We are located right next to the famous Miracle on 34th Street in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore.

It is one of Baltimore’s best-known holiday traditions: an entire residential block covered in elaborate Christmas lights and decorations located on the 700 block of West 34th Street between Keswick Road and Chestnut Avenue.

The street is lined with classic Baltimore rowhouses, and during the holidays nearly every house becomes part of a huge community art display: thousands of lights, animated decorations, themed displays, Baltimore cultural references, whimsical homemade art.

Some famous features include: the “hubcap Christmas tree”, bicycle-wheel snowmen, giant crabs, Natty Boh imagery, trains and moving displays.

It feels quirky, festive, very Baltimore. Not polished like a commercial light show — more handmade, neighborhood-driven, and creative. The experience is usually crowded, energetic, family-oriented, nostalgic.

Walk the block slowly, take photos, drink hot chocolate, visit nearby Hampden restaurants and shops. The neighborhood itself has a distinctive personality: artsy, eclectic, old Baltimore rowhouse character.

Lights begin just after Thanksgiving, continue through New Year’s Day, turn on around dusk nightly. Better to walk than drive.

Most locals recommend: parking nearby then walking. Many people combine the lights with: dinner, dessert, shopping on “The Avenue” (36th Street)-- The whole area becomes a holiday outing.

Imagine narrow rowhouses lights strung roof-to-roof across the street, colorful decorations everywhere, glowing displays packed tightly together.

It has become a Baltimore tradition for decades. It is a nationally known, cultural icon in the city. Many Baltimore residents consider “The Miracle on 34th Street” the unofficial start of Christmas season.