Downtown Cary creates walkable wonderland of lights, music, lanterns

Almost every night this week, hundreds of locals have visited the area around Downtown Park – while being reminded to wear masks and social distance –where Christmas music fills the air, the iconic fountain glows red and green and a shiny red 'Letters to Santa' mailbox quietly waits to hear children's secret holiday wishes.

With hundreds of people walking the streets each night to take part in the displays and activities, Downtown Cary has become a hub for holiday outings. Especially with the pandemic limiting access to indoor spaces like malls and stores, people have turned to the activities offered in downtown Cary to get a sense of holiday wonder and make some lasting holiday memories.

Since the displays are outdoors and signs remind visitors to wear masks, walking around downtown Cary seems to be a safer alternative to gathering in indoor spaces or events.

Downtown Park plays holiday music, and people take family Christmas photos in front of the towering Christmas tree or red and green fountain.

More than dozen Christmas trees decorated by local families and businesses can be seen up and down Academy Street, a community art display on a walkable path.

"We have such a quaint downtown," said one resident, who was out enjoying the lights with her children.

"It looks like a Norman Rockwell painting," said another.

The town's historic buildings and homes are lit up with classic decorations, giving the appearance of a Christmas painting. Ashworth's windows are glowing. The iconic pink 'gingerbread house' is decorated with subtle twinkle lights. And the Cary Arts Center has spirals of lights and holly decorating the tall white pillars.

The entire display of community art, lanterns and lights creates a walkable wonderland that seems to have attracted more people than ever, as people search for outdoor holiday activities that bring back nostalgic memories of Christmas past.

Some locals are concerned the large crowds attracted to the lights could be risky due to the pandemic. Signs around downtown Cary remind people that they "must wear a mask and maintain six feet of social distance from other people outside your household," so everyone can enjoy the lights safely for many holidays to come.