated site on our list. Barbara Crockett is the mastermind behind the extravaganza, which must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Family and friends wrote that Crockett’s husband, Fred, began the decorating when he and Barbara bought their home in 1994. After Fred’s death in 2011, Barbara picked up the mantle, and she continues to add to the array. Despite working full-time and caring for family, she has single-handedly provided the holiday tableau every year since Fred’s death.
A sleigh, stars, and multiple decorated trees are among the decorations at 18112 NR North St., Keller. Homeowner Diane Denston says she also has six 6-foot Christmas trees inside the house, a couple of which are positioned in front of windows to contribute to the festive setting.
East of Keller, multi-color lights spanning Wachapreague’s Main Street greet visitors to the town’s park and lighted gazebo. A brightly festooned home at the intersection of Riverview and Church streets beckons visitors to take a closer look.
Photos by Connie Morrison unless otherwise noted.
Other nominated locations include:
22362 Deep Creek Road, Onancock.
26082 East Main St., Onley.
25524 Coastal Blvd., Onley.
