FYI: If you want to skip my nostalgic ramblings, the Christmas Lights video is at the bottom! 
Friends -
Vegas figured out the power of great lights a long time ago (and yes, also addictive gaming and other vices—but let's stick to Christmas!)
After getting home much later than planned a few nights ago (bless the Real Estate biz), I knew I had to get outside—even though it was dark, cold, and my brain was fried.
Sometimes I let Max choose the route. “Up the trail, or downtown, Max?”
He picked downtown, and one block into the historic district, I was hit with pure Christmas magic at the Mulberry Inn.
I grew up in a home with white pillars, red bows, and soft white lights—we frequently had folks stop at our house around Christmas and ask if they could take a photo for their Christmas cards and whatnot.
It wasn't lavish, but it was definitely idyllic. And for a second, it felt like I'd stepped right back in time.
Town Square was glowing, filled with families and couples soaking up the season. You don't see that kind of crowd on a Tuesday night in January, but in December? Totally normal.
We wandered past the new city offices, then up Main Street—every light perfectly strung, every storefront in full holiday mode.
And I thought, it won't be long before January hits. The lights disappear. The hope of a fresh year mixes with that quiet feeling that something's missing… because it is.
Until then, soak up every sparkle.
Here's a video we shot a few years back—it's still one of the best guides around for Christmas lights across Washington County:
Did we miss any of your favorite spots? Hit reply and tell me—I'll add them to next year's list.
—Jeremy “Forever Chasing Christmas” Larkin
