Hundreds of people flocked to Eucalyptus Avenue in San Carlos on Saturday to catch a glimpse of the rows of elaborately decorated homes covered in lights in celebration of the holiday season.
Every year around Christmas, the quiet, suburban Eucalyptus Avenue turns into a bustling holiday attraction, drawing in thousands of visitors from all over, according to the city.
“People come from everywhere to see it, even from around the world,” said Lori Lehman, a resident on Eucalyptus Avenue. Jack and Lori Lehman, who have participated in the tradition since it began in the late 1970s, said the crowds get bigger and bigger every year.
Each house is decked in colorful displays with its own unique creations, turning the street into an art exhibit. A Star Wars-themed house, Christmas carolers and a tall tree drowning in ornaments are just a few attractions that draw in floods of visitors wanting to get into the holiday spirit.
Dubbed “Christmas Tree Lane,” Eucalyptus Avenue is closed to one lane of cars for nearly the entire month of December, according to the City of San Carlos. Sheriff’s deputies and community service officers will patrol the area each night, Friday to Sunday, starting this weekend.
“It has grown over the years,” Lori said. “It started as just a few little houses.” Saturday’s crowd was just a glimpse of the masses of visitors Eucalyptus Avenue attracts.
Crowding in for Christmas
Every weekend gets busier until Christmas Eve. The last few weekends until Christmas are so crowded that every inch of the sidewalks are covered in people, Jack said.
Visitors have the option to see the lights on foot or cruise through by car.
Due to the expanding popularity of the month-long event, San Carlos has implemented additional measures such as private security guards, overflow parking and portable restrooms to help improve safety and sanitation.
“While the larger San Carlos community has expressed appreciation for the efforts made by Eucalyptus Avenue residents to spread holiday cheer, they have also voiced concerns related to increased traffic, safety, and attendance,” according to the city’s online informational page about the event.
Although the event has substantially grown since it began nearly five decades ago, the Lehmans think that the inconveniences it may bring are worth it.
“We figure it’s only one month out of the whole year to have traffic and a lot of people,” Lori said.
“Ninety-nine percent of the people that come here are really respectful,” Jack said. “We love it and it’s just so much fun. That’s why we do it.”