The red hue of brake lights lit up the entrance to the Lake Interlochen neighborhood as cars lined up with parents and children sticking their heads out of windows to get a better view of bright Christmas displays.
Strings of lights cover trees, yards and homes as Santa Claus and Snoopy inflatables rock back and forth in the breeze, welcoming visitors into their version of a winter wonderland.
The Arlington neighborhood of Interlochen decorates with holiday lights visitors drive in to see on Dec. 14, 2025. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report/CatchLight Local/Report for America)
The Lights at Interlochen display in northwest Arlington is a staple of the holidays in North Texas. This year marks 50 years since the neighborhood tradition began.
Noelle Slater, a realtor who is on the homeowners association board, said the community fully embraces the holiday spirit as something to look forward to each winter.
“It’s just the simplicity of: There’s no charge to come to Interlochen and see the lights,” Slater said. “It just provides joy. That’s why our neighborhood embraces it.”
Officials estimate that thousands of cars funnel through the neighborhood over the holidays as homes light up the night sky.
The neighborhood of Interlochen this year celebrates 50 years of lighting up homes and lawns for the viewing pleasure of visitors from all over North Texas, Dec. 14, 2025. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report/CatchLight Local/Report for America)
The idea of mounting large-scale Christmas displays across Interlochen was created by Carol and Robert Findlay, the original developers, in an attempt to bring more attention to the neighborhood.
Ralph Sobel, president of the homeowners’ group, said the trend of putting Christmas lights on homes was just launching in some upscale areas of Fort Worth and Dallas when the Findlays brought it to Interlochen.
“It was pretty unique at the time, and it caught on very quickly,” Sobel said. “It’s a wonderful neighborhood to live in anyway, but the Christmas lights gave it an additional identity pretty early in its development and has been a part of its growth ever since.”
Sobel has lived in the community since late 1995. He moved to the area to be closer to his office at Tandy Brands Accessories, which is no longer in business and was housed in the current Arlington ISD Administration Building.
He knew about the tradition before moving in, but it wasn’t what drew him and his wife to the area.
“We loved the house, loved the neighborhood and said, ‘What’s the worst that can happen? We’ll put some lights on our house, grin and enjoy the two weeks,’” Sobel recalled. “Then, we found how special it was when you’re part of it.”
About 200 homeowners participate in the festivities, putting up Christmas lights and elaborate decorations, Slater said.
The neighborhood of Interlochen decorates their homes with holiday lights for visitors to see in Arlington on Dec. 14, 2025. Interlochen celebrated its 50 anniversary this year. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report/CatchLight Local/Report for America)
Slater’s family moved to the neighborhood in 2021 from Louisiana. Each year, Slater, her husband and children hand make wooden decorations with a different theme.
This year is a full embrace of the 50th anniversary.
In January, Slater approached the HOA board and asked if her family could collect extra Christmas decorations throughout the year to help neighbors who are too elderly to decorate or have gotten rid of their tinsels, ornaments and other holiday trimmings but want to participate again.
“At this point, five neighbors who haven’t decorated reached out and said, ‘We’d love that,’” Slater said as she prepared for the season. “It’s not that they don’t want to. It’s that they’ve been unable to.”
Slater said one neighbor who reached out hasn’t decorated in four years, since her husband passed away. This will be the first time since then that her house will be lit up.
About a dozen houses eventually participated thanks to Slater’s work, Sobel said. Young families such as the Slaters are breathing a new life into the tradition, Sobel added.
“She has the spirit everyone has, but she’s got it in spades,” Sobel said. “This is my 30th Christmas (in Interlochen). This is her third or fourth, and she’s got young kids. She’s indicative of what I’m hoping the neighborhood is going to be going forward, so maybe this will last another 50 years.”
What to know before going to Interlochen
The Lights at Interlochen will remain accessible through Christmas night, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
During the event, the Arlington Police Department closes most entrances into the neighborhood. Traffic to see the lights must enter from Westwood Drive at Randol Mill Road.
Tim Ciesco, a member of the Arlington Police Department’ media relations team, said officers are stationed throughout the neighborhood to help with traffic control.
“We’ve been a part of (the Interlochen lights) for several years because it’s become so popular,” Ciesco said. “Traffic gets really, really heavy going in and out of this neighborhood.”
Tips from the Arlington Police Department for your trip to Interlochen
- Come early to avoid some of the larger crowds that arrive at 7 or 8 p.m.
- Bring snacks and drinks; use the restroom beforehand.
- Go on a weekday to avoid some of the weekend traffic.
- Prepare for an hourlong trip through the neighborhood.
- Stay in the right lane, the left lane is reserved for homeowners and emergency vehicles.
Chris Moss is a reporting fellow for the Arlington Report. Contact him at chris.moss@fortworthreport.org.
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