Miracle on 34th Street (Baltimore) facts for kids
The Miracle on 34th Street is a super cool display of holiday lights in Baltimore, Maryland. It happens every year on the 700 block of 34th Street in the Hampden neighborhood. This amazing light show started way back in 1947. That's the same year a famous movie called Miracle on 34th Street came out!
Every year, from late November to late December, the houses on this block light up with tons of decorations. It becomes a huge attraction, drawing visitors from all over the area. You'll see all sorts of holiday symbols, like bright Christmas trees, fun trains, moving figures, and even Walt Disney characters. There are also Hanukkah menorahs, cool artwork, and a sea of Santas and Frosty the Snowmen!
Contents
Creative Residents and Their Displays
Some people who live on 34th Street are famous for their awesome decorations. Here are a few:
- Jim Pollock: He's known for making unique Christmas trees out of hubcaps! You can often see one of his hubcap trees on his lawn. He also makes snowmen from bicycle wheels. Sometimes, he even lets visitors peek inside his house to see more of his art.
- Elaine Doyle-Gillespie: She creates displays that focus on the theme of peace.
Miracle on 34th Street in Pop Culture
This brightly lit street has even appeared in popular culture:
- You might have seen the decorated 34th Street block in some Maryland Lottery TV commercials.
- Famous actor Richard Chamberlain has been spotted enjoying the event.
Things to Know About the Event
Neighborhood Impact
While the Miracle on 34th Street is super popular, it can bring a lot of visitors. This means more cars on the street, which can sometimes make parking tricky for people living nearby. Also, with so many people visiting, it can get a bit noisy.
Energy Use and Solutions
Lighting up so many decorations uses a lot of electricity. Some people have worried about the energy costs. But the residents of 34th Street have kept this tradition going every year since 1987, no matter what!
To help with energy use, some residents now use LED lights. These lights use much less electricity. Others display artwork that doesn't need any electricity at all.
According to Baltimore Gas & Electric, the average cost for each participating home is usually less than $10 per month. That's not much for such a big display! Sometimes, neighbors even help each other out by sharing electricity with extension cords.
It's good to know that the residents do not ask for money or donations for their energy costs. However, you might find vendors selling hot chocolate or other refreshments nearby. These vendors are usually raising money for good causes, not for the residents' electricity bills.
Gallery
-
Walt Disney display
-
Teddy bears display
-
Inflatable snowman
-
Menorah
-
Hubcap Tree
-
Wider view
