Miracle on 34th Street

In Baltimore, Maryland, Miracle on 34th Street is a display of holiday lights that takes place annually on the 700 block of 34th Street (between Chestnut Avenue and Keswick Road in Baltimore's Hampden community. The display, which involves the residents of most of the houses on the block (with three-story rowhouses on the north side of the street and two-story ones with second-floor bay windows on the south side), started in 1947 (the same year that its namesake movie debuted), and takes place between late November and late December. The location becomes a major attraction for visitors from all over the area. The display prominently features Christmas trees of varying styles, trains, animated figures, Walt Disney cartoon characters, Hanukkah menorahs, artwork, and other various symbols of the holiday season, including a sea of Santas and Frosty the Snowmans. Notable artists Some of the residents are renowned for their various displays. These include: Jim Pollock: Known for the hubcap Christmas trees, one of which is usually displayed prominently on his lawn, along with his snowmen made of bicycle wheels. He is sometimes the only resident who allows visitors inside his house to view his artwork. Elaine Doyle-Gillespie: Known for her theme of peace In popular culture The lit-up block of 34th Street has been seen in some Maryland Lottery commercials. Actor Richard Chamberlain has been seen publicly at the event.