Lehnertz Avenue Light Display Set To Open For 70th Anniversary

AURORA, IL — Lehnertz Avenue will be glistening in lights and Christmas displays for the 70th annual drive-through event starting on Sunday. One of the few light shows that runs beyond Christmas, the free Lehnertz Avenue Christmas Display will be open through Jan. 7.

Residents along the avenue will have their lawns decorated with part of the traditional Christmas story complete with biblical characters, including wise men, camels, shepherds, sheep and a manger scene. Once cars make it to the end, they'll find Lehnertz Circle, which will be decorated with Charlie Brown-themed characters.

The display will run daily from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

On the first night open, Lisa Hardekopf, the committee president, will share a few words about the anniversary before carols are sung to officially usher in the 70th lighting.

Rev. Matthew McMorrow of Aurora's St. Joseph Catholic Church will bless baby Jesus's crib at 6 p.m. The nativity scene will be located on the northwest corner of Lehnertz Avenue and Ohio Street.

A GoFundMe campaign benefitting the Lehnertz Avenue Improvement Association, a nonprofit organization, has been set up to raise funds to replace equipment and help propel the light display another 70 years.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.