By Lauren Subia

The holiday season is here and bright, brilliants lights can be seen across North 32nd. To celebrate the season, the 5th Annual Cruisin’ North 32nd Lights is set to take place on the evening of December 18. Previously named the Sheaborhood Festival of Lights, Cruisin’ North 32nd Lights is a festive car cruise where family, friends, and neighbors come together to view Christmas lights and spread holiday cheer.

Cruisin’ North 32nd Lights was started by community advocate Allison Barnett when she moved to North 32nd five years ago as a tribute to her late father, who had been a big fan of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

“When I first arrived in Arizona, I was delighted to learn that this neighborhood liked to decorate for the holidays,” she explains. “And so, I was like, ‘Let me create some joy.’ It wasn’t even just a Christmas thing. It was like, ‘Let’s bring light to the community. Let’s spread joy.’”

An idea inspired from a treasured Christmas movie has transformed into a full-blown event for the whole community to gather around and enjoy the magic of the holidays.
“Honestly, last year blew my mind compared to the years before. As the event has gone on, the more people decorate,” Barnett says. “It’s these things that we can do that are just pure fun. Pure joy. No huge expectations. It’s just like ‘Let’s create a good thing.’ I think that’s the core of why people look forward to it.”

Cruisin’ North 32nd Lights Schedule of Events
The event takes place, Friday, December 18.
• 5:30 p.m.: Cars line up at Shadow Mountain High School, located at 902 E. Shea Boulevard.
• 6:15 p.m.: Cars depart and go around the North 32nd community (near 32nd Street and Shea Boulevard), keeping the same route as last year. City of Phoenix Community Action Officers will be there to assist with traffic in the major intersections.

Attendees are highly encouraged to be a part of the Christmas light spectacle by decorating their cars. “Just deck out your cars and have a good time. That’s the ultimate goal,” says Barnett.

To find more event details, visit facebook.com/north32nd.