NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The City of Newport News is coming up with both fun and safe ways for residents to celebrate during the pandemic.
For nearly 20 years, Steve Stern has been lighting up the holiday sky from his home on Sheffield Way.
“It's just pure joy to be able to see all of this in action,” Stern said. The dancing, the singing that I hear from inside the house, that makes it all worthwhile in the end.”
In the past, he and his family have also collected donations for a local food bank and animal rescue.
He doesn't take planning or details lightly.
“Planning starts in January. As soon as you get everything done, you're already thinking about next year's show,” he said.
Stern hopes to have his full display complete by this weekend. While he's still putting the finishing touches on this year's display, he's likely to take part in a new way to celebrate the holidays in Newport News.
The city has launched the NlightN Holiday Tour, which will feature light displays from local residents, businesses, places of worship and other organizations. Drivers will be taken from one end of the city to the other to enjoy light displays.
Interested participants can visit the NlightN Holiday Tour website and enter the address of the location that will be decorated.
There is no cost to participate and all are invited to be part of the tour.
The city has also created a tour map for people to find the decorated, brightly-lit areas in Newport News.
Participants who sign up will be featured on the website and will be offered to pick up a sign announcing they are part of the tour. Everyone who registers will receive an email regarding pick up locations.
"The city is being creative in how we celebrate," Sarah Bowman, Senior Communications Specialist for the City of Newport News said. "This light tour is giving us the chance to celebrate as a community safely, separately but still together."
Stern said this year's set up is important.
“People just need a break,” he said. “To be able to have some form of enjoyment, hopefully that will brighten their day just a little bit more.”
For more information, click here or call 757-926-1400.
