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Citizens were treated to a series of vibrant and festive displays across the city during the ninth annual Alabaster Tour of Lights. (Contributed)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Citizens were treated to a series of vibrant and festive displays across the city during the ninth annual Alabaster Tour of Lights.

The Alabaster Tour of Lights is organized each year by the Alabaster Beautification Board and features a map of participating homes that are creatively decorated throughout the city for locals to visit and view. The ninth annual installment of the tour exceeded last year’s and saw 37 homes participate.

“We were very excited about it,” said Marie Jordan, president of the Alabaster Beautification Board. “We seemed to have more creative displays and people seemed to be really excited about it.”

Each home that participated in the tour was marked on a map on the city of Alabaster’s website and received a sign marking them as part of the tour.

“My goal is to give them the opportunity to go visit a display and create more Christmas spirit and fellowship among their family and neighbors,” Jordan said. “A lot of neighbors had pitched in and helped each other with their displays. It’s just been remarkable this year.”

Additionally, a video was created for visitors to the Christmas Lights of Alabaster Facebook page to catch a glimpse of the festivities as well as a gallery of photos which were a treat for those who were hindered from going out on the tour physically.

“Those that can’t actually go out and do it anymore—due to driving at night—they get to experience a part of Christmas as well,” Jordan said. “I think it’s wonderful that we give them that opportunity.”

Out of the 37 homes that joined in the ninth annual tour,  Jordan received plenty of positive feedback and heartwarming anecdotes.

Michael Lockridge shared that their home was loved by visitors for its originality with its “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” theme.

“We loved being a part of it and were excited when people would stop and take pictures,” Lockridge said.

Tyfannie Ensor participated in the tour and said that visitors described their home as looking like something straight out of a Hallmark movie.

“We loved being part of the tour,” Ensor said. “We have been doing the tour for as long as it’s been a thing.”

According to Laura Nabors, many visitors shared that they enjoyed viewing their display and said that they were inspired to join the tour after seeing it.

Chris Elward said that several visitors loved the lights and were curious where they obtained certain pieces.

“We loved it,” Elward said. “We love seeing cars stop and families enjoying our light display.”

Barbara Taylor highlighted how they were told numerous times how much joy their display brought to residents and how appreciative visitors were that the city put the tour together.

“We enjoy being on the tour and having people come to see our lights,” Taylor said.

With the 2024 installment of the tour at its close, Jordan looks forward to next December when the board will host the 10th annual installment of the event which she hopes continues to grow.

“We’re going to try and expand it, make it more wonderful and try to get more creative displays,” Jordan said.

Those interested in keeping up to date with the tour may follow tis official Facebook page at Facebook.com/Alabasterlights

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