LEBANON, Pa. — A Lebanon County couple has been decorating their home for the holidays for almost a decade and has captured the attention of their community.
Deb and Dean Willeman began decorating their home for Christmas nine years ago, which drew the attention of friends and neighbors.
The property’s popularity soon spawned into a community celebration, Christmas on 4th Street.
“Last year I think we hit 400 or 500 people come visit us and we had 26 volunteers, so this year I think we have 20 plus volunteers as well and it's yet to be seen what the crowd is going to look like,” said Deb Willeman, homeowner and event organizer.
The couple adds a new element to the event every year. Mrs. Claus joined Saint Nick this year for family photos on the Willeman’s porch.
Families enjoyed hot chocolate, gift bags for the kids, and some other Christmas classics.
“We’re going to give people something here instead of spending money with another charity, we’re going to do it right here, so we know it stays in Lebanon,” said Dean Willeman.
Raisa Santiago and her son Lennix live across the street from the Willemans and have visited their home for six years.
Santiago says they look forward to the event every season.
“It definitely brings the community together, it brings families together, it gives the families something to do with their kids,” Santiago said.
“I like how it changes a lot and I like how it’s really festive,” Santiago’s son added.
Some people, like volunteer Peggy Epler, traveled from out of state to participate in the festivities.
“The joy in the parents' faces as much as the kids, and you know everybody knows about it,” Epler said.
Willeman describes the event as generational.
“We see grandparents, we see parents, and we see children, and we just hope that as long as we can keep doing this, that they keep bringing their kids.”
Children also had the opportunity to write holiday letters to veterans, which are expected to be delivered later in the week.