As the festive season reaches its peak, one street in Ottawa has become a beacon of holiday spirit. Taffy Lane in Orleans is renowned across the city for its spectacular annual display, with nearly every home adorned in brilliant lights and decorations.
Navigating the Spectacle and Finding Inspiration
Savvy visitors aiming to see Taffy Lane's wonders often plan their trips for weeknights, avoiding the significant weekend traffic jams that form along the small residential street. The lane is situated just north of the intersection of Highway 174 and Orleans Boulevard.
This iconic display is inspiring many Ottawa residents to enhance their own outdoor decor. According to a survey by The Home Depot Canada, approximately one-third of Ontarians intend to decorate their front yards this holiday season. Lights, greenery, and inflatables offer a wonderful way to create a festive atmosphere for guests before they even step inside.
Crafting a Cohesive and Trendy Display
With an overwhelming array of decorations available, experts recommend focusing on a single theme for a polished look. "You want your gaze to have a smooth journey with a beginning and end and not jump around. One theme creates a polished and elevated look," advises Carla Moreira, Trend and Design Manager at The Home Depot Canada.
Popular choices include large inflatable characters from films, classic figures like Santa and his reindeer, and illuminated sculptures in various colours and finishes. For those following the latest trends, nutcrackers are experiencing a major resurgence this year. Moreira also notes that Ottawa shoppers show a particular fondness for snowmen and deer decorations.
Simple Solutions and Smart Energy Use
For homeowners who find elaborate setups daunting, several simple options can make a big impact. Net lights can be effortlessly draped over shrubs, large bows easily adorn porch railings, and a fresh greenery wreath on the front door provides a classic, fragrant welcome.
Concerns about soaring electricity bills, reminiscent of the famous scene in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, can be alleviated with modern technology. LED lights are now the recommended choice, as they consume a fraction of the power used by traditional incandescent bulbs and are more durable in Canada's winter weather conditions, says Moreira.
By taking inspiration from community traditions like Taffy Lane and applying a few key design and practical principles, residents can create their own memorable and merry outdoor displays for the 2025 holiday season.
