Neighborhoods with Extreme Holiday Lights

While doing this blog post, it has occurred to me there are a few prominent cities that have Candy Cane Lanes. Check it out. Go to Google or Yahoo or MSN or whatever your favorite search engine might be and type in “Candy Cane Lane.”  On Google, up pops 4 suggestions for cities that have Candy Cane Lanes: Woodland Hills, CA, West Allis, WI,  San Diego, and Seattle. Then it occurred to me that if you happen to LIVE on Candy Cane Lane, you are doomed to decorate your home for the holidays, whether you like it or not.

But, that’s small potatoes compared to what happens in Baltimore. The folks who live on 34th Street, between Chestnut and Keswick Drive, in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore (get it? Miracle on 34th Street?) put up the biggest, baddest holiday display on one block. Whoever moves into this 22-house block is “highly encouraged” to decorate their home for the holidays. Lucky for them these are row homes, so there aren’t a lot of trees and huge, suburban dwellings to adorn. Take a look at this show on Baltimore’s 34th Street to see the intensity of their decorations. There’s the always-favorite hubcap Christmas tree (photo below), the guys with the Santa Claus collection, the woman with the Tibetan prayer flags and peace doves, and a high-tech Christmas tree using a theatrical lighting console. Thanks to Pret a Voyager for bringing 34th Street in Hampden front ‘n center!

I’m sure there are many other neighborhoods around the U.S. that go all out with their holiday lights. If you know of any, please add the location or URL in the comments field. Also, be sure to check out Homes with Extreme Holiday Lights.

Lastly, have a safe and happy holiday, from everyone at Zillow.