If you have never been to this particular block of 37th Street here in Austin, then you owe yourself a trip there one night during this Christmas season. But, if you are new to this block, remember that many others know about this annual display and it is not unusual for thousands of visitors to show up on any given night.The long block of 37th Street in question runs east of Guadalupe Street and it can be driven in your car. This is not advised, due to the crowds, but if you must drive down the street, do so by driving north on Guadalupe and turning right onto 37th.
DO NOT think of driving south and turning left and DO NOT try to head west from the other end of this block; also, please dim the headlights on your vehicle so as not to compete with the lights. The best way, by far, to experience these displays of lights is to park nearby and walk along the sidewalk; that way you can more fully appreciate the weirdness and creativity that resides in the details. Try to ignore the smoke hanging in the air near the bigger displays.
This light show has never been advertised since the time of its inception, around 1980; it is only known by word of mouth and articles like this one in recent years. It evolved out of the weird anarchy endemic to Austin and the energy of the people here without any central planning at all. It is a unique and complete lighting experience, with many strands of the multi-colored lights being strung between homes and even across the street to connect every structure as a unified whole.
It was first started by a fellow named Jamie and you scan find his home on the north side of the street and it is identified by the spectacularly lit tree in his front yard that features hundreds of hand painted lights with colors not available in stores. On some years, he evens lights his back yard and you can encircle his house for additional thrills; the last time I toured his backyard, I went by the electric meter and it was spinning as fast as a top.
Other homes do not have as many lights as Jamie, but they come in a vast variety of designs, like a waterfall or colors or a toy train all lit up. Cars and motorcycles are draped with lights and so are hedges and bushes. Anything that doesn't?move, and some things that do, are covered with lights. Go take a walking tour down this block after dark and you will see lighting effects that will stay with you for the rest of your life, I promise.
