( The Simi Valley Town Center Mall, which isn't in the center of town, might have an impressive tree lighting ceremony but I appreciate the folksy display of the Sycamore Christmas house.)
A long running tradition in Simi Valley is the Christmas House on Sycamore. My Mom brought me there as a kid and now it is my turn to bring young people there. We went the other night and I plan on going back to get better pictures. The same family has been decorating the house since the 1960's and it has become a Simi Valley tradition.
If you live in Simi Valley you know what house I am referring to when I say the Christmas House on Sycamore. If you don't, please move to Thousand Oaks or something.
If you want to check out their website click here.
If you know of other cool places in Simi Valley or Ventura County to go check out Christmas lights leave a recommendation with directions. I know there is the house with the model trains and there is another house in East Simi Valley a friend of mine told me to go check out.
A top favorite tradition of mine is Christmas lights. I really like coming home with my lights on. They seem to capture the idea of the season by making our homes welcoming.
What is your favorite local Holiday tradition?
Merry Christmas!
Where are the trains?
The Sycamore Christmas house also had Santa! My son wasn't scared of the old guy I was so proud! Much better to get you photos with Santa there then at the Mall! They do take donations at Santa's bank, It's a mail slot in the front door. Our favorite was E.T. since we just watched it!
It's not Christmas in Oxnard without a drive or walk down "F" Street. All the homes are decorated to the hilt - many animated, etc.
Other Christmas traditions:
We have lights on the house and a bunch of stand-up figures that my brother made and painted - he gave us one each year for five years. They are really special and we know it's Christmas when they are up.
Lots of baking-
Blonde brownies
Shortbread cookies
Fudge
candy cane sugar cookies
Christmas tree decorated with ornaments my kids have made through the years, and others from where we have travelled or received as gifts. The kids (even now as young adults) like to take a sleeping bag and sleep by the tree.
I live down the street from this house, and I always make sure that visitors see it at Christmastime :)