Christmas Magic on Colonial Court

A Holiday Tradition

With the entrance of chillier weather also means holiday cheer is just around the corner, especially for the quiet cul-de-sac tucked off North Main Street in Henderson, Colonial Court and its transformation into a winter wonderland. Six identical Colonial-style homes, each glowing with white icicle lights, create a picture-perfect scene known throughout town as “Christmas Court” during the most wonderful time of the year.

For more than two decades, Colonial Court has been a must-see stop for Christmas light enthusiasts near and far, according to former long-time resident Susan McVicor.

The festive tradition began in 2001, when McVicker had a stroke of Christmas inspiration.

“I just love Christmas,” McVicker said with a laugh. “Back then, icicle lights weren’t common. One day, I just started talking to the neighbors and said, ‘Hey, what do you think?’ And everyone jumped in.”

With six identical homes built between the 1920s and 1930s, Colonial Court offered a rare opportunity for visual harmony. McVicker and her neighbors decided to outline each home in matching white icicle lights to create a simple, elegant, New England-inspired village feel.

That first year, McVicker personally helped hang lights on five of the six homes. “If I wanted it done, I had to do it,” she said. “It was a lot of work, but the end result was so worth it.”

The lights were officially switched on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, which is still a tradition that continues to this day.

From that first year, the community took notice. “Everyone drives through Colonial Court at Christmas,” said former resident Dana Bugg, who lived there for nearly 20 years. “It’s not just a Henderson thing anymore. People come from all over the Tri-State.”

Bugg remembers the one year her house wasn’t lit due to exterior painting. “Someone actually posted on Twitter, ‘Thanks for ruining Christmas at Colonial Court!’” she said, laughing. “That’s how serious people are about it.”

The street’s reputation quickly grew, earning yearly features in local newspapers and TV segments. Now, every December, a steady stream of cars make their way down the small neighborhood to experience the Christmas magic.

“We have an unwritten rule; no one parks on the court while the lights are up,” said current resident Chip Royer, who has lived on Colonial Court for nearly 10 years. “We want people to be able to drive through easily and enjoy it. Once those lights go on, it’s nonstop traffic until after New Year’s.”

Each house is outlined in white icicle lights along the gutters and roof peaks, a signature look that ties the street together. From there, every homeowner adds their own touches with lighted ornaments, net lights on shrubs, and other extravagant decorations.

“One of the neighbors started doing an ‘Elf on the Balcony,’” Royer shared. “His son dresses up as an elf and sits up there while Christmas music plays. The kids love it.”

Though hanging lights on steep rooflines isn’t for the faint of heart, the residents say the joy it brings to others makes it all worthwhile. “It’s a lot of work, but when you see families walking through and the kids’ faces light up, it’s worth every bit of it,” Royer said.

McVicker agrees. “It’s really special when people tell me they used to come as children and now they bring their own kids. That’s when you realize how meaningful it’s become to the community.”

Colonial Court may be small with just six homes, but as one of the original neighborhoods in Henderson, its impact on Henderson’s holiday spirit remains merry and bright.

“It’s such a unique little street,” Bugg said. “It was actually Henderson’s first neighborhood, and it still has that neighborly feel. Everyone helps each other. That sense of community is what makes it so special.”

Though McVicker has since moved away, she says she’ll always hold Colonial Court close to her heart. “I hope they keep it going forever,” she said. “It’s become part of Henderson’s Christmas. I think the whole city would be in an uproar if it stopped.”

As Thanksgiving weekend approaches, the residents of Colonial Court are once again climbing ladders, stringing their icicle lights, and preparing to flip the switch on another holiday season.

For those that plan to go, remember to dress warm, bring your walking shoes, and have your cameras ready to capture some of the magic.