Known as Thompson Avenue for most of the year, just one particular street in Alameda undergoes a transformation into an expression of holiday joy. Along the block between High Street and Fernside Boulevard homeowners decorate their houses with lights, candy canes, snowflakes, Santa Clauses and more. This year, visitors were asked to stay in their cars and do a “drive-by” visit to Christmas Tree Lane, which many did in previous years anyway.

Among the homes is a Hanukkah-themed display (below) that adds to the fun for everyone. The pandemic eliminated some festivities, but the lights overcame the darkness.