North Raleigh street draws crowds and donations with dazzling Christmas lights
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A North Raleigh block is drawing big crowds this holiday season as neighbors on Winter Song Road in Bedford at Falls River transform their street into a full-blown Christmas wonderland all while raising money for a local nonprofit.
"The lights feel magical," said Jenn Nowalk with the Triangle Spokes Group.
What started during the pandemic has grown into one of the area's most buzzed-about displays.
"So it really started during COVID. A bunch of neighbors sitting around a firepit and dreaming about how we can bring more joy," Nowalk said. "And so we started dreaming up, stringing the lights among the trees and then going across and adding in some centers and, you know, the light-up balls and bikes. And it just really each year has grown from there."
After going viral on social media, neighbors have continued adding new touches.
"Last year, we wanted to create the mailboxes into little mini Christmas trees. And this year, a lot of us have gotten the lamp post," Nowalk said. "And so each year it's kind of like, what can we add that will add a little bit of element of surprise and be joyous."
Visitors say it's become a holiday tradition.
"It's awesome. We come every year, and it's one of the things that he gets to earn for good behavior," said Ryan Victory, visiting the display. "You don't see this in most neighborhoods. This is a lot of effort by a lot of people."
Along with the spectacle, donations support the Triangle Spokes Group, which provides new bikes for local kids.
"$140 covers the cost of a new bike and a helmet, and 100% of the donations go toward the cause," Nowalk said.
Residents say the lights are best experienced on foot. Visitors can park at the Shoppes at Bedford nearby.
Last year, the display raised more than $30,000 for the Triangle Spokes Group.
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