History of Christmas Light Displays on Christmas Card Lane

Christmas Card Lane is renowned for being one of the most famous holiday light displays in San Diego. Residents adorn their front yards with giant plywood greetings featuring cartoon characters, religious images, or festive Christmas themes.  

Established in 1985 by resident Alana Hastings, Christmas Card Lane was created to share the Christmas spirit of this tight-knit community with others in the city. As the excitement grew, residents began calling local radio stations to promote the holiday lights of Christmas Card Lane. What started with just 15 families on Ellingham Street has now expanded to about 200 families, spreading onto Oviedo and Renato streets.  

The dazzling displays of Christmas lights typically start going up right after Thanksgiving, with most installations completed by the second week of December, remaining lit through Christmas Day. Some of these displays require weeks of meticulous preparation.

Christmas Card Lane is more than just a destination; it is a legacy built by neighbors, for neighbors. This site is dedicated to telling the stories of the families who started it all and the new generation keeping the tradition bright. We aren't here to take credit; we're here to shine a spotlight on the 'Founding Families' and the incredible community spirit that makes our neighborhood glow every December.

While Christmas Card Lane is our pride and joy, we encourage you to check out the best Christmas lights in San Diego 

to see how we compare!