Peacock Lane

Being a sucker for holiday decorations and excitement I was looking forward to finally making it to Peacock Lane this year. We made a date night out of it and went to dinner nearby and walked over so as to avoid the parking chaos. Unfortunately I was extremely disappointed. 1 or 2 houses really put some effort into their decorations (thank you!) but many only had single strings around the trim and that was it. The bf and I did spend the rest of December pointing out every thoroughly decorated house we drove past and commented, «that one should have been at Peacock Lane.» I still love the idea behind the whole thing but ultimately I do not plan on going back. Hopefully future homeowners in the neighborhood bring it back to what was once presumably really festive.

The hubby and I were pretty disappointed with the Christmas display on Peacock Lane. It was very mediocre. There were maybe 2 houses that stood out as special. Definitely not worth the hour wait time (if you drive the street). We even went after Christmas thinking it wouldn’t be as busy. We were wrong. We won’t be back.

Nice activity to do with your loved ones and the best part is it’s freeee! Also, it puts you in the holiday spirit !

I find it awesome that all the houses had lights! Great place to take the family for a drive. However I didn’t see any over the top houses decorated like some random spots around town. I think those people need to move to peacock lane.
Also the traffic to get in was crazy, but worthwhile. next year our family might walk through.

It was ok. I liked how it was a big thing — there were a lot of people there to check it out. Carolers were good too. I just had higher expectations for the display, it really wasn’t anything special

I won’t be surprised if the homeowners one day boycott this long loved tradition as I was in shock about how disrespectful people were. Why would anyone think that it’s ok to be on someone’s property just because you want a picture of you and everyone in your family with the props/​decorations etc. I definitely enjoy pedestrian night! No cars is for sure an added bonus and the lights & décor were amazing.
Thank you so much Peacock Lane Residents & Merry Christmas!

It is always a wonderful experience to stroll down Peacock Lane, although the on-​foot crowds have been particularly huge this season. I appreciated that either there are some new home owners on the street or some residents decided on some variations in theme this year, so there were some slightly different things to see. One home’s lights on the underside of their fountain in the front yard were beautiful – great idea. I feel for the residents of the street in that, it feels to me, each year some families get more and more brazen and rude in going onto people’s yards. If I bring my children to see the lights one day, I will be teaching them some better manners and respect for others’ property. There are many photo opportunities from the sidewalk; getting any closer isn’t necessary in my book. Thanks for what you do, Peacock Lane.

Awesome visit to Peacock Lane tonight to see all the Christmas lights. Our toddler absolutely loved seeing all the lights, and us adults really enjoyed it too. The atmosphere was very fun, filled with singers, hot cocoa, themed decorations, and lots more. We will make this an annual tradition.

If you want to see some holiday lights, grab a hot drink and go stroll through Peacock Lane!
Peacock Lane is about 2 blocks of houses that are decorated festive for the holidays. It is very busy but it is worth going to. In the past when I have gone, I have found it was best to park about ½ mile away to avoid traffic going to and from Peacock Lane. Walking through Peacock Lane only takes about 20 minutes depending on how long you gaze at the houses.
You are able to drive through Peacock Lane. However, I wouldn’t recommend it since there are many pedestrians walking around.

this is a family tradition each year, all of our kids in the car. Everyone with funny Christmas antlers or bouncing snowmen headbands and a very loud off key round of Christmas carols the entire time. The lights are always fantastic, the crowds are happy and the overall experience a true blessing to all of Portland and the thousands who drive in for the experience!

I went to this as a child and it still is beautiful. Very strict on times for light display so if your too early? You won’t see it all. We came back. There were still three or four houses with lights off. You lose 2 stars for that.
Otherwise stand outs were at least four really out the box houses.
Thanks for still continuing the tradition.

The lights on this street are beautiful! I wish there was more to look at though. It seemed like we were able to walk down one side if the street and through the other side in less than fifteen minutes. I guess it is a good place to visit if you are in the area and have a short amount of time to kill. Some houses are more decked out in lights than others!

Always a treat to visit Peacock Lane! Been coming here every winter to see the beautiful houses and their light displays.
We always park far away to prevent parking issues (not to mention overly eager/​crazy drivers) and bring our own thermoses with tea/​coco. The police assisting the cross walk areas are always friendly and efficient, they do a stellar job.
What I don’t understand is why people have to drive through the neighborhood during the light displays. There are only 10 – 15 houses and you can get through walking the whole area within half an hour (less if you walk at a normal pace). This isn’t even half a mile– please just go outside like us normal folks and walk rather than sit in your car, you’ll appreciate the lights that way!
The hot coco/​cider booth was sold out the two times we visited this year, it’s better to just bring your own drink rather than rely on the stall.
Also, some nights there are groups of carolers walking the area– they stay there for an hour or so and make it lots of fun for kiddos.
Peacock Lane is on the «do not miss» list!

Peacock Lane is a lovely place to see some Christmas lights during the holiday season. Located just of 39^th on the east side, Peacock Lane is a few blocks of homes that have been lighting up their homes since the early 1920s (did we have electricity back then?).
Suggestion would be to not drive the few blocks. Police regulate the traffic and waiting on the street until you get into the block probably wouldn’t be the best way to get excited to see some lights. I was able to park a couple blocks away no problem at 6:30 and walk the Lane. Plus, if you walk, you can stop by the hot chocolate booth halfway through for some free cocoa!
Many of the homes have cool themes with their lights. There were a couple Star Wars props, Peanuts, and Nightmare Before Christmas. A few of the homes do seem like they just throw up the bare minimum to prevent any unbearable shame put on by neighbors. Overall, it’s a great way to get in some holiday cheer and spend an hour of your evening.

