Decking the Halls on Candy Cane Lane: A Holiday Tradition in El Segundo

El Segundo’s “Candy Cane Lane” Prepares for Holiday Season Amidst Movie Release

As the day after Thanksgiving dawns, most people are still sleeping in, but not 79-year-old Don Kehl. He is busy directing his family members on how to string up an elaborate Christmas light design at their home on East Acacia Avenue in El Segundo, also known as “Candy Cane Lane.” The neighborhood has been decorating as a group for the holidays since 1949, and this year, they are expecting an even bigger crowd after inspiring the upcoming holiday film Candy Cane Lane starring Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross.

The Kehl family’s decorations are a mix of whatever was on sale at Home Depot last year, according to Don Kehl. The tradition of decorating for the holidays has been passed down through three generations of the Kehl family, with Don’s sons now taking the lead in putting up the lights.

Scott Brunnenkant, another resident of Candy Cane Lane, has been living on the street for 34 years and is also busy putting up decorations. The neighborhood’s electricity bill triples during the month of December, and donations collected at a Santa tent at the end of the block help cover the costs.

Opening night on December 9th is a highly anticipated event, with Santa Claus arriving on a fire truck and the entire neighborhood lighting up in unison. Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to Candy Cane Lane throughout the holiday season to enjoy the festive displays.

Despite the storage challenges that come with storing holiday decorations, residents like Richard and Judy Doukakis and Bill and Debra Mitchell continue to add custom-made elements to their displays each year. The sense of community and joy that comes from decorating together makes all the effort worthwhile.

As the neighborhood gears up for the holiday season, they are ready to welcome visitors from near and far to experience the magic of Candy Cane Lane.