Peacock Lane Is Open For the Holidays: What You Need To Know

PORTLAND, OR – We've reached the point where the most wonderful time of the year is also the most crowded time of the year. Especially if you live on Peacock Lane, which calls itself, "Portland's Christmas Street."

The incredibly well-lit annual holiday tradition opened itself up to the public on Saturday with a pedestrian-only night. The last pedestrian-only night is Monday, Dec. 17.

The lights will be open to the public every night through New Year's Eve.

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Here's what you need to know if you are planning to visit:

• The lane is open every night through New Year's Even from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m..
• The event is free.
• People in cars are welcome starting Dec. 18 but people should be aware that if the crowd situation becomes overwhelming – which is not unusual – the Portland Police may close the lane to cars for a period of time. If that happens, Peacock Lane will post updates on their webpage, Facebook, and Twitter feed;
• No resident is required to decorate but almost all always do. Some people choose to go over the top, even hiring professionals to decorate. while others choose simplicity;
• There is no parking – Walgreen's (which is located near one of the entrances) does not want people parking in their lot. People are urged to take mass transit, carpool, anything to cut down on traffic;
• Bicyclists are more than welcome to bike to the lane but once they get there, they must get off their bikes and walk them;
• Cocoa and cider are free but donations are accepted (after the season, Peacock Lane, as usual, will donate money raised to a nonprofit, this year it's Village Free School;
• Smoking tobacco is permitted but people are asked to be mindful of those around them; smoking pot is not permitted;
• If you have a dog and it's good around large crowds, you can bring the dog, the lane residents ask that you use your best judgment;
• You can't hand out fliers, promote a business, or sell items;
• You can bring a group of friends to sing. As the Lane residents say, "Singing groups, musicians, carolers, and Unicycle Bagpiping Lords of Sith are always welcome; and
• Please clean up after yourself.

Photo of opening night 2018 via Peacock Lane