Every December, the neighborhood along Van Alst Road in the Town of Montgomery transforms into a winter wonderland, boasting festive, inflatable characters, carols echoing in the wind, and houses shining brilliantly in the night. These decorations are courtesy of Van Alst’s residents, a tight-knit community that loves garnishing its block and throwing a few parties throughout the year.

“I’ve been living here for 23 years, and there’s always been a sense of community in this development,” said Peter Kurisko, a long-time resident of Van Alst.

This tradition began a few years ago when one resident, nicknamed “Clark Griswold,” devised elaborate Christmas displays and encouraged his neighbors to follow suit. Over time, these individual efforts became collaborations between neighbors, and the displays’ scopes grew bigger each year. This December, for instance, Van Alst’s residents used about six miles worth of lights to adorn their trees and properties.

“Clark is the most enthusiastic and driving force behind this project. Right after Halloween, he’s going around gathering people, and we start putting lights on the trees,” Kurisko said. “He has been the catalyst and inspiration for the Christmas spirit, and we all feel truly blessed to have such wonderful neighbors.”

These residents also host celebrations for December’s holidays, Halloween, Oktoberfest and the Fourth of July, gathering in Van Alst’s cul-de-sac where they enjoy each other’s company and conversation. The neighborhood’s recent party, hosted on December 16, featured food, cheerful carollers, a cozy fire and lots of children running and playing.

“We had tents set up, carollers came out at 6:30 from house to house,” said Ron Hebbard, a resident who’s lived on Van Alst since 1999. “We all met right here and enjoyed our company and had a good time, talked and reminisced with a few drinks and a little food. And we just hung out.”

“I think it’s really something special where everybody knows each other in this development, they’re all friends. We enjoy each other’s company, and from time to time, we get together,” Kurisko said. “All the kids and families get together. It’s kind of special in this day and age where a lot of people don’t know their names.”

“People look out for each other, it’s very special,” said Amy Coopersmith, one of Van Alst’s newer residents.