Christmas Tree Lane — Attraction in Alameda

I grew on the 3200 block of Thompson Avenue aka 'Christmas Tree Lane". Neighbors decorate and light their houses from the first weekend in December through New Years Eve.

We placed a plaque under the street lamp post honoring Harriette Hughes Roberts at the end of the median nearest Fernside. My mother helped establish and maintain this tradition. It has become much a much bigger deal than when I was little. I'm pleased to know the tradition lives on and is part of so many peoples holiday celebration.

It's best to visit the neighborhood on foot so you have more time to see the tiny details. You can also drive up and down the block, if that works better due to bad weather or mobility limitations.

Don't be surprised in you encounter traffic jams due to the blocks popularity. These days you'll likely encounter vendors on the block selling food or light up toys. Sometimes kids will host fundraisers for their school or a...

Christmas Tree Lane is undeniably a beautiful and festive sight during the holiday season. The neighborhood truly goes all out with stunning lights and decorations that bring the Christmas spirit to life. Walking or driving through feels magical, especially for families and kids who love the holiday cheer.

However, the experience is significantly dampened by the overwhelming crowds and traffic. The street gets so packed that navigating through becomes a stressful ordeal. Long wait times and bumper-to-bumper traffic can take away from the enjoyment, especially if you’re driving.

If you’re planning to visit, I’d highly recommend going on a weekday or earlier in the evening to avoid the peak crowds. While the decorations are amazing, the logistical challenges make it hard to...

All of the houses put on an amazing light display every year. There's usually a really good mix of different decorations throughout the street. Parking may be difficult close to it, and walking and driving through the street is fairly slow because there's a lot of people and cars. Highly recommended to come down to Christmas Tree Lane for...