Baltimore’s Miracle on 34th Street

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially in the traditional Baltimore neighborhood, Hampden.

In the 700 block on 34^th street lies a spectacular display of holiday lights and decorations. Each of the row houses had their own winter holiday inspired theme on either side of the street. Decorations varied from Christmas, Hanukkah, world peace, and a Baltimore favorite- the Ravens. One house that stood out was that of a metal artist, who created every decoration inside his house and out. “I loved how creative everything was- It’s one of those hidden treasures within Baltimore,” said sophomore Christina Fahey.

Despite the brisk chill of a December night, the street Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} was packed with visitors in high holiday spirits. Residents decorated their homes with lights, inflatable characters, reindeer, snowman, the nativity, and anything else you could think of. Even with the small steeply slanted area of front yard, the residents make their decorations work and cover every inch of their property.

This is the 62^nd consecutive year that this tradition been held. It all started when 34^th street residents Bob Hosier and Darlene Hughes realized their shared affinity for Christmas decorations and got married- the rest is history.

And as much as it is a tradition for the residents, it is as well for the tourists who come every year to see the sight. Visitors have come from around the world to admire the luminescent street. “My Evergreen took me last year,” said current evergreen Samantha Garvey. “So I continued the tradition and took my shrubs this year.”

So bundle up and be sure to grab a hot chocolate as you stroll down Baltimore’s finest festive wonder.

By: Katie Fitzpatrick