Miracle on 34th Street

Some friends and I popped down to Hamden for some holiday frolicking. The Avenue is always fun for a posh bite, and the Hamden neighborhood puts on a fun event during the Season of Lights, Miracle on 34th Street. While it's only one block, it is so packed with fun, quirky and interesting things to gawk at, it takes hours to see it all. Parking was insane, e.g. by LA standards, but it was well worth it, though of course the cost of parking is way cheap, by LA standards.

We ate at The Bluebird Cocktail Lounge, which is reminiscent of an old speakeasy. It's dark and quaint, the booze is expensive and the eats are amazing, even if the portions are small. I had potato croquettes that were so good, I decided to make some for Christmas dinner.

LOVE the chandeliers - they look like ice crystals.

Quirkiness is a trait indigenous to The Avenue.

Merlin decked out in his jingle bells.

Giddyup, jingledog, kick up your feet!

Here's the quintessential 34th Street shot. You may recognize it in magazines.

I love the dreidels!!

Neighborhood watch.

We met a walking Christmas tree.

Many of the houses allow people to come in and look around. Next time!