From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — When it comes to family and beloved holiday traditions, dazzling twinkling lights are pretty high on the list. The Trussville Tribune coverage area includes some pretty remarkable community displays of Christmas lights that are within a few minutes’ drive and worth it, including Clay-Chalkville, Grayson Valley, Pinson and Trussville.
Below are some of the highlighted areas to see Christmas light displays throughout the holiday season.
Latham’s Toy Shop on Magnolia in Trussville
What: The home of Bill and Tricia Latham
In the winter, Bill Latham puts to use his talents as a woodworker and craftsman. He made most of the furniture in their home. The Lathams started their collection of Christmas figures around 1991, when their daughter, Casey, was two years old.
He and Tricia met as students at Huffman High School in Birmingham. Like the close relationship they’ve forged throughout 36 years of marriage, their little Toy Shop project will continue.
“Our family has always loved Christmas, so that’s kind of what started us wanting decorations, from the beginning,” Tricia said. “Just seeing everybody drive by – little kids have given us gifts and cookies.
“That’s what it’s all about – that’s what makes you feel so good, is the kids. It puts a smile on their face.”
When: In the evenings throughout December
Where: 211 Magnolia Street, Trussville
Vann Valley in Trussville (Worthington Drive)
When: In the evenings now until Christmas
Where: 208 Worthington Drive, Trussville (off Skyline Drive)
Hidden Trace Trussville
Where: 3247 First Street, Trussville
When: In the evenings now through Christmas
Clay-Chalkville Animal Hospital
What: The Clay City Council approved a proclamation recognizing Dr. Charles Hart, DMV, of the Clay-Chalkville Animal Clinic, for providing 25 years of entertainment to the community through the clinic’s annual Christmas lights display Tuesday, Dec. 11.
“I really appreciate what you spend, the time and money and the efforts that you spend on your clinic,” Mayor Charles Webster said to Hart. “It really looks nice. I know you have improved it every year and everybody that sees it, people come from all over to see it. So thank you for the things that you’ve done.”
When: All through December
Where: Clay-Chalkville Animal Clinic located at 6415 Old Springville Road, Pinson
Grayson Valley Lights
What: Tune your radio to 106.1 FM and prepare yourself for a spectacular holiday sight by the Burns family. Santa and Mrs. Clause will be making guest appearances.
The family is also collecting new or gently used stuff animals for the Cops We Care organization (a program through the Birmingham Mayor’s Office that partners with the Birmingham Police (Community Policing and Revitalization or “CPR” Unit) to help turn Tears into Smiles by collecting pre-loved or new stuffed animals for children).
When: Now until the end of December (weather permitting)
Sunday – Thursday 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Where: 2170 Cheshire Drive in Grayson Valley
Bama Lights in Pinson
What: Tune your car radio to 88.1 FM and come enjoy the one of the most exciting light display in Pinson. Although there is no charge to see this wonderful display of lights, the owners are taking donations for Magic Moments (a wish granting organization devoted exclusively to creating magic moments in the lives of children in Alabama with chronically life-threatening medical conditions). Santa will be arriving on both Dec. 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
When: Each evening in December from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Weather permitting)
Where: 8333 West Hill Road, Pinson