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By EMILY REED | Special to the Reporter

ALABASTER – Organizers with the Alabaster Tour of Lights are gearing up for the city’s eighth year of featuring illuminated homes throughout the city. This year’s tour will begin Friday, Dec. 1.

“Our goal every year is for families to load up their cars, enjoy time with their families and go look at Christmas lights,” said Alabaster Beautification Board President Marie Jordan. “Some of the best memories can be made by spending time with one another and looking at all of the beautiful light displays people have around the city.”

The Alabaster Beautification Board will present the Christmas Tour of Lights, which features homes with various festive light displays.

In 2022, there was an increase in participation with the tour with about 28 homes participating.

Jordan said the tour usually averages about 25 homes, but she hopes more will sign-up this year.

“We will always welcome people who are interested in having their home featured,” Jordan said. “The people who have the displays also really get enjoyment from hearing cars with children drive up and say, ‘wow.’”

In 2022, there were roughly 11 new families that participated in the event, compared to previous years.

“We have had people do the tour every year, but last year we had several new families join and we were thrilled with that,” Jordan said.

The winners of the event have previously been determined by the public, which had the option to vote for their favorite light displays.

This year, winners will be determined by an independent committee ranking their favorites, combined with online voting, which will begin Saturday, Dec. 2 and end on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

In 2022, first place winners were Samantha and Jon Morris with their display at 226 12th St. Southwest.

Many of the top contenders receive prizes donated to the Alabaster Beautification Board from various businesses in the community.

Jordan said this year, anyone who participates in the tour will receive a sign to place in their yard indicating they are part of the tour.

For those interested in signing up to be a tour participant, the deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 28. All light displays must be up and running by Dec. 1 with lights on from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. each night for judging.

Entry forms for the tour can be found on the city’s website at Cityofalabaster.com.

A complete map of the tour will be finalized and posted on the city’s website or Facebook page for anyone wishing to look at the light displays.

“We hope families will enjoy this tradition of just slowing down a bit at Christmas and enjoying the time together as a family,” Jordan said.