For years, Alameda’s Christmas Tree Lane has been the place to bring the young and old to experience some holiday magic. After Thanksgiving, the quiet 3200 block of Thompson Street in Alameda’s East End is transformed into “Christmas Tree Lane,” complete with a mailbox for letters to Santa, hot cocoa stands, and a visit from Santa himself on certain evenings.
Read on to find all you need to know about taking your family to Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda, California this year.
Before you go:
- Plan ahead by checking the sunset hour
- Check the weather to plan appropriate clothes. You may need rain gear or cold weather gear depending on the weather. Winter in Alameda can be unpredictable.
- Pack cash to shop for sweet treats from local stands stationed along the streets.
What we packed:
- Standard diaper bag essentials
- Dress in layers – it gets cold!
- Snacks or packed dinner
- Camera
- Stroller or wagon
Tips & tricks to get the most out of your trip
1. Arrive early - at sunset
Holiday lights come on as the sun sets. Every evening draws a crowd – weekends are the most crowded but also include festivities such as hot cocoa stands and Santa Claus.
We arrived mid-week to avoid the crowds and just before sunset (4:45pm in mid-December). Christmas Tree Lane residents were just getting home from work and starting to turn on their holiday lights. We actually met a few residents during set up and got to see the street before and after all of the lights magically turned on.
Getting there before the crowds allows you to find parking close by, stroll without too many additional onlookers or cars lining the streets, and to get home in time for dinner.
2. Dress in layers
Ooh Alameda can be chilly in the evenings, with temperatures averaging between 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bring layers in case the cold blows in and rain gear to protect from a winter storm.
3. Bring a wagon or a stroller
A wagon or stroller will help you transport tired children in the wee hours of the evening to and from your parking spot.
You might also need something to keep them contained as you walk because some residents were a little disgruntled about kids accidently breaking their holiday décor…see #4.
4. Try to keep your kids from climbing on the holiday decorations
We encountered some grumpy Christmas Tree Lane residents who scolded us a little for allowing our toddler and preschoolers to “hang” on their candy cane fences lined with Christmas tree lights.
The fence and lights were at toddler height, right at the sidewalk, and not very sturdy. Many houses put these in place to keep kids out of their lawns and away from the blowup hula dancing Santa, for example.
Out of respect to the residents on the block, try your best to keep your kids on the sidewalk unless the house has an inviting snowman photo opp. Read this article about what it is like to live on Christmas Tree Lane.
5. Bring hot cocoa to sip
Hot cocoa adds extra yummy enjoyment to your holiday stroll. Do you need to share with your kids? No…maybe an adult hot cocoa?
Or, bring cash to buy snacks and drinks from a stand.
The Christmas magic will definitely put you in the mood for some hot cocoa or snickerdoodles!
6. Take your time walking along 3200 Thompson Street with your family
The 3200 block of Thompson is short, so take your time to enjoy each house. You might find live music, interactive light shows, or funny holiday displays. For extra fun, try these activities:
- Pick out your favorite house or snowman
- Play I-spy
- Do a scavenger hunt
- Count how many snowmen or Santas you find
There is no rush, so go at your toddler’s pace.
This small town favorite is the perfect way to spend an early evening in December. We saw families of all shapes and colors lining up to watch the elf’s workshop or see the house with lights flash in perfect time along with The Nightmare Before Christmas tunes.
The vibe felt friendly and casual, even though my kids were melting down by 6 pm. Bring your camera, hot cocoa, and cheer to see the holiday magic light up your child’s face. Make sure to swing by one of these yummy restaurants in Alameda for dinner after.
Puerto Rican & Indigenous mama of two. Bay Area native. Salsa dancer. Backpacker. Doula. Angel (she/her/hers) is a co-founding member of the Beautiful Brown Adventures team. She has traveled to over 30 countries and loves to explore the world with her two daughters & partner - one ice cream shop at a time.
