To most in Pleasanton, Walnut Drive means little, but in December, when it’s Candy Cane Lane, everything changes. Every night in December from 5:30-10 p.m., the street glows with holiday magic, a tradition since 1955. The street holds a special place in many hearts, but it’s most cherished by those lucky enough to live there.
Living the Magic of Candy Cane Lane
“We had driven through Candy Cane Lane for a couple years prior to actually living here. When the house became available, we were so excited. As soon as we were touring it, a lot of the neighbors came over to make sure we knew that it was Candy Cane Lane,” said Pleasanton resident Robin Cruz.
Cruz recounted that the neighbors made the expectations clear right from the beginning.
“There’s also a little paper in our purchase agreement that said ‘this is Candy Cane Lane, the neighborhood decorates every Christmas,’ but the neighbors were the ones who really wanted us to make sure we knew and understood that it was very highly expected to decorate,” said Cruz.
Decorations with a Story
The decorations that define Candy Cane Lane often have stories behind them as well. Dawn Chatham, another resident, has an interesting story to share about how she acquired the centerpiece of her yard, her sleigh and reindeer. When her family first moved to Pleasanton, they befriended the staff of Jim’s Country Restaurant.
“One year when we all went, there was this beautiful reindeer on the front lawn of one of the hostesses and I said to her how gorgeous they were,” said Chatham.
The reindeer have resided at Chatham’s residence since their delivery.
A Historical Perspective
Another notable resident on the lane is Joanie Fields, a local history buff whose husband has lived there since 1953. High school sweethearts returned to Pleasanton, but could only afford her husband’s childhood home to start their new life.
“It started with about five of the people on the block saying let’s put lights up,” said Fields.
Fields also recounted many of her favorite decorations over the years. In the 50s, her father-in-law hung a replica of Sputnik 1 off of the telephone pole. But her favorite of all has to be the carousel, ferris wheel, and teeter-totter near the end of the cul-de-sac.
“Those [decorations] have been there for over twenty years. The person that owned the house passed away a couple years ago, but her children still have the house and the son keeps everything going,” said Fields.
While Candy Cane Lane has its downsides, like all the traffic and commotion, it’s always worth it. When speaking about Candy Cane Lane, one could tell how much pride they took in it.
“If you stick around Pleasanton long enough and ask enough questions,” said Fields, “you will find so much history.”
