Christmas Decorations Thread

mojo

New member
I havent had much time to take a look around yet this year, but I imagine there are always a few shining examples of half-assery and over-the-top enthusiasm out there. Does anyone have any good pictures of local noteworthy decorations?

Also, anyone know of any streets where everyone really goes all out? There used to be one in Northwood, off Monticello... Harrisburg, I think.
 
Not my street.

Actually... it's funny... in the 3 places I've lived in Irvine in the past 10 years... my house is usually the only one or one of two that has lights on the whole street.

Can't wait to try out the new LED lights... I was always tempting fire because I would string too many of the standard lights on one plug... now I can chain with peace of mind.
 
Yeah, I am trying the LED's out this year for my external lighting. The low watt usage helps my peace of mind for the power bill too. I just have 2 100 bulb lengths up right now, but I plan on running some more soon.

Just know the colors are very vibrant. (I have not personally used the clear/white). I really like them outside, but they might look a bit too saturated for indoor use. I think its mostly the super-blue bulbs.
 
Disneyland at Christmas
Disneyland takes on a special look at Christmas, the seasonal decorations adding to its already considerable charm.

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From November 13, 2009 through January 3, 2010 , the Disneyland resort in Southern California transforms into a Christmas Wonderland with special Parades, Shows and Entertainment.

For more information -
http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/cadisneyland/a/christmas.htm

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Naples Christmas Boat Parade - Long Beach
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Naples Christmas Boat Parade - Long Beach
When: Saturday, December 19, 2009. Small boats start at 6 pm from the 2nd Street Bridge, large boats start at 6:30 pm near Alamitos Bay Yacht Club.
Viewing Locations:
From the bridges and along the canals around Naples Island you see the small boat parade.
From the 2nd Street Bridge and along Alamitos Bay Marina you can also see the larger vessels that don't fit in the canals.
Parking: Mothers' Beach lot off Appian Way, marine lots east of Davis Bridge, Marine Stadium, and 54th & Bayshore. Naples Bayside Academy (5537 The Toledo) offers parking for a donation of $10.
Note: The houses around Naples Island put on one of the best displays of Christmas and Hanukkah lights in Southern California. Plan to get there plenty early to stroll around the island before the parade.

http://golosangeles.about.com/od/losangelescalendar/ss/BoatParades_6.htm
 
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
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Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
When: December 16 - 20, 2009. The parade starts off Bay Island at 6:30 pm and finishes at the same site at approximately 9:00 pm.
Check the Route Map for the day you will attend.
Free Viewing Locations:
On the bay side of Balboa Peninsula from 18th Street to the end of Bay Avenue
Anywhere along the water on Balboa Island
Along Pacific Coast Highway between Balboa Bay Club and Riverside Drive
Along the water on Lido Isle. Boats go into the channel on the west end of the island only on weekends
Paid Viewing Locations:
The American Legion Post 291 (located at 215 15th Street). Call early to reserve (949) 673-5070 or 1-800-655-0149.
The Newport Sea Base (1931 W. Coast Hwy.) has lawn seating with a view of the Parade. Call 949-642-5031 for more details.

http://golosangeles.about.com/od/losangelescalendar/ss/BoatParades_7.htm
 
There is a house in Fullerton on Brookhurst near the corner of (I think) Orangethorpe that is always uber decorated. I think the owners built an extra room for the sole purpose of housing Xmas decorations.
 
cam... that is right, another closet LBC fan...

FYI, most the houses on the canal have some sort of large get together... I remember one year, the wife had to use the bathroom and just crashed a few parties... the guests usually don't know each other... so we were able to finally visit the inside of a few of our favorite homes, some Victorians, some Tuscans... that place is nuts, be sure to park far away, belmont heights/park, and just take the passport... or walk...
 
I'm looking forward to the Newport boat parade. I've actually never seen it. This year I'll be in it on a yacht. Should be fun (and cold!)
 
Here is one of my old posts from the IHB last December. Unfortunately the maps from the OC Register site is no longer functioning. I am hoping they will have an updated 2009 OC Holiday guide online soon. I will update when available.

I am sure that neighborhood in Tustin (Olwyn Dr & Red Hill) should be up and running soon. That place was fantastic for families.


You are in luck?the OC Register did a great job mapping out all the best Christmas Light displays in the OC and published it online on December 12th.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/christmas-lights-orange-2254306-county-map

I actually went to the one in Tustin on Olwyn Dr off of Red Hill. Very nice setup there. A lot of the neighbors really got into the spirit with some even giving out free coffee, candy or hot chocolate. One house had Santa and several filled their garages and driveways with displays as well. Well worth the trip with your family. Just hard to find parking at times. Enjoy and have a Merry Christmas!
[ Edited: 23 December 2008 11:48 PM by IACRenter ]
 
[quote author="SoCal78"]I'm looking forward to the Newport boat parade. I've actually never seen it. This year I'll be in it on a yacht. Should be fun (and cold!)[/quote]

I haven't been in years, but I always loved it. I'm sure you will have a great time and love it too. Bundle up though.
 
Does anybody know if you can rent the duffy boats the evening of the parades and stay close to shore to observe? I'd like to do that.
 
[quote author="Sunshine"]Does anybody know if you can rent the duffy boats the evening of the parades and stay close to shore to observe? I'd like to do that.[/quote]

We did that during the 4th of July boat parade. Just call ahead and reserve one, it should be fine. Although who knows about when they close.
 
Sorry for the crappy photos, I took them with my Pearl, which sucked at pics. But this is my uncle's neighbor in the Anacrime/Orange border. He runs a gas generator every year to juice this debacle. Cayci has a video of it from last year too.

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There is a neighborhood in the South Bay, in Torrance, known as Sleepy Hollow, that is a must see if any of you ever travel up that way during the holidays. It's very close to the corner of PCH and Calle Mayor and you won't be able to miss the cars entering and leaving the neighborhood (Robert Rd. came up when I Googled it). It's an entire neighborhood with many, many streets in which everyone goes all out with Xmas decorations. The decorations are tasteful and over the top at the same time, and kids love it. My family drove through Sleepy Hollow a few times every holiday season.

Note: The streets will be packed with cars, so sit back, relax, enjoy the slow ride and take in the sights.
 
Christmas Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Today, Friday, Dec 4 6:00p to 8:00p

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Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort in Newport Beach, Calif. is hosting it's 16th annual Lighting of the Bay on Friday, Dec 4 at 6 p.m. Santa Claus will officially kick off the holiday season by flipping a giant switch to illuminate more than 50 electric Christmas trees situated in the tranquil waters of the bay. The public is invited to participate in the free event, which will include live musical performances.

http://events.ocregister.com/newport-beach-ca/events/show/89023923-christmas-lighting-of-the-bay-at-newport-dunes-waterfront-resort
 
[quote author="roundcorners"]cam, that last pic, reminded me of the Trees on the waters in LBC... naples/belmont shore/alamitos bay...

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That's a beautiful shot! Long Beach has the best sunsets!! <!-- s:) -->:)<!-- s:) -->
 
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