Set to Music

In the spotlight: The Tudor-style manse of Huntington Harbour residents Bob and Teresa Nichols and their children, Nicole, 15, and Barry, 12. Bob is the owner of Allied Refrigeration in Long Beach; Teresa is a volunteer for the Huntington Harbour Committees of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.

The 7,200-square-foot home will be featured in the committees’ annual Cruise of Lights--a series of narrated boat tours through the illuminated waterways of Huntington Harbour--beginning Tuesday and lasting through Dec. 22. Proceeds from the popular cruise benefit the Philharmonic’s Youth Music Programs.

Decking the halls: Fresh poinsettias dot nearly every nook of the $1.5-million waterfront residence. The living room, dining room, grand staircase--even the perimeter of the koi pond that occupies a corner in the slate entry hall--are ablaze with the scarlet blooms. “I think I have 100 of them,” said Teresa, 45.

A traditionally decorated fir stands near a bay window in the waterside living room. Ornate angels and burgundy and gold ornaments--some in the shape of musical notes--grace the towering tree.

In the upstairs family room stands another fir decorated with harlequins and ornaments that the children have made over the years. “I like to keep our downstairs tree traditional and romantic,” Teresa said. “But I like the family room tree to be fun.”

This year, Bob, 79, decided to have a little fun with the traditionally decorated tree. “Look at the top,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s snowing!”

Flecks of faux snow shoot from a camouflaged tube that runs the length of the tree. “The snow comes out of the top, then filters through the branches into a container,” Teresa explained, “then it’s drawn up again.”

On a merry note: Since this year’s Cruise of Lights is themed “Millennium Melodies,” the Nicholses have decorated the home’s balconies with glittery musical notes. “Music has become a wonderful part of our lives,” said Teresa. “Our daughter attended a Philharmonic concert at Disneyland when she was in fourth grade and loved it. The same with my son. That got me wanting to be involved” with the committees.

Away, in a manger: A manger with life-size figures of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus stands under a straw-like structure on the front lawn. “A manger is a tradition at our house--the way it was in my mother Marie Doty’s home,” Teresa said. “Mother started that when I was a little girl. And now we erect it in her memory.”

The Cruise of Lights will be held nightly from Tuesday through Dec. 22 at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. Adults, $9, Monday-Thursday; $10, Friday- Sunday. Children, ages 6 to 12, $6. For tickets, call (714) 840-7542 or order online at https://www .philharmonicsociety.org.