When these vintage holiday statues were first raised by the Cross family in the 1960’s, they never imagined that nearly 60 years later these decorations would end up on national TV — let alone winning The Great Christmas Light Fight!
Raleigh Christmas in the 1960’s
In the 1960’s, Raleigh families did exactly what they do today — drive around and look at Christmas lights! In those days, the Cross Family on New Bern Avenue held the mantle of most popular Christmas display! Cars would hold up traffic up and down the streets, trying to catch a glimpse of the impressive display.
Sadly, when the family passed away, the display never went up again, and the statues and ornaments were put in storage. Many of the statues were cracked, chipped, and broken — a few had even been ground to dust. That seemed to be the end of the story.
Restoring the Cross Family Holiday Display
Decades later, the Moore family, who had their own large holiday light display, discovered the statues at an estate sale. Even though the statues were chipped and broken), the Moore family recognized the iconic decorations that had once brought Raleigh families so much Christmas joy.
They lovingly restored and repainted the entire set of carolers, wise men, and the manger scene; then, they made the vintage statues the centerpiece of their own display at Happyland Christmas Lights.
A Multi-Generational Christmas Memory
Happyland’s display, like the Cross Family decades past, was visited by thousands of Raleigh families, creating a new generation of Christmas memories. Grandparents could bring their grandchildren and say, “I remember seeing this lights when I was a child.”
My own grandmother, who lived in Raleigh for 92 years, got tears in her eyes when she saw them. It was the last Christmas I had with her; and I’m grateful for such a precious memory.
Happyland Christmas Lights Airs on The Great Christmas Light Fight
The National TV show The Great Christmas Light Fight noticed the display and invited Happyland Christmas Lights to join their contest. And after so many decades of being hidden and broken in boxes, the holiday statues were restored and put on national television for the whole country to see.
And they won.
Today, Happyland, too, has stopped decorating. However, the lights of those holiday memories still remain in the hearts of generations of Raleigh’s families.
Make Christmas Memories with Your Family This Year!
If you love holiday lights and Christmas stories from Raleigh Christmas Past, be sure to catch a ride on our holiday trolley tours! Our tours visit the best displays in Raleigh, sing holiday songs, drink cocoa, and even visit Santa at the North Pole!
We have we FIVE CHRISTMAS TOURS to choose from!
The Santa Express is perfect for kids, including a trolley ride to the North Pole, where magic awaits! Surprises, holiday snacks, Christmas music, twinkling lights, kid-friendly activities, and photos with Santa!
Oak City Holiday Sights & History is ideal for history-lovers! Hear little-known tales from Raleigh Christmas past, curated by a fantastic Raleigh historian. We’ll view the beautiful lights in Downtown Raleigh, including Historic Oakwood, the North Carolina Executive Mansion, the giant City of Raleigh Christmas tree, Saint Mary’s School, and much much more.
Griswold Lights & Sights is the BIG LIGHT tour, visiting the largest and most spectacular displays in Wake County! Inspired by Clark Griswold’s love of the holidays, this tour is approximately two hours in length.
Santa Meet & Greet is just a quick meeting with Santa Claus at the Great North Pole! Avoid those holiday lines for a quick and easy photo with Santa - plus, enjoy the magic at our magically-decorated North Pole.
Oaks & Jokes Holiday Bar Crawl is a more adult tour, led by a professional comedian, which includes stops at Raleigh’s hottest nightlife destinations!
Don’t miss your chance to make holiday memories. In 60 years, when this Christmas is long past, you’ll have the memories to share with the next generation — just like the Cross Family lights.
