If You Build It...

A new holiday event in Carroll County was attended by hundreds who enjoyed an evening of holiday fun by Chestnut Creek.

For two years in a row, a free holiday lights installation along Creekview Drive has delighted area residents with a drive-thru display. Called Christmas on the Creek, folks have enjoyed driving the country lane between charming creek-side lights.

This year, however, event organizers decided to make opening night not just a drive-thru event. On opening night in November, Christmas on the Creek became the destination.

What began as an inspired idea for a countryside Christmas attraction grew into an event with lots more opportunities for visitors' enjoyment. Planners weren't sure what to expect when food vendors agreed to be on hand for the opening night of Christmas on the Creek. But with volunteers pitching in to set up light displays and create convenient parking areas, organizers for Christmas on the Creek were prepared for whoever ventured out to enjoy opening night.

The event was wildly successful, attracting an astonishing number of families. Event organizers capably guided scores of cars to lighted parking areas; food trucks and vendors circled an outdoor "food court" where visitors enjoyed buying supper and sweets; a "welcome" booth helped visitors sign up for door prizes. And at the end of the evening, event organizers could agree that, truly, 'if you build it; they will come'.

The November event enjoyed local vendors like Bits & Bobs food truck, Krispy Kreme donuts, The Cheesecake Fella, and a cotton candy booth that delivered clouds of cotton on lighted wands.

Families ambled through displays taking in the sounds of classic Christmas music. Parents had time to visit with friends and neighbors while kiddos were occupied with the lights. And let me mention that, area kids certainly are the most well-behaved youngsters in the nation; well-mannered, respectful with lots of "please" and "thank you's" - well done local moms, dads, grandparents, and guardians!

What made Christmas on the Creek so special was a combination of its country location and the delight of getting up close to the holiday lights. Away from the street lights in town meant that displays created a celestial feeling. In between the Christmas songs, you could hear Chestnut Creek murmuring nearby. Being among the trees with neighbors was really special and the troubles of the world felt far away.

Merriment was shared by all in attendance. Lighted snowflakes blinked among treetops; a gentle nativity scene crested a gentle slope; dinosaurs and an elephant marched across Creekview's manicured lawns; funny scenes with Santa's sleigh getting pulled by a tow truck and another with a chilly elf warming up by a campfire - all, were a delight to behold.

Christmas on the Creek is staffed by friends and neighbors committed to this fun enterprise. Family and friends all take part in putting on the display and organizing this new opening night event. One volunteer came all the way from Charlotte and described how planners maintain the lighted displays during the year to make sure every elf, reindeer, and sleigh was ready for opening night.

A giant Santa Clause with his herd was a favorite for family photos. Even a local deer hunter took his picture with Santa and his game... I mean, Santa and his "reindeer".

After the event, I had a chance to visit with the team who developed Christmas on the Creek. This year's event on opening night was designed to welcome crowds and make the display a destination. Ushering in the fun of the holidays, opening night of Christmas on the Creek is a family-centered opportunity to get outdoors in the country, enjoy the lights, buy some sweets for your sweeties, and take holiday photos.

Organizers were delighted to share that the food vendors who participated had excellent sales - especially those who were selling sweets. It puts Christmas on the Creek "on the map" for small businesses who want to participate with the event or sponsor it with donations next year in 2026.

And "opening night" was such a hit that event organizers are hosting a "Christmas Parade After Party" this Friday night, December 5th, from 6PM-10PM. So MARK YOUR CALENDARS and don't miss the Christmas on the Creek Christmas Parade After Party. It's going to be another wholesome, family-friendly event with supper and sweets available for purchase from food vendors.

Like opening night, the After Party is free and everyone is welcome. Some new food vendors will be on hand for the After Party but organizers assure me that my deer hunter will be able to eat supper here and I will be able to buy sweets.

All other evenings this season, Christmas on the Creek drive-through display will be available for slow drivers passing through 777 Creekview Drive, Galax. Lights come on at 6PM.