Crosswinds "Luminary Celebration" ...

An annual celebration of the season!

All residents and guests of Crosswinds are invited to enjoy the beauty of our annual luminary celebration. Glowing candles will line the streets and Crosswinds homes will be decorated with multitudes of lights. Bring your family and guests to drive or walk through our neighborhood. It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday spirit! Don’t miss it!

Crosswinds Lumiaries - Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a luminary?  - A luminary is a white paper bag containing sand and a votive candle. It is a symbol of cheer for the holiday season.  Crosswinds has a long-standing tradition of lighting luminaries on December 24th.

What do homeowners do with the luminaries? - The luminaries are placed at your property curbside for viewing by passers-by. Some homeowners have also placed luminaries at additional accent points on their property, such as along driveways, on hillsides, and anywhere else they can be seen by viewers.

How can I help with the Crosswinds luminaries? - The Crosswinds HOA holds an annual assembly event open to all volunteers.  All homeowners are welcome to lend a hand and meet their fellow neighbors to kick-off the holiday season.  The event is usually held on a Saturday in early December.

Do I have to buy luminaries from the Crosswinds HOA or can I make my own? - You may make your own luminaries.  All you need are white paper bags, votive candles and some sand. The Crosswinds HOA simply provides pre-packaged luminary kits for purchase as a convenience to its member households.

How many luminaries come in a kit? - The Crosswinds HOA sells kits of 1 dozen luminaries.  Each kit comes with 12 bags, 12 candles, & a measured amount of sand.

How many luminaries do I need? - The number of luminaries you need depends on your lot frontage and the distance between each luminary.  Generally speaking most Crosswinds homeowners will order between 1 & 3 kits.  A house on a cul-de-sac can often get by with just 1 kit.  A house along a throughway will order 2-3 kits.  Corner lots may need more.

How much do the Crosswinds luminary kits cost to purchase? - Luminaries are sold in kits. Each kit contains the ingredients for a dozen. The maximum cost to a homeowner for the luminaries is 3 sets. Additional sets are available to the homeowner at no additional cost. Luminaries ordered after the deadline will require an additional late charge.

I have not yet paid my Crosswinds HOA dues – can I still order luminaries? - No. In order to take advantage of the luminary service, you must be current on your membership dues.  If you are not a current HOA member, you are not entitled to purchase luminaries from the Crosswinds HOA. 

How do I order luminaries?  - Luminaries and annual HOA membership dues are collected at the same time.  Your block captain will take your luminary order and deliver your luminaries to your house.  If you’ve not heard from your block captain by the deadline – be sure to contact them yourself.

When is the deadline to order luminaries from the Crosswinds HOA? - All homeowners who wish to order luminaries should place their order at least one week prior to the luminary assembly event in early December.  The deadline is usually around Dec 1.  Luminary orders will be delivered by the block captains.  Luminary kits ordered after the deadline will be available at an additional charge.

I want to buy extra luminaries for a holiday party – can I do that? - Yes – as long as you place your order before the deadline so that we know how many supplies to purchase. 

I won’t be in town during the luminary lighting – do I still have to participate in the celebration? - Since our goal is to provide a festive lighting experience, we hope that you will make arrangements with your neighbors to help cover your curbside during your absence.  You can help the process by preparing your luminary bags before you depart.  That way your neighbors simply have to set them out and light them.

When do we light the luminaries? - As soon as dusk arrives, you’re welcome to light your luminaries.  The luminary candles will likely last the full evening (4-6 hours).  Crosswinds lights their luminaries on the evening of Dec 24th.

Who cleans up the bags, etc.? - Homeowners are responsible for clean up.   All bags, sand and candles should be removed within 24 hours of the event.  Please help your neighbors with lighting and clean-up as needed.

Do I need to worry about dry leaves in the gutter if the city has not completed their regular pickup? - Yes.  Be careful of any dry branches, leaves or other debris which may interfere with the luminaries at curbside.

What if it is raining on the evening of the luminary celebration? - In the event of a constant rain, the luminary celebration is delayed 24 hours.

Can homeowners drive around Crosswinds in their cars to view the luminaries? - Yes.  Automobile traffic is welcome throughout the neighborhood during the luminary celebration.  Drive slowly and carefully.  If possible, you may dim your headlights, and try using just your running lights.  But again, use your best judgment and drive safely.

If I choose to drive a car, is there a preferred route through Crosswinds? - We ask those who choose to drive through Crosswinds during the luminary celebration to begin their trip at the Windjammer entrance off of Strickland.  Automobiles can then meander through the streets of Crosswinds.

Have fun and enjoy the holiday season!