While growing up, we had a Christmas tradition of driving through nearby neighborhoods to view all the different ways people decorated their houses for the holidays. The ones who used the most lights, covering their entire houses, were always the most exciting to us young ones but always shocked the parents to think how much the electric bill would be. This year, we've found a whole neighborhood that takes part in the decorating festivities.
Peacock Lane is located in South East Portland and has been decorating for Christmas since the 1920's. Every house on the block is included and the neighborhood is drawing quite the crowd. It is advisable to walk rather than drive but you can always hop on the horse-drawn carriage that takes passengers down the length of the street. The illumination starts tonight at 6pm. Check out their website to see more photos and information.
(Photos via Peacock Lane)
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we have a neighbourhood like that in my city. they've set up food bank donation bins to take advantage of all the visitors.
i do hate it when people drive through, though. walking off christmas dinner is so much better for the environment, for our health and for all the little kids running around.
If you ever go to Paso Robles, California, check out Vine St. One night in December they do a whole event and close off the street. There's a guy there that performs as Scrooge and rumor has it that he sold the house but stipulated in the contract that he be allowed to return every year to perform until he dies. It's still lovely before and after the event, if you want something a little quieter.
I usually avoid Peacock Lane, but during Snowpocalypse last year, I enjoyed walking along it many times on the way to Movie Madness.
What I find really special at this time of year, is seeing how some very plain little houses, decorated with lights, can look so special at night. Perhaps the only time of year they can really shine (pun intended).
I was just there last night! It was great! Here are photos: http://www.mile73.com/?p=3656
A friend of mine bought a house on Peacock Lane a few years ago. They actually have a clause in the sale contract that obligates anyone who buys a house on the street to put up Christmas lights.
We're planning to go there tonight! :D
It's like a tradition (except for last year) to walk through Peacock Lane during their Christmas lights show.
I'm going on Thursday! We used to go all the time when I was a kid, but it's been many years since I've gone. I'm bringing my own kid this year; it's nice nice to pass on the tradition.
Uh, no.
East Coasters have it all over you.
When I visited my sister years ago on the west coast, I was
amazed at how staid the holiday lights were on the homes that
were decorated. Here in crowded urban Somerville MA, we make sure to cram as much electricity-sucking wattage as possible into our tiny yards. With color! and statuettes! and Santa mingling with the baby Jesus and maybe dwarves and flamingos and leprachauns!
http://www.stockphotopro.com/photo_of/Somerville/852337LKU/USA__Massachusetts__Somerville_
I am dragging my husband out to Peacock Lane this year. We live in an apartment and only dream of lights like this!
We live nearby Peacock Lane and it is a wonderful treat to walk through and enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations.