Top 5 Places to See Holiday Decorations in Alameda
5. Pagano’s Hardware, 1100 Lincoln Avenue. Every year, the window displays of this hardware-and-more store show off something to delight everyone. Last year’s display included some humans ‘quietly’ sitting around a table, while the mice at their feet were busily trotting out garlands and other decorations. Keep the holiday spirit moving while taking a peek inside the store’s own holiday boutique.
4. Gaslight Emporium, 1708 Lincoln Avenue. Just blocks from the prior entry, this store chock full of candy and gifts is a holiday display unto itself. But don’t just hurry in for the handmade chocolates! Before you indulge (or after you are satiated) take in the amazing display windows. Lights, whimsy, and an otherworldly feel are the hallmarks of this store’s Christmas style.
3. Grand Street (between Santa Clara Avenue to Otis Drive). If you just came from the prior entry, take a walk down Grand Street. Known for its grand Victorian era mansions (perhaps the inspiration for the street’s name), this area maintains the charm of a true Victorian Christmas. While many displays are definitely nighttime affairs, this is the perfect place to be during daylight hours, too. Look for lots of greenery and red ribbons while the sun shines, as well as a fascinating display of holiday glow after dark.
2. Along the Estuary and Northern Waterfront (viewable from the Grand Street Marina, at the foot of Grand Street). This technically isn’t in Alameda, but along its northern waterfront. Walk along Grand Street heading east (towards Oakland) until you come to the water. A lighted boat parade kicks off on the Alameda-Oakland Estuary on December 3, 2005. But if you miss this date, don’t worry – the boats, houseboats, and restaurants overlooking the estuary stay charmingly, brightly lit all holiday season long.
1. Thompson Avenue (off High Street, between High Street and Fernside Boulevard). There must be something in the home purchase contracts for this charming, tree-lined neighborhood. Every house on the block participates in an amazing display that is rarely orchestrated by the private sector. Reindeer alighting on a rooftop, Santa in the median strip, and all manner of festive whirligigs (some purchased, some created) are set off by one of the largest displays of holiday lights in the Bay Area. The fun begins at sunset and lasts until about 9 or 10 p.m. As Christmas Eve nears, the popularity of this site increases, making it more reasonable to ditch the car somewhere else. Walking is definitely the way to go! The curse of a thousand Scrooges on you if you are one of the foolish few who try to honk and veer their way down this street, diminishing the holiday cheer that is otherwise in abundance!
