Baltimore's miracle on 34th Street, the Hampden Christmas Street holiday, is in full Vegas mode with hundreds of thousands of lights, wreaths, menorahs, snow globes and original art, covering the 700 block of 34th Street. This neighborhood, located between Chestnut Avenue and Kewsick Road, becomes a major attraction this time of year drawing thousands of visitors from around the world.

The light show and friendliness of the neighbors have become a Christmas tradition for many. The traffic is bumper to bumper and pedestrians are all over the sidewalks and streets, dodging cars and the occasional tour bus as they take in the spectacle. The street is lit up like downtown Las Vegas. The bright lights would make Buddy Hall and Steve the optometrist proud (characters played by Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick in holiday comedy Deck the Halls. Like the theme of the movie some speculate you can see the lights of 34th street from space.

Started 62 years ago the residents continue making Christmas special to many. Some of the favorite features, besides the house lights and lights strung across the street are the hubcap Christmas tree and bicycle wheel snowman by resident Jim Pollock. There are crabs pulling a sled and a Christmas tree made from vinyl records.

The show began right after Thanksgiving on November 28th and runs through January 2 at midnight. The lights are on every night from 6 to midnight except for Christmas and New Year's Eve when they burn all night. There will even be a ball drop this New Year's Eve with events kicking off just before midnight.
When you go keep in mind that this display is put on entirely by the neighborhood, no corporate sponsors and no subsidies. The residents have even cautioned visitors, on their Christmas Street website, that anyone asking for money to help support the electric cost or decorations are not from the neighborhood.

Unlike the competition in the movie with Danny DeVito there is no battle of the bulbs on this street. The cooperative spirit of the neighborhood is as inspiring as the lights are bright.