Holiday cheer aplenty on Sylvan Place

Dozens of families came out to Sylvan Place last Saturday evening to check out the elaborate lighting displays, meet Santa and enjoy the holidays with fellow Valley Streamers.

A two-decade plus tradition on the street, Auxiliary Police closed off the road for four hours so guests could wander up and down and take in the atmosphere. Numerous homeowners showed off their large-scale holiday light displays. “It started with a few families, and it’s grown into a block-wide participation,” said Sylvan Place resident Alex Carr, one of the event’s organizers.

Carr said he makes sure he changes up his display a little bit each year so returning guests get to see something different. He invited visitors into his home to warm up by the fireplace and enjoy some snacks.

Down the block, Bob Coppola’s house was the North Pole, where Santa sat to take Christmas requests from children. With the help of his elves, he handed out small toys and candy canes.

Other residents gave out hot dogs, cookies and hot chocolate. With the temperature in the 30s, many people flocked to those tables. Carr said while the weather was a little chilly, it was far better than the two feet of snow that disrupted the event one year.