It is said competition brings out the best in people. The best-case scenario of this is when really good people bring out the best in one another. That’s exactly what happened in the Santa Rita Ranch community in Mesa, Arizona. The popular saying about competition not only found a happy home here, but it has also grown up quickly. It is all because of a friendly neighborhood Christmas Lights competition between two neighbors.
Today, participating homeowners have transformed the fun of decorating their homes for Christmas into a must-see attraction. No doubt thousands will again visit to take in the magic show throughout this 2025 Christmas season.
Santa Loves Santa Rita Ranch
This episode of the Binge with Baldrick Podcast is special. Mainly, it is because of the people involved. The residents here sure put the Santa in Santa Rita Ranch. They open their yards and driveways along with their arms and hearts. People will visit from all over Arizona. They will drive two hours from Tucson and from across the massive Greater Phoenix area warmly known as The Valley of the Sun. Others will stop by while visiting from out of state or around the world.
You can hear Nat King Cole singing about kids from 1 to 92. And you’ll find them roaming this safe suburban neighborhood in baby strollers and wheelchairs.
Despite the incredible holiday displays, colors, and lights, seeing the youngest and oldest among us may be the most beautiful sights of all.
Brittany works with special needs children. Alan has a soft spot for the elderly tied to feelings of nostalgia. All are welcome here regardless of race, religion, political beliefs, and more.
Christmas Lights Competition Birth
Long before Santa Claus, Christmas celebrated the birth of Baby Jesus. More than 2,000 years later, Brittany Rowley, a mom of 4, gave birth to the idea of a neighborhood Christmas Lights competition. Yes, she plays for fun. But to her, the fun is in winning.
We were coming out of the Covid pandemic when Alan Blume and his family moved in across the street from the Rowley family. People wanted to get out and socialize, especially these two friendly families. Alan Blume admired the large Home Depot skeleton the Rowleys showcased for Halloween. The conversation led to him telling Brittany and David Rowley how he did some big time Christmas displays. After all, he was a Christmas Eve baby who grew up in a festive and friendly part of Chicago.
Challenge? Accepted.
Brittany Rowley took it as a challenge. Don’t let the fact that it wasn’t meant as a challenge get in the way of a good story. Minor details. Nevertheless, she fearlessly shouted “Challenge Accepted.”
Her passion alone created the neighborhood Christmas Lights competition. Furthermore, she brought it to life faster than Frosty the Snowman on an ideal winter day. So, rather than stand in front of a snowball rolling downhill gaining size and speed, David Rowley and Alan Blume got on board with Brittany.
One might call it, limited options.
Christmas Spirit 2025 Style
Regardless, the holiday magic Brittany Rowley began with her 2 buddies has brought much joy to the world and truly made it a better place. They do this for strangers, for everyone. Santa Rita Ranch is now an old school neighborhood where residents are neighbors. They know each other, help each other, and enjoy friendships all year long. While many will come to see the magical displays created as a neighborhood Christmas lights competition, hopefully some will also see people can take home some Christmas spirit which is possible year-round.
NOTE: Be sure to wish Alan Blume a Happy Birthday if you swing by. And be sure not to challenge Brittany Rowley.
Please enjoy this episode of Binge with Baldrick. And be sure to subscribe now because we’re doing a unique show from North Pole, Alaska this month. Really. May it all be part of a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Healthy and Happy New Year for you and yours.