The turkey has been carved up, the leftovers have been put away, and the holiday season is in full swing -- especially since the lights of Hampden are now on! Not sure what we're talking about? Well, then, you need to get yourself up to 34th Street, stat! 

Every year, 34th Street in Hampden is lit up with bright, gorgeous Christmas lights to celebrate the season in its annual 'Miracle on 34th Street' event. And when we say 'every year', we mean it -- this tradition has been going on for 71 years, ever since the classic film 'Miracle on 34th Street' starring Natalie Wood and Maureen O'Hara came out. A local couple, Darlene Hughes and Bob Hosier, wanted to take their love of decorations to the next level, and the rest is history. Now, it's a whole-neighborhood event. 

Photo via sneakerdog on Flickr

Once you get there, you can wander at your leisure, taking in the brightly-colored displays that the residents of 34th Street have put in place for the thousands of tourists that come from all over the world to see! (The website lists some good places to park, and some other good places to avoid!) Many of the houses pick themes to help them stand out from the crowd, from Disney to Baltimore icons. And one of the most iconic sights you'll see is the hubcap tree -- don't forget to get a pic!

Photo via sneakerdog on Flickr

This is a great way to spend time with the kids in your life -- your own children, your nieces or nephews, or little cousins or neighbors who are counting down the days until Santa arrives. In fact, you might even spot the jolly red guy himself! Don't forget to ask him for some crabs for Christmas if you see him wandering through Hampden, spreading holiday cheer. 

After you're finished, no doubt you'll be hungry. Luckily, the Hampden neighborhood is chock-full of restaurants and eateries, like Cafe Hon, Rocket to Venus and The Charmery! (Come on, we know you want that amazing local ice cream, no matter how cold it gets!) 

The Miracle will be on display all through the month of December, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to go take your family or friends there and get into the Christmas spirit. (Finally, there's a reason to be happy that it gets dark so early in the day! Those lights look best when they're seen at night, after all.) 

Have you gone to see Miracle on 34th Street? We'd love to see your photos!