ARLINGTON, Texas — In one of the most festive neighborhoods of North Texas, the Christmas spirit is being plugged in.
Starting Friday night and continuing every night through Christmas, about 200 neighbors in the Interlochen neighborhood of northwest Arlington go all out with holiday lights and inflatables. Thousands of families drive through every night to soak in the season's greetings.
When Alicia Ruelas moved into the neighborhood three years ago, she said her family quickly adopted the neighborhood's festive tradition.
"We wanted to blend in with all the other neighbors," she said. "It's fun doing all this."
She's decorated the entire lawn -- as have most of her neighbors. On Friday, they'll officially flip the switch and welcome the crowds from across North Texas.
"Every year they get like bumper to bumper. And they’re yelling out for Santa and the Grinch," Ruelas said.
Arlington Police said officers will set up traffic control posts through the area to help guide visitors and expedite residents getting back to their homes.
"Visitors should expect to spend about an hour traveling the full route once they enter the neighborhood," the department said. "This is an extremely popular attraction, and wait times to enter the neighborhood often exceed an hour."
Arlington police said people should get in line before 10 p.m. to make sure they see the lights before the show closes each night. All drivers must enter the neighborhood from Westwood Drive at Randol Mill Road, the department said.
Police also recommended that visitors use the restroom before getting in line and bring snacks with them in case the wait to see the lights stretches hours.
"They love to see Santa!" Ruelas said. "But there's long lines. All the way out to Fielder Road sometimes."
Arlington Police provided this year's specific route details below.
Interlochen Neighborhood Entrance and Exit:
- Enter the Interlochen neighborhood from Westwood Drive at Randol Mill Road.
- From westbound I-30, take the Fielder Road exit and go south to Randol Mill Road. Turn right onto Randol Mill Road and follow it to Westwood Drive.
- From eastbound I-30, take the Eastchase Parkway exit and go south to Meadowbrook Boulevard. Turn left onto Meadowbrook Boulevard, then proceed to Randol Mill Road. Turn right onto Randol Mill Road and follow it to Westwood Drive.
- All other streets leading into the Interlochen neighborhood will be closed. Motorists will not be permitted to make left turns from northbound Bowen Road onto Westwood Drive or northbound Oakwood Lane onto Randol Mill Road.
- Tour buses and limousines will not be allowed on Porto Bello Court, Waltham Court, or Postbridge Court.
- Traffic can exit the Interlochen neighborhood via Westwood Drive to Randol Mill Road, or by heading southbound on Bowen Road.