Putting together these lists is one of my favorite things to do and I wouldn’t be able to do it without all the input from the community. So thank you to everyone who sent us tips this year!
This year’s collection zig zags all over the city so be sure to check the past years’ houses on the master list as you’ll almost certainly pass a few others along the way. This year’s houses will go on the list later on.
As always, please be respectful of private property, drive like you’re the only one paying attention, and if you have any good houses to add to the list, be sure to drop a comment below.
And if any of these houses stand out to you, even if it’s one of the less extravagant ones, it would be really nice to take a couple minutes and write them a letter. It can be as simple as, “Thanks for the pretty lights!” If you have kids who are old enough to write a thank you note or scribble a picture, that’s even better.
Knowing that your efforts brought someone joy—especially someone you don’t even know—is one of the greatest feelings you can have. The people who put up these displays do it out of love for our community, pure and simple, and it would be great to reflect some of that back to them.
5112 N. Ruby St.
I can only imagine how tedious it must be to wrap the branches of a tree like this (let alone unwrapping it) so I always appreciate when people do it well.
5114 N 45th St.
This house seemed like a stalemate between one person who strongly preferred warm white lights and another person who insisted on rainbows. Somehow it all worked out, though. This house is good and tall for little kids who have a hard time looking out the window. Also, the neighbor’s house with all green lights tucked under the eves is really unique.
4610 N 31st St
If you have any minions fans in your car, this might be worth stopping and getting out for. The neighbor has some really nice icicles and a big blue tree with an arch over the sidewalk.
7013 N 17th St
This is one of those houses that makes you wonder where they store all the decorations in the off season. The giant HOLIDAY HOUSE on the roof is just wonderful and there’s a nice long arch over the sidewalk that’s perfect for family photos. Definitely worth getting out to see up close but be careful of traffic as this one’s on a main road. Check them out at @northtacomaholidayhouse for events and details.
1620 N Stevens St
OK, full disclosure, this one is not going to knock your socks off. And if you didn’t grow up in the ‘80s or ‘90s, you probably won’t get the reference. A big inflatable Ralphie was too good to drive past, though, and it’s on the way to a few other great houses.
1929 S M St.
This is a great little house. Tasteful, well balanced, and very very bright.
3424 S Monroe St
This one is buried in a neighborhood that I never would’ve seen if someone hadn’t sent in a tip. Definitely worth a visit. And bonus points for yet another ‘80s movie reference.
5906 S Thompson Ave
Between the giant skeletons everyone’s buying for Halloween and the ever-widening spectrum of Christmas inflatables, it seems pretty clear that we’re in the middle of a holiday decoration arms race. And I for one am here for it. This reindeer was about as tall as the two story house.
Also, you gotta love the neighbor down the block who just DGAF and lit their skeleton with festive red and green lights.
