St. Croix shimmered with holiday spirit as the Crucian Cultural Group (CCG) hosted the seventh annual Ah Glow in Deh Park tree lighting at Limpricht Park in Christiansted, St. Croix.
Friday evening’s celebration featured music highlighting the history and culture of St. Croix, as well as cheers from revelers in the crowd during the illumination of Limpricht Park, located in the heart of Christiansted. Numerous park trees were uniquely decorated by “sponsors,” community members, and local businesses who are responsible for the holiday beautification of the trees.
Due to the large turnout from community members, this year’s event was expanded to include decorations in the nearby Sunday Market Square, located near Limpricht Park.
Crucian Cultural Group
The Source spoke with Wanda Figueroa-Vialet, Lead Chair of the CCG’s annual Limpricht Park Tree Lighting event, to learn more details about the celebration and the cultural organization. Figueroa-Vialet noted that at the heart of the event was the CCG’s ongoing mission to use culture, light, and music to bring the community together in Christiansted’s historic town center.
“The CCG is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the rich cultural heritage of St. Croix through intergenerational programming, community events, and cultural stewardship. This organization also aims to promote island festivities in the town of Christiansted. These events highlight the depth of Virgin Islands heritage through light, music, storytelling, and community celebration,” Figueroa-Vialet explained.
Figueroa-Vialet has worked as the project lead from the beginning of the Limpricht Park Ah Glow in Deh Park celebration.
“I’ve served as the Lead on this project since we started seven years ago,” Figueroa-Vialet said. “As a member of the group, I assist with the planning stages of all activities and see them through to fruition. Each year we try to add something new to enhance what we’ve already been working on,” she continued.
Limpricht Park Glows in Honor of Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights
Over the years, Ah Glow in Deh Park has grown into one of St. Croix’s signature holiday traditions. This year, the setting itself carried new significance, as Limpricht Park was renamed in honor of the legendary Quelbe band featuring Cariso music performed by Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights. The group’s music has long been synonymous with Crucian Christmas.
In describing the atmosphere of the celebration, Figueroa-Vialet said, “This enchanted evening transforms the historic Limpricht Park into a cultural landscape of lights, holiday décor, and Crucian music. The annual tree lighting is one of St. Croix’s most anticipated holiday gatherings. This year, the park has been renamed for the event in honor of Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights.”
Throughout the night, the glistening trees, the sounds of music, and the spirit of Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights helped anchor the event firmly in Crucian tradition.
More Trees, More Sponsors, and Expanded Decorations
Figueroa-Vialet said that planning for this year’s edition focused heavily on sustaining and expanding community participation, particularly from returning tree sponsors and new organizations eager to be involved.
“We wanted to make sure that our tree sponsors returned, and if, for whatever reason, they couldn’t participate, that we would be able to get other participants,” Figueroa-Vialet stated. “We had a few original sponsors return, as well as new ones. This year we had so many requests for trees that we branched out to the Sunday Market Square, also known as Times Square. Therefore, our goals were met. Sunday Market Square, decorated by many community organizations, was unveiled on Dec. 6, when the mobile and lantern parade passed through the historic downtown of Christiansted,” she said.
Those additional displays helped stretch the festivity beyond Limpricht Park and further into the heart of downtown, reinforcing the idea of Christiansted as a festive, walkable Christmas village.
Trees That Tell Crucian Stories
Discussing the decorated trees, Figueroa-Vialet said that each tree and display carried its own message and meaning, reflecting different facets of Crucian life and culture. From tributes to traditional industries to colorful nods to masqueraders, the installations turned the park into a glowing gallery of Crucian storytelling.
“The majestic trees pay homage to the fishing industry and culinary arts as well as the masqueraders. The great works of art and the creativity and spirit of Crucian Christmas spills over into the entire park!” she stated.
A Wholesome Community Celebration
Over the past seven years, Ah Glow in Deh Park has steadily grown into a true community celebration, drawing in schools, churches, businesses, and civic groups. Figueroa-Vialet shared enthusiasm that the involvement in the event continues to expand.
“There are more local businesses and community organizations participating this year. For example, our schools participate in the mobile/lantern parades, and our church groups entertain us with choir groups or Steelpan music. It’s a great wholesome community celebration,” she said.
Families and children filled the park and surrounding streets, turning the evening into a full-sensory experience of sound, light, and community.
“The event is heartwarming,” Figueroa-Vialet declared. “The smiles on individuals’ faces, the excitement to walk in the park, the photo opportunities tell me that we’ve made the holidays a bit more cheerful for many families.”
The Work Behind the Glow
The magical feel of Ah Glow in Deh Park is the product of many hours of behind-the-scenes coordination, fundraising, and volunteerism. That commitment, from both sponsors and organizers, helps ensure that the event remains accessible to the community and continues to grow each year.
“As a token of appreciation, we offer small gifts to tree sponsors and mobile and pedestrian participants. We often contribute from our own pockets until we get some funding from some of our main sponsors,” Figueroa-Vialet said.
Accessibility and a Warm Welcome Home
As the event has evolved, organizers have also focused on creating a welcoming environment for elders, people with disabilities, and Crucians who return home for the holidays.
“This year, the street was open for pedestrians to walk freely, making it readily accessible for our elders and individuals with disabilities,” Figueroa-Vialet noted. “The entrance into the park itself offers some of its own accessibility challenges, but the view from the street is just as beautiful. Crucians returning home are welcomed by the ‛Ah Cultural Glow for the World to See’ exhibit at this year’s celebration.”
Looking ahead, Figueroa-Vialet said she hopes to see continued investment in making the area even more accessible and comfortable.
“I hope that there will be well-lit and well-paved streets and continued commitment from tree sponsors to make it happen for our community annually. Long term, I’d like to see a pathway cleared in the park that would follow the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design compliance,” she said.
Keeping the Tradition Glowing
For Figueroa-Vialet and the Crucian Cultural Group, the future of Ah Glow in Deh Park depends on continued community involvement, both from those who attend and those who help make it happen. She offered the following call to action for the St. Croix community for events in the future.
“Continue to show up and share the events with family and friends,” she enthusiastically urged. “Contact any member of the group and ask how you can volunteer at any of the events.”
With ongoing support, the event is poised to keep glowing in Christiansted each holiday season, illuminating not only Limpricht Park and Sunday Market Square, but also the enduring spirit of Crucian culture.
The holiday lights will be on display until Jan. 11, 2026. For those who may have missed the celebration this year, there are additional opportunities and events that CCG has planned for the season in December and January. A list can be found on the organization’s Facebook page.
