More Novato Christmas Lights: 2095 Vineyard Road

To us, the holiday lights and decorations at Novato resident Kirt Donaldson's house on Vineyard Road were the stuff of legend, mainly because we never were able to see them—until now. For the last year or two, the house remained undecorated through the holiday season, but we're happy to report that this year it's back and well worth checking out, especially if you're in the area visiting the Rombeiro Christmas House.

The front yard of the Donaldson house is covered in lights, figurines, and inflateables. Giant lighted candy canes serve as posts to hold strings of icecicle lights that criss-cross the yard. Speakers play jolly holiday tunes. And there's a snow machine. Seriously. Actually, it's not really snow in the way that snow really is (i.e. frozen water flakes) but foamy water bubbles churned out by machines on the roof that really do look like snow. The effect is impressive and it's the closest thing we're probably going to get to snow here in Marin, at least not without having to drive to the top of Mt. Tam on those rare snow days.

There's a ton of stuff to see here, so the house bears repeat visits. Like the Rombeiro house and unlike Marinwood's offerings, there's no unifying theme—it's just a spectacle of holiday light, sound, decor, and weather.

To get there, take 101 to the De Long Avenue exit. Take De Long, which turns into Diablo Avenue, to Novato Boulevard and turn right. Follow Novato Boulevard to Wilson Avenue, where you'll take a left at the intersection. Follow Wilson to Vineyard Road and turn right on Vineyard. The Donaldson house is at 2095 Vineyard Road. You definitely can't miss it!