Noe Valley is famous during the holiday season for the fantastic Tom and Jerry House on 21st Street.

However, don’t forget the many other holiday beauties you can enjoy along the way as you trek up the hill to the crown jewels of Tom and Jerry. Noe Valley is full of holiday sparkle and shine, as a walk through the neighborhood on a crisp December evening surely proves.

Here are a few of our staff favorites this year. 

1. A view of the city from 27th and Newburg. 

Admittedly this is a bit of a cheat, because unless Karl the Fog is in town, we can get this shimmery view many nights of the year. But it looks great and reminds us why we still love this town.

2. Wreaths in doors at 26th and Castro.

Classy. Simple. Beautiful old-fashioned doors remind us of the Victorian grandeur of old-timey San Francisco. What’s not to love here?

3. Tree at 25th and Castro.

The simple white lights area crowd-pleaser, illuminating the street with holiday cheer. Bonus: the kids on our walk always go nuts for those projectors that shine moving light patterns on houses. A win-win all around.

4. Haystack Pizza.

Old school cool on Noe Valley’s main drag, Haystack Pizza’s facade made everyone stop and smile. Traditional decorations and lights complement Haystack’s family-friendly style and reminds us of Noe Valley days of yore. Bonus: Chatter about Haystack inspired a fun conversation about the Looney Valley Latte Liberals guy who used to office down the street. Old timers know who we mean. 

5 & 6. Top of the hill at Sanchez and 20th.

Jumping around a bit in the order of the houses. (This one is actually closer to Tom & Jerry’s.) But the contrast between these beautiful modern decorations and the old school charm of Haystack pretty much sums up the neighborhood.

7. Old fashioned porch on 21st at Noe.

Just too cute. That’s all. Wild and crazy and not giving a hoot. We love it! 

8 & 9. Fun neighbors at Diamond and 24th.

The Star Wars inflatables and the snowman inflatable seemed almost to be waving at each other. These two fun houses were definite crowd-pleasers. 

10. Tom and Jerry House. 

A Noe Valley institution. The Tom and Jerry House, on 21st Street, between Sanchez and Church, did not disappoint. Life size toys, a giant tree, electric trains, and roller coasters. Kids had a chance to meet Santa Claus and get a free candy cane. What a beautiful gift to the neighborhood and the city. The Tom and Jerry House is an icon of Noe Valley that never gets old. 

Happy Holidays to all!