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Santa Claus Lane: Our unique tradition
McCOOK, Neb. - In an age of LED lights, digital displays, and holographic Christmas trees, McCook proudly holds onto a unique and decidedly low-tech Christmas tradition: Santa Claus Lane. Every December, Norris Avenue transforms into an array of hand-painted plywood cutouts—artful reminders of a bygone era, steeped in local history and community spirit.
Santa Claus Lane began in 1948, a vision brought to life by local sign maker W.K. Swanson and businessman Ed Petersen Jr. With the help of then-cutting-edge 3M reflective paint and tape, the initial displays were illuminated, not by electric lights but by the headlights of passing cars. By the early 1950s, the project had grown to include dozens of life-sized cutouts, depicting both biblical scenes and secular Christmas imagery, lining the avenue’s center islands.
Swanson’s artistic talent, coupled with innovative materials, captured the imagination of residents and visitors alike. Merchants sponsored the displays, which doubled as advertisements while celebrating the holiday spirit. As families cruised Norris Avenue, they marveled at the brilliance of the decorations—a true spectacle of mid-20th-century ingenuity.
But Santa Claus Lane is more than its history of Scotchlite shimmer. It’s a story of community dedication. Over the decades, the displays endured cycles of wear and revival. Stored away in 1966, the original cutouts were rediscovered a decade later and restored by volunteers. More recently, in 2019, local artists like John Clesson and Ray Walters, along with McCook Art Guild members and Rotary Club volunteers, breathed new life into the aging figures. Using fresh reflective paint, they worked tirelessly to ensure the displays’ charm endured for new generations.
Santa Claus Lane also owes much to the generosity of donors and the efforts of individuals like Debbon McConnell, who painstakingly repainted dozens of scenes, including iconic designs like the Tin Soldier and the Smiling Snowman. McConnell’s work was supported by the Norma Strunk Memorial Fund, a tribute to another local artist who had restored the lane in the 1970s.
Thanks to city staff, sponsors and community volunteers, our tradition endures. Today, Santa Claus Lane continues to draw visitors from across the region. Thousands drive along Norris Avenue each December, reliving childhood memories or creating new ones.
For McCook, Santa Claus Lane is not just a holiday tradition—it’s a testament to the town’s creative spirit, collaboration, and commitment to preserving its heritage. In a world increasingly drawn to high-tech celebrations, our humble lane of hand-crafted artistry stands as a beacon of nostalgia and community pride.