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The Season of Light in “San Jose’s Small Town
Willow Glen home covered in Christmas lights
Willow Glen Christmas Lights: A Local Guide to the Holiday Tradition
December brings a completely different energy to Willow Glen. Streets glow with holiday lights, small Christmas trees appear in front yards throughout the neighborhood, and Lincoln Avenue takes on an especially festive feel.
Having lived in Willow Glen for more than two decades, the holiday season is still one of my favorite times of year here. Whether you live nearby, are visiting San Jose, or simply want to see some beautiful Christmas lights, Willow Glen has become a local holiday tradition worth experiencing.
Here’s my local guide to enjoying the Willow Glen Christmas lights and some of the traditions that make this time of year so special.
1. The Willow Glen Holiday Tree Tradition
One of the most recognizable parts of Christmas in Willow Glen isn’t just the decorated homes—it’s the little Christmas trees lining the neighborhood streets, affectionately known by many locals as the “Charlie Brown Trees.”
Throughout Willow Glen, you’ll see small Christmas trees placed near the sidewalks and decorated with simple lights. The Willow Glen holiday tree tradition dates back to 1950 and continues more than 75 years later.
Today, Willow Glen Holiday Trees helps coordinate participating streets through neighborhood block captains, continuing a tradition that has become part of the neighborhood’s holiday identity.
Driving or walking along a street lined with these glowing little trees is one of those simple experiences that makes December in Willow Glen feel especially festive.
2. Where to See Christmas Lights in Willow Glen
There isn’t one official route for seeing the Willow Glen Christmas lights, and that’s part of the fun. Displays can change from year to year as individual residents decorate their homes.
Glen Eyrie Avenue and the surrounding streets are a popular place to begin exploring. From there, you can wander through nearby residential streets before making your way toward Downtown Willow Glen and Lincoln Avenue.
You may also find beautiful displays along streets such as Carolyn Avenue and Griffith Place, although decorations vary each season.
And because these are residential neighborhoods—not commercial light displays—please enjoy them respectfully. Drive slowly, watch for pedestrians, avoid blocking driveways, keep music and noise down, and be considerate of the people who live here.
3. Experience the Holiday Trolley Rides
The holiday trolley rides add another fun element to the season in Willow Glen.
In years when they’re offered, festive trolleys travel through the neighborhood, giving visitors another way to experience the Christmas lights and decorations.
As a resident, there’s something pretty fun about seeing trolleys filled with visitors making their way through the neighborhood while you’re enjoying the lights from your own front porch.
Dates, tickets, routes and availability can change each year, so be sure to check with the Downtown Willow Glen Business Association for current holiday trolley information before making plans.
4. Lincoln Avenue Comes Alive for the Holidays
No Willow Glen holiday outing feels quite complete without spending some time along Lincoln Avenue.
Downtown Willow Glen takes on an especially festive atmosphere in December. Grab a hot chocolate or coffee before looking at the lights, stop for dinner, or spend some time browsing the locally owned shops and boutiques for holiday gifts.
It’s also an easy way to turn an evening of looking at Christmas lights into a full night out in Willow Glen.
More Than Christmas Lights: What Makes Willow Glen Special
As a real estate professional, I spend plenty of time looking at numbers—recent sales, inventory, pricing trends and comparable properties.
But living in a neighborhood is about more than numbers.
The holidays are a wonderful reminder of the traditions and everyday experiences that can’t be measured on a spreadsheet. Seeing decorated streets, neighbors gathering outside and generations of residents continuing a tradition that began decades ago is part of what makes this season in Willow Glen memorable.
And whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re experiencing the Willow Glen Christmas lights for the first time, there’s something special about seeing the neighborhood all lit up.
Come See the Willow Glen Christmas Lights
If you haven’t visited the neighborhood during the holidays, make an evening of it.
Start around Glen Eyrie Avenue, explore the surrounding streets, and then head toward Lincoln Avenue for something warm to drink or a bite to eat.
Just remember that the displays change each year, so sometimes the best part is simply wandering around and seeing what you discover.
From my home to yours, Happy Holidays!
Michelle Elliott
Willow Glen Resident & Local Real Estate Professional
Coldwell Banker Realty
CalRE #01777533
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About the Author – Michelle Elliott
With over 20 years of experience navigating the fast-paced Silicon Valley market, I provide a strategic, results-driven approach to residential real estate. My career is built on a foundation of deep local expertise and a relentless commitment to my clients’ success, resulting in over $235 million in lifetime sales volume and a consistent ranking in the top 3% of agents in Santa Clara County and top 2% at Coldwell Banker. My expertise has been featured on KTVU Fox 2, Real Producers and the Willow Glen Resident. She is also the co-host of the San Jose Podcast “Say What You Want About Real Estate”
A Hyper-Local Expert with Global Reach
I specialize in San Jose, in the neighborhoods of Willow Glen (95125 & 95124) Cambrian Park and Almaden, Downtown San Jose/Japantown (95112) markets. As a certified Luxury Property Specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty, I combine high-end marketing strategies with granular neighborhood knowledge to help my clients achieve premium results.
The “Tiger” at the Negotiating Table
My clients have characterized me as a “tiger” at the negotiating table who remains “sweet and patient” with my clients throughout the process. I pride myself on being a fierce advocate for my buyers and sellers, ensuring the best possible terms in every transaction, and I strive to be the best Realtor in 95125! This balance, drive, and tenacity have earned me consistent 5-star ratings across Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Yelp.
Michelle Elliott
Michelle@michelleelliottrealtor.com
1712 Meridian Ave, Ste C, San Jose, CA
DRE 01777533
