WILMINGTON — The Christmas lights on Randolph Street will not be quite as bright this year.

For the first time in 22 years, the Holdren House will not have the brightly lit sleigh out front. Candy canes and Christmas Carolers will not lead the way to Mary Lou’s backyard this year. It is a tradition that started in 1993.

Blackie Holdren and Mary Lou would invite children and adults from all around the county to visit the beautiful display of lights and Mary Lou’s special, hand-painted Disney characters. Dozens of paintings lined the illuminated pathway in their back yard. When Blackie passed away several years ago, he asked his family to continue the tradition for as long as possible.

However, this year, instead of visiting the Holdren display on Randolph Street, people are being encouraged to come and bring their children to the Wilmington Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at 75 Hale St. in Wilmington. The entire center courtyard of the nursing facility has been transformed — it is now a Disney Wonderland. The family has spent several days decorating the area with Mary Lou’s paintings and getting the lighting just right.

Bring your children and introduce a new generation to the Holdren Christmas tradition. The display is available to the public from 7-9 p.m. every evening.