PORT ANGELES — Willie Nelson knows Christmas lights.
He’s been giving van tours of Port Angeles holiday light displays for each of the last six Christmas seasons. Nelson is the owner of All Points Charters and Tours.
What makes a good display?
“There’s a variety of things that make a good display, like how people incorporate the architecture of their house,” Nelson said.
“Some are simple but very nicely done. I like houses that are tastefully done.”
Through New Year’s Eve
Nelson takes reservations for these tours, which he operates every day through New Year’s Eve.
His 12-seat van leaves the Safeway store at 110 E. Third St. at 6:30 p.m.
Nelson zigzags through residential streets within the city limit. He follows a map in his head that takes customers past the best displays in town.
He said there is “no question” that the house and yard near the intersection of 14th and O streets is the most impressive display year-in and year-out.
Overall, Nelson said, this year’s Christmas light displays in Port Angeles stack up pretty well to past years.
“I think they’re great,” he said.
“We lost a couple really good ones this year but picked up some other ones that are really cool.”
Other impressive displays can be found near 12th and J streets, Seventh and G streets, and Eighth and Chambers streets.
After Nelson leaves Safeway, he heads toward west Port Angeles, working his way out on the north side of Eighth Street to O Street, and then back south of Eighth.
The tour continues between the Eighth Street bridges along Cedar and Pine before moving to Cherry Hill, up to Albertsons, back down along Peabody Street and all the way to Ennis Street on either side of Fifth.
“I have to meander,” he said.
“I try do it so you never go more than a block without seeing Christmas lights. . . . It’s quite convoluted. People are always asking me, ‘Where are we now?'”
Most of Nelson’s customers are families with children, but he also gets reservations from couples and large groups.
The two-hour tour costs $7.50 for adults and $3.50 for children 6 to 15. Children younger 6 are free.
Phone 360-460-7131 or 360-565-1139 for reservations.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.