Light & Lively
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Detail of decorated tree at 3623 S Street NW, this year’s Best in Show. photos by Francine Steininger.
By Ann Carper and Francine Steininger
On a frosty Friday night, notebook and camera in hand, we set off across the neighborhood in search of Burleith’s best decorations. From tasteful displays, to multi-season combos (pumpkins and scarecrows sharing space with reindeer and snowmen), to obviously time-consuming installations, Burleith residents showed their holiday (and competitive) spirit. We were impressed that a sizeable percentage of houses were bedecked with all manner of greenery, inflatables, animals, fictional figures, and lights of all types, colors, and effects.
Our thanks to everyone who participated. Take a moment between now and New Year’s to walk through the neighborhood and see if you agree with our favorites. You’ll notice that several of this year’s winners have won in the past: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015.
Top Three Winners
best in show: 3623 S Street NW.
This year’s best in show is the handiwork of previous winners Brian Tabb and Margaret Frank. Multi-colored lights define the roofline and windows, while white icicles illuminate the wreaths at the doors and lower windows. A white deer grazes under the watchful eye of a blue stag as Christmas music wafts through Bluetooth speakers. The perimeter of the yard is marked with additional lights and small bushes bedecked with white lights. During a chance meeting during the judging, Brian mentioned the multi-day installation process, which involved blown fuses and wrapping tree branches with more than a thousand lights.
nutcracker house: 1906 37th Street NW.
The epitome of symmetry, this nicely illuminated house is flanked by two nearly life size nutcracker figures standing guard over colorfully wrapped packages. Two bands of white lights on the lawn lead to the doorway and a brightly lit Santa head, whose fluffy white beard is set off by the glossy purple door.
stark elegance: 1704 35th Street NW.
This perennial favorite added a new touch this year with red-and-white candy canes lining the steps up to the house. White lights draped across shrubbery and railings complement the blue light projections animating the 19th-century facade, which is adorned with bowed wreaths and candles at the windows.
Honorable Mentions
3603 Street NW: This gingerbread house really pops at night with white lights outlining windows and walls. a wreath bow and candy canes introduce flashes of red. owner greg tabb and his brother brian (2019 winner of best in show) engaged in a friendly decorating competition this year.
3712 T street NW: with a color scheme of black, white, and red, this recently renovated house gives 1704 35th street a run for its money in the stark elegance department. the tasteful use of lighted greenery outdoors is echoed in the christmas tree at the front window.
1923 37th Street NW: the nativity scene at this house was the sole religious decoration that the judges identified. The joyful spirit of the christmas season is enhanced by a carpet of blue lights, white lights along the porch railings, and secular candy canes at the walkway.
3717 s Street NW: the new owners of this house combined an eclectic mix of lights, projected snowfalls, Icicles, reindeer, elves, and father christmas. Two scarecrows observe their seasonal replacements with wistful admiration.