I haven’t been there to visit in awhile, but Peacock Lane has been a firmly-​entrenched part of my life since birth. Back in time when Portland was still a small town, my family often drove through several times a week (I was raised nearby), and we never missed driving through on Christmas night for years. It was my first experience with a light-​sound extravaganza and I usually fell asleep overwhelmed by that and a day of fun, gifts, food, and family.
Of course, each of us has things that make Christmas real for us. Peacock Lane (along with the White Stag sign, the Thompson Elk Statue, and the West Hills Cocktail Glass light arrangement, etc) are gifts that Portland gives to us that makes a Portland Christmas real for me.

This is an amazing Portland tradition. So pretty and sparkly. As a slightly bi-​polar, jewish, Libra female, I am especially joyful around sparkly christmas shit. So this short walk is just the ticket. Last I went, there was at least one house without lights (that was a bummer). And I know other cities have these — but I’ve never seen them. Perhaps when I do, I will have something with which to compare. But until then. Around the hannukah time, this is as good as it gets!

Woohoo, indeed. Top Ten, Must See and Bucket List too, if you want to fill out your PDX cred card.
If you don’t like the idea of a bunch of homes displaying a bunch of Christmas lights, stop reading now.
Get out of your car, forget the rental carriage and take a little walk.
Find a hand to hold, if you can. The first time was with my wife but it’s the first time with my daughter that stays with me.
I will never forget turning the corner onto Peacock Lane and her initial reaction. The Happy Dance (you know that one, parents). «PRETTY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!!».
She had the hot chocolate. She saw the horsey-​wagons. She petted a couple of geriatric dogs meandering about with antlers on their heads. She scored many, many little candy canes. Santa kissed the top of her little, pointy hooded head (as did I).
While some years are more of a show than others, I will always appreciate the combined efforts of this little neighborhood to put on a show and carry on a wonderful tradition.
BTW; 17 years later, she still likes it (as do I).

Jeez, like an open bag of Hersheys kisses, I can’t stop myself. Peacock Lane is not that interesting or fun, and yet here I am every year? Why?
I guess it’s some damn Christmas spirit or something. The warm nostalgia of tradition. The dinner and drinks with friends first, the wandering in lights, the shared secret flasks, the drinks at some nearby bar later.
Every year. With love and hope.

Step 1 — Park far, far away.
Step 2 — Visit the Good Food Here cart pod on Belmont (with partially enclosed seating) and enjoy a little food and drink.
Step 3 — Fill up your thermos with something warm. Flask optional, but encouraged.
Step 4 — Walk slowly (not really a choice) through one of Portland’s quaint holiday traditions with friends or family.
Step 5 — Quickly proceed somewhere warm for a post-​walk drink (apple cider, Hot Toddy, etc.)
Thanks to Danni D, we had our first Unilocal UYE at Peacock Lane in 2010 and are continuing the tradition this year. It is good fun if you aren’t stuck in traffic and enjoy it for what it is… cute homes with an excess of lights and holiday spirit on a short avenue. That’s what surprised me last year, how small it is.
There is about 95% participation and I imagine a small elderly woman with a clipboard and a bullhorn grading the homes and making sure they conform to the seasonal norms. «More tinsel! I need at least three more angels on that roof! You call that festive?»
Some homes are themed (Dr. Seuss) while others have cute nods to other styles and traditions. You’ll see folks wandering the streets dressed up as Santa Claus and last year there was a horse drawn buggy.
I live in the ‘burbs, so I’m accustomed to large homes going all out with the latest and greatest in LED technology. Peacock Lane is a bit different and completely charming in its own way. Small, yet kind of spectacular.

Weather outside? Frightful. Fire? Delightful. No place to go, let it snow, yada yada yada. But this being Portland, actual, measurable snow is so rare, that when it happens, I lose all control and turn into a five-​year-​old. Stay inside by the fire? No way! Get me outside, immediately.
A couple of weeks ago, during a fine Happy Happy hour down the way at The Bonfire, my wildest Christmas dreams came through, as that fluffy white stuff began to fall, Ma Nature’s early Christmas present to me. It was beautiful. And it only lasted about 37 seconds.
Needing more holiday beauty after that little teaser, we headed up to Peacock Lane to check out an 80+ year old tradition, an otherwise quiet block between Stark and Belmont in SE, all aglow and crowded with visitors. It’s best to walk the lane, but if you drive, be prepared for some traffic back-​up getting there, beginning on Dec 15.
The display this year was a bit less grand than I remember from years past, but any lights are still beautiful, so no complaints. You can sign up for a horse-​drawn carriage ride, couple that with a big splash of booze in your hot chocolate, and you’re set for some old-​timey fun. It’s a great way to kick off the holidays, though you can find more-​decorated streets all over (Willamette Boulevard, I’m looking at you), it’s still a good time.
Recommend starting there, then cruising in the car through neighboring side streets to find more lit houses, like the one on nearby Flanders with lights timed to music you can tune into on your car radio. You may luck out and be singing, «As long as you love me sooooooo… Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snow!» Fingers crossed for a giant blizzard in 2011.