As the sun goes down, the lights go up at Eucalyptus Ave

A Brief History of Eucalyptus Ave: Christmas Tree Lane

The tradition of decorating Eucalyptus Avenue began in 1968 when Rod and Pat Liner illuminated their home with bright white lights. Their festive display inspired neighbors to follow suit, and over time, the street blossomed into a renowned holiday spectacle. “We’ve lived here the longest,” shared Rod Liner, a longtime homeowner on Eucalyptus Avenue. “Everyone thought it was beautiful—one house joined in, then another, until almost ninety percent of the street was glowing with white lights.”

A few years into the tradition, Pat Liner added a special touch by placing a Christmas-themed mailbox, complete with pens and paper, for children to write letters to Santa Claus. Today, this mailbox receives thousands of letters each year, becoming a beloved symbol of the season. Eucalyptus Avenue continues to attract crowds of visitors with its dazzling displays, so much so the City Council of San Carlos considered measures to address the crowds, traffic, parking and sanitation on and around Eucalyptus Avenue in December 2021

Important Information

This information is from the latest announcement of the City of San Carlos Website, found here. These are guidelines and traffic policies for visiting Eucalyptus Avenue 2025:

Traffic Control and Safety

• Traffic on Eucalyptus Avenue will be converted to one-way traffic (continuously) December 5 through December 26, depending on the Public Works’ schedule.
• Water barriers will be placed (continuously) along Eucalyptus Avenue at Tamarack Avenue, Cordilleras Avenue, and Orange Avenue.
• The San Carlos Police Bureau of the Sheriff’s Office will have an increased presence in the area on weekends to assist with traffic and safety. Non-emergency concerns can be reported to the San Carlos Police Bureau of the Sheriff’s Office by calling 650-363-4911.
• Two private security guards will be stationed on Eucalyptus Avenue between Orange Avenue and Cordilleras Avenue and two private security guards will be stationed on Eucalyptus Avenue between Cordilleras Avenue and Tamarack Avenue during the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., on the following Friday and Saturdays: December 5 and 6, December 12 and 13, and December 19 and 20. The security guards will be there to observe and report any criminal activity or nuisances to the San Carlos Police Bureau of the Sheriff’s Office. Security guards will be dressed in identifiable, reflective gear for safety.

 Parking

Overflow parking will be available at the San Carlos Youth Center Parking Lot, located at 1001 Chestnut Street, San Carlos.
Parking at Arroyo school is not available.