Victoria Park goes all out with Christmas display for safe holiday fun

Reporter: Taylor Smith Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
Christmas lights are up on homes in Victoria Park. Credit: WINK News.

The pandemic isn’t stopping a neighborhood from spreading positivity in a time that people desperately need it.

Neighbors at Victoria Park in Collier County say they are seeing even more people drive up and down their streets to see all the Christmas light displays the community is known for.

“I think it’s the perfect timing because 2020 has been a really sucky year,” said Ana, who lives in Victoria Park.

A homeowner told us they’ve noticed more lights and more people driving through than ever before.

“It was happening when I moved here in 1981, and it just got busier and busier,” said Ken Nelson, who lives in Victoria Park.

Nelson has lived in the neighborhood for 39 years and says, if anything, the pandemic is only feeding the Christmas celebration this holiday season

“Most all of my neighbors have more lights than ever before,” Nelson said. “They’re all home, and they’ve all got time, and they are trying to cheer everyone up. It’s been a tough year.”

Nelson said the Christmas cheer is a good diversion from the focus on the pandemic.

The best part about it is the safety factor. Everyone remains in their cars to enjoy the holiday fun.

“I think it’s safe if you’re in cars,” said Ali, who lives in Victoria Park. “The lights are amazing. The homeowners are the best.”

We saw trolleys and buses still escorting groups of people down the roads, and we saw them wearing masks to stay safe. The homeowners say the busiest night of the year will be Christmas eve.

Families driving through are happy. They can count on this tradition to continue on after many others have been canceled this year.

“That’s why we are here,’ Ali said. “The whole family is in here. We celebrate every year.”

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