For many Seattle residents, and even visitors to the city, walking through the famous Candy Cane Lane is part of a popular Christmas tradition. Yes, it’s a winter wonderland! It has been since 1949.

It’s located in Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood – a walking distance from us – at Park Rd NE and NE Ravenna Blvd. People can drive through or walk through it every night from 4 pm until 9:30 pm, or on weekends until 11 pm. It opens at the beginning of December and lasts until the end of the calendar year. Every year, there are even two nights, when cars are not permitted.

Candy Cane Lane was built in the 1920s. It was the University of Washington’s architectural project to complete a circle of 23 houses so that their residents could form a neighborhood community.

Yes, every year, the people of Candy Cane Lane come together to decorate their Tudor-style houses. There are hundreds of lights on the houses, Christmas decorations in the front yards – sleighs, reindeer, angels, inflatable figures (a Grinch, a snowman), candy cane striped poles, Christmas trees, and the word “peace” displayed in many different languages.

One of the most popular displays is a carousel, built in the 1960s. When you drive through, be sure the windows are lowered so that you can hear the Christmas music.

We’ve been to Candy Cane Lane many times. My husband, Steve, grew up in Seattle – for him, it’s one of his childhood traditions, a walk through memory lane. Every year, there are changes in the main theme of the decorations. And every year, there is also a canned goods drive for a good cause, to benefit the University District food drive.

I hope you enjoy my photos from our walks this year, one of the pedestrians-only nights, and from two years ago.