Miracle On 34th Street In Hampden: Time, Parking, Lights

BALTIMORE, MD — For the month of December, 34th Street in north Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood has been blocked off at night so pedestrians can wander through, often with children and pets in tow. The annual spectacle, known as "Miracle on 34th Street," is aglow for 2019, and those who go will have plenty to feast their eyes on as well as additional attractions nearby.

The block is sprinkled with symbols of Baltimore — a flamingo here, a crab there, and the Natty Boh symbol shining bright.

Most houses in the 700 block of 34th Street are decorated. Some have themes.

For those looking to get blissed out, there's the "Peace House."

The “Haunted House” emits a different vibe with illuminated skeleton hands beckoning.

The “Chanukah House” is now in its third year. "I've got a 7-foot bear holding a dreidel and a 4-foot menorah," homeowner Joshua Lamont told the Baltimore Jewish Times when he first moved into the block in 2017.

A perennial favorite is the "hubcap Christmas tree." Artist Jim Pollock made the tree out of 104 hubcaps, according to Baltimore magazine, which reports it is 10 feet tall. He also runs an artist open house during the festivities.

The "Dog House" is decked with pictures of dogs that need homes around the area, and it also features a festive inflatable dog inside the fence. Owner Hillary Strillko offers hot cocoa and cookies most weekend nights to raise funds for various animal rescues, according to The Baltimore Sun. She reportedly began fundraising in 2010 in honor of her dog, a pit bull named Roo, and has raised more than $120,000.

Guide To 34th Street in Baltimore

• When to go: Lights are on daily from 5:30 to 11 p.m. They stay all night on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
• Where to find it: 720 West 34th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211
• Where to park: There’s free street parking in the surrounding area, including Keswick Road; organizers suggest aiming for 3333 Keswick Road to find it. Many streets in the area have parking but if you don't want to hunt, you can park at the Rotunda, 711 West 40th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211; it has a garage.
• How much: Free!
• See more on Baltimore's Miracle on 34th Street website.

Go Beyond 34th Street

Outside 34th Street, there is more, if you don't mind taking a little walk beyond the block.

Just around the corner from 34th Street is Falkenhan's Hardware on Chestnut Avenue. It is one of many small businesses that are decked out for the season.

Want to sit down for a few?

Christmas Movies on Chestnut Avenue has chairs set up for people who want to take a breather and tune in to some holiday flicks.

For those with little ones, there are at least two places for delivering letters to Santa.

Sweet Side has a post office box for Santa letters; visit at 3543 Chestnut Avenue. It also sells food and coffee.

A bit farther away Santa has another mailbox. This place — a house near the 3600 block of Hickory Avenue — includes a bear that moves its arms and will give you a hug.

Take a walk on Chestnut up to 36th Street, known as "The Avenue." Restaurants, clothing stores, antique shops, thrift stores, an ice creamery, pie shop and more await and are filled with cheer.

What's your favorite part of 34th Street or the holidays in Hampden? Tell us in the comments!

All photos are by Elizabeth Janney/Patch.