Every year, one street in Portland decks itself out to the max in Christmas lights, and everyone in town is invited.
I tried to get there every year before I moved to Rainier, and when Kellen still lived at home with me. For the Rainier years, it was too far away. But now it’s post-pandemic, and I’m back in town. I wanted to meet for the holidays with my friend Vladimir, and it was his idea to see Peacock Lane, which he had not yet seen. He grew up in Los Angeles, but hasn’t lived there for decades, and misses being a city kid. I could tell that for one night he looked forward to being part of a city event.
We began with dinner nearby, at Two Brothers Rakia Bar & Grill, a Serbian place with homestyle cooking on 39th & Belmont. I recalled enjoying the Bosnian food that we shared with Manja in Slovenia, and I hoped this would be similar. It was! Vlad had chevapi and I had sudzuka, both came with ajvar, and the food was delicious. We also each ordered some rakia, which I had not tried before.
Over dinner we got much of the talking and catching up out of our system, then walked over to the Christmas lights show. Two nights a year, the street is closed to vehicle traffic, and it is pedestrians only. We had arrived on opening night, a pedestrian night, and it was crammed with people! But so much fun for both of us.
Myths debunked: Though you will find most people proclaiming this loudly, home owners are NOT required to decorate. It’s all in fun, and some people purchase a home here with the goal of becoming part of the experience. This myth is a powerful one, and while on the street with Vladimir, I overheard multiple people announcing with fervor that homeowners are bound by contract to decorate. It’s just not true. The other myth is that the electric bills are outrageous. Peacock Lane website says that back in the day it could get costly, but for years everyone has converted to LED lights, and there is a minimal expense.
I don’t know if you can tell in the image on the right above, but lots of the visitors to the street “dressed up,” in Christmas pajamas. Whole families arrived in slippers and nightgowns, or matching pajamas, carrying Teddy bears. I’m not sure what that’s all about, but it was cute.
Commerce is not allowed, but musical entertainment is allowed, as long as they do not ask for money. I loved these carolers: the Raging Grannies. YouTube has a new and improved feature where – without asking what you actually want – they convert your videos to “Shorts,” which degrades the quality and will not embed on WordPress. Thank you ever so much YouTube. Thus, instead of posting the video panel, all I can do is include a link to a 24 second clip of the Grannies caroling about fair wages. Activism Christmas caroling is very Portlandy.
https://youtube.com/shorts/arTkkZNTQrw
Vlad and I were having a wonderful time and did not mind the people.
We actually loved the Unicorns place. Much of their decor seemed to be hand made and especially creative.
Conscious Engagement 
Quite impressive, Crystal. It’s always fun when a community comes together! Happy Hollidays to you, Pedro, and the boys. Was fun catching up with your year on your Xmas newsletter, including our participation in it.
Yay! Glad you liked it. I always love it when I get to send a Christmas letter to someone who is IN the letter. My choice of photos is usually those photos that turn out really good, and the one with all of us was pretty good. 🙂 Merry Christmas you two. Thank you for the goat card and for the love all these years.
❤️
Incredible place, Crystal! By the way….Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Lou! It’s so great to know you. ❤
Truly incredible Crystal. What an experience. Thanks for taking me along in my pyjamas 😂
Merry Christmas to you and Pedro and of course the chickens
I’m glad you joined the fun in your pyjamas! Merry Christmas back atcha! We will be on your side of the globe in less than a week. I will remember to wave at you. ❤
That would be fabulous to have a wave Crystal ❤️
Displays to rival ours
Your displays there are beautiful and I think more lights only makes things better. Glad you could come along, Derrick. ❤
Thanks very much, Crystal XX
Oh, I do so love this! There is a neighborhood in Seattle Candy Cane Lane and it is equally stunning. We have a few neighborhoods out here too but the rain has literally dampened plans. This collection is just like being there! Thank you!
I have heard of Candy Cane Lane from my brother, who lived in Seattle for about 18 years before recently moving to Walla Walla. I never managed to see it though.
You have to toughen up, Bonnie. If you plan to live in the Pacific Northwest…it rains out here. Maybe you could talk to someone who has worked in the postal service – they could explain what it’s like to be in the weather here. ha ha! I think every year about this time, I bump into someone who is a transplant and we revel in how amazing it is not to have to shovel the rain. I have lived here since 2007, and I still find myself grateful that I don’t have to deal with snow hardly ever. I do get sick of the clouds though.
Dear Crystal, hope you had a great time celebrating Christmas at Peacock Lane, such a wonderland!!!
My kids would definitely like it and let me see, if I could plan a trip during X mas time to the States…
Wishing you a very happy and peaceful new year 🙂
Happy New Year Sreejith and family! If you could ever make a trip to the United States, Pedro and I would be very happy to host you in our home. Sadly, Oregon is not a top destination for international visitors, but the offer is there. We have mountains and the ocean and a majestic river and a cute little city of Portland. 🙂 We could be your resting point when traveling between San Francisco and Seattle, ha ha.
Thank you so much for your kind words, I feel so touched by it!
I really wanted to explore your great country and next Olympics in LA is an opportunity I am looking forward to.
It would be just amazing if our paths in life crosses once 🙂
Have a beautiful day to you and Pedro 🙂
Looks like you guys had a great time, Crystal. I’m sure by now you guys are packed and almost ready for your big trip. Safe travels, happy new year, and happy birthday! Big hug.
Thank you so much Jolandi. ❤ Yes we are packed and leave in mere hours. Thank you for the birthday wishes. Happy New Year to you and Michael.