KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For 11 months out of the year, it's known as Terrace Place, but in December — everything changes.
The neighborhood off of West 131st Place and Antioch Road transforms into Christmas Place, a holiday tradition that’s 28 years strong.
“It just really embodies what we want to do and what the holiday season is all about,” said George Vaughn, who has lived in the neighborhood since 2000.
Homes and yards get draped in strings of light, as candy canes and characters from the Grinch are put out in front lawns.
In the nearly three decades since the neighborhood started putting up its elaborate decorations, people from all around the metro have traveled to see the bright lights.
“The look on the faces of all of the kids that drive by, the children. They really love this place,” Herndon Hasty said.
Hasty helps organize the annual tradition. He says the neighborhood does this not just to bring joy, but to give back. In addition to creating extravagant displays, the neighborhood collects money for the Salvation Army.
“This is really what it should be all about. It should be caring for one another, looking out for one another and helping where we can in any way we can,” said Jerry Weakley, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1993.
Through Christmas Eve, the neighborhood collected enough money to feed 900 families. They expect to help another 100 families by the end of the year.
“It’s everything. It’s why you want to live in a neighborhood like this,” Hasty said.
Organizers said the effort ultimately raised more than $22,100, blowing away the $9,300 raised in 2019 and bringing the group's total for the last seven years to more than $72,000.
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