Candy Cane Lane STILL Shining Bright in the Valley

In this age of political correctness, you would think that excessive or outlandish public displays of Christmas cheer just might have come to an end. Recently, a Los Angeles based radio personality expressed his concern about a lack of public Christmas cheer. He related that on his drive to work, there was not a single outdoor Christmas decorations morning the streets of Los Angeles. For those who delight in the memories of a bygone era of public Christmas cheer, do not become a scrooge! There remains a strong presence of public Christmas decorations in Los Angeles.

Candy Cane Lane Lights up Woodland Hills

After 60 years in operation, the neighborhood of Woodland Hills lights up as Candy Cane Lane, and is still going strong! With neighborhood children handing out candy canes to thousands of visitors, people come from far and wide to line up and take the eight block tour of Candy Cane Lane. You will find children belting out Christmas carols from the warmth of their cars, singing along with bands of carolers and the Taft High School band.

The Christmas spirit on Candy Cane Lane dates back to 1951, according to Daily News archives, when the newly built neighborhood was surrounded by walnut groves, and the 101 Freeway didn’t stretch farther west than Sepulveda Boulevard. More contemporary accounts date the tradition to 1952. The Valley News & Green Sheet, predecessor to the Daily News, credits the themed decorations up and down Lubao Avenue to a Helen Couzens in December 1953. A neighbor asked everyone to meet and to bring their own coffee cups. During the kaffeeklatsch, residents decided they would decorate their homes for Christmas, planting stovepipe candy canes along the curb.

Celebrating the Woodland Hills Tradition

Despite the challenges the residents face – outrageous electric bills, mind-numbing traffic, stolen ornaments, trespassing, trash in their front yards and a swarm of illegal street vendors – they eagerly carry on the tradition of Candy Cane Lane. What is encouraging is that in Los Angeles, there is a group of people who, despite significant challenges, faithfully carry on with a celebrated holiday tradition.

From the Factory Floor

Renderings for a Client

By Gerald Olesker

~ ADG Lighting