by Charlotte Smith
This year the COVID-19 Pandemic has wreaked havoc on a lot of traditions. Some have said this Christmas season does not feel jolly due to the new virus spreading.
However, the Town of Dublin is shining brightly, offering a holiday retreat from the chaos known as 2020 with holiday decorations throughout the town and Lu Mil Vineyard’s Christmas wonderland with added fun this year.
Miss Dublin Peanut Festival, Alyssa Bell reminds travelers before turning off Albert Street to head to Lu Mil Vineyard; the Town Hall has a tall tree decorated by the Dublin Peanut Festival committee that is perfect for a photoshoot.
But she reminds the public not to miss out on the extended holiday cheer offered at the local vineyard. Lu Mil Vineyard in partnership with Four County Electric Membership Cooperation, has extended the Christmas Light Show Drive Thru Festival of Lights this year. Starting today, Thursday, December 17, until December 23 the light show is offered nightly. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and then the drive-thru festival of lights is offered from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. The show has been extended and will continue to shine the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday after Christmas as well.
Denise Taylor Bridgers with Lu Mil Vineyard announced the extended schedule saying, “With Christmas falling on a weekend, we thought we would try it, and we thought it would give people an extra opportunity to come.”
She explained that not everyone realizes there is a lot more to do on the property this time of year besides the drive-thru festival of lights. There is plenty to do without doing the lights, and you don’t have to pay to get on the property.
This year there is a walkthrough Candy Land with plenty of photo-ops, a hot chocolate station with muscadine slushies, a candy shop, Santa and Mrs. Claus are on-site for free photos and to hear the children’s Christmas wishes.
Miss Dublin Peanut Festival, Alyssa Bell said, “I think Lu Mil gives us something to do and provides some type of normalcy for Christmas. I know people visit Lu Mil as a Christmas tradition and I’m glad they are open.”
Denise said, “There are so many opportunities for people to come and take advantage of, and then come back another night to explore other things we have to offer.”
She added, “We are very busy. I think people were looking for something to do.”
The local vineyard festivities are set up differently this year due to the COVID-19 safety guidelines. Dinner is now offered Creekside at the largest venue on the property, with everything held at 50% capacity. There are hand sanitizer stations and enter, and exits are at different locations as added safety measures. Masks are required, and the on-site alcohol consumption stops at 9 p.m.
The popular tour with the double-decker bus has been retired, but now light-lookers and star gazers may rent one of two new open-top buses. Denise said, “We have availability for a bus tour almost every night.”
The buses holds up to 25 people for a $200 rental fee. Contact 910-876-5485 to make a reservation for a bus tour.
Denise said, “Believe it not, a lot of people have never been before, but because some places are not open for Covid reasons, we are getting a lot of good response.” She added, “And for some its a tradition.”
She offered some insight, “I would encourage people to come early. Dinner is available with take-out, and eat-in options. We added that for COVID safety so people would still have an option for dinner even if they don’t want to eat on the property.”
According to Denise, the expanded schedule, the new white nativity scene, the walk-through candy land, and the 32-foot Santa have been a crowd-pleaser.
Visit Lu Mil Vineyard located at 438 Suggs-Taylor Road in Dublin this Christmas Season.
A clip from last year’s light show may be viewed on our YouTube channel:
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