A Guide to Holiday Lights in Willow Glen

The Season of Light in “San Jose’s Small Town

Willow Glen home covered in Christmas lights

As a Willow Glen resident for over two decades, I can honestly say that while I love this neighborhood year-round, there is something undeniably special about December.

If you are new to the area or thinking about buying a home here, you might have heard rumors about our holiday spirit. Let me confirm: the rumors are true. Willow Glen doesn’t just celebrate the holidays; we transform into a Hallmark movie.

Here is why living here during the holidays is an experience unlike any other in San Jose.

1. The Tradition of the Street Trees

This is the hallmark of a Willow Glen Christmas. It’s not just about decorating the houses (though some of my neighbors go all out!); it’s about the “Charlie Brown Trees.”

On almost every block, you will see small Christmas trees lining the park strips (the grass between the sidewalk and the street). It started years ago as a small neighborly gesture and has exploded into a district-wide tradition. Driving down a street lined with hundreds of these uniformly lit little trees is breathtaking. It represents the unity and pride we take in our community.

2. The Cable Car Tours

You know you live in a destination neighborhood when the trolleys show up! Every December, stylized cable cars filled with visitors roll through our streets to view the lights. As a resident, it’s fun to wave to the visitors from the front porch. It reminds us that we live in a place people travel to see.

3. Lincoln Avenue Comes Alive

Our downtown strip is the heartbeat of the holidays. Whether it’s grabbing a hot cocoa before walking the neighborhoods or shopping for unique gifts at the local boutiques, Lincoln Avenue feels incredibly festive. It’s a reminder of the “Small Town” feel that keeps property values here so strong.

The “Emotional Value” of a Home

As a Coldwell Banker Top Producer with 20 years of experience, I spend a lot of time analyzing data and comps. But the holidays remind me of the intangible value of Willow Glen.

You can’t put a price tag on the feeling of walking down a lit-up street where neighbors are roasting marshmallows on their driveways. That sense of connection is why homes in Willow Glen are not just investments; they are legacies.

Come See the Magic If you haven’t driven through the neighborhood yet this year, I highly recommend a slow drive down Glen Eyrie, Carolyn, or Griffith to soak it all in.

From my home to yours, Happy Holidays!

Michelle Elliott Your Willow Glen Neighbor & Real Estate Expert Contact Me