Homes in Hugo’s Adelaide Landing neighborhood are often decorated with creative themes inspired by Christmas classics. Photo: Chris DuFresne
A neighborhood’s holiday tradition encourages festive cheer and community giving.
What began as a bright idea during COVID-19 has become a lasting holiday tradition in Hugo. It all started when Chris and Amie DuFresne encouraged their neighbors in Adelaide Landing to decorate their homes with holiday lights to bring joy to families during social distancing. “We wanted to live in a neighborhood where people knew each other and not just wave to each other, but talk to each other,” Chris says.
As the neighborhood grew, so did the glow. From the day after Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day (from sunset to 10 p.m.), the neighborhood shines with festive lights and décor. Some homes feature creative themes inspired by Christmas books, movies or songs. Examples include Blue Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. “Some houses have signs in their yard with a QR code, so as you’re driving through, you guess what the theme is and then scan the QR code, and that gives you the answer,” Chris says.
These QR codes also include a link to Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf, and visitors to the neighborhood are encouraged to donate to the area nonprofit. To find the lights, navigate to 130th Lane North in Hugo. Updated information can be found on the Adelaide Landing Lights Facebook page.
