Follow the lights to Christmas Hollow

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Star light, star bright, everyone’s invited to see Lucy and Al Anderson’s Christmas lights. For the third year, the McGregor couple, who live at 215 W. Spring St., behind the city garage across from the middle school, will welcome people to visit Christmas Hollow.

Always an avid Christmas decorator, Lucy came up with the idea for Christmas Hollow three years ago. She and Al, who were then newly married, had recently moved into their home, which had a yard that offered ample decorating space.

The Andersons began decorating last month. Lucy comes up with the display ideas, while Al engineers solutions to make them happen. 

“You have to start early,” Lucy remarked. “It takes a lot of time, but it’s fun.”

Lucy credited her husband with being so generous with his time. Al, a carpenter, said he’s happy to help. Luckily, this year, he stated, the mild weather has made decorating easier. 

This year’s Christmas Hollow display includes Santa’s workshop, a Christmas parade of animals dressed in holiday and winter gear, flying Santa and reindeer, a nativity scene, Christmas trees and more.

“I had a lot made up from last year,” said Lucy, who noted that many of her decorations come from rummage sales and the cap office.

There are several large additions this year, however. A life-size Santa and Frosty the Snowman, who both play music, are now included.

“Frosty can sing for an hour at a time,” Lucy said.

A giant, inflatable Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, known from the “Ghostbusters” movies, also graces the yard.

“We’ll also have more lights this year,” added Lucy.

Christmas Hollow will begin spreading the warmth of the holiday season Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 23. Lights can be viewed every night, from 5 to 9 p.m., until Dec. 26.

Lucy hopes people of all ages—but especially kids—will enjoy Christmas Hollow.

“I hope it will bring a lot of kids in,” she said. “That’s who we’re doing it for—the kids.”