When clients ask me what Willow Glen is like, they usually want to know about downtown Lincoln Avenue or how the streets feel on a walk. Every October, I get to point them to something that says more about the neighborhood than any of that: the Jimenez house.Ask around Willow Glen about Halloween traditions and sooner or later someone brings it up. The decorations are up again this year. If you’ve driven past and wondered why one front yard is packed with dolls, clowns, and pumpkins, here’s the story, and how to visit the right way.**It Started as a Gift From a Mom to Her Son**Shelly Jimenez started decorating in 2018 for her son, Christopher. He was born premature and dealt with serious health problems his whole life. When he was 15, doctors told his parents he wouldn’t make it to 18. He proved them wrong by more than a decade.As his vision got worse and he spent more time at home, Shelly brought Halloween to him. She turned the front yard into a haunted clown carnival and pumpkin patch so he could enjoy it right outside the door. She has said his face “lit up every single time we came outside.”His twin sister, Kayla, described him as a teaser and a jokester who showed pure joy.**Now It’s How the Neighborhood Remembers Him**Christopher passed away in May 2024 at 29. Shelly has said that before he died, she would have told you the display wouldn’t continue. Instead, she has kept it going every year since.“I need to keep his legacy going,” she said. She has also said she wanted “to continue just to bring joy and love to my community.”The neighborhood showed up for the family. People left flowers, gift cards, and handmade cards. Neighbor Tina Estrada called it an annual event that has brought joy to a lot of people. Another neighbor, Dia Yates, called it the “greatest display of a mother’s love.”This is the third Halloween the house has gone up in Christopher’s memory.**What to Expect When You Go**Plan on dozens of dolls across the front lawn. They’re creepier in person than in photos, so give little kids a heads up before you walk up.My favorite part is the Eye Spy. The family also usually hands out little activity books and stickers to the kids, which is such a thoughtful touch. It gives little ones something to do besides just look, and something to take home.My tip: go after sunset. That’s when I think the yard is at its best.In past years, the family has stayed out front in costume on Halloween night. In 2024, Shelly said, “We’re going to be dressed up in costumes, and we’ll hang out here in the driveway all evening.” If you see them out there, say hi. That’s what the display is for.Halloween falls on a Saturday this year. With no school the next morning, expect more people out than on a usual weeknight, and more cars looking for parking.**A Little Local Etiquette**This is a family’s home, not a ticketed attraction. A few simple things go a long way:
Stay on the sidewalk.
Don’t touch the decorations.
Park so you’re not blocking anyone’s driveway, and be ready to walk a block or two.
Be patient if there’s a crowd. Everyone’s there for the same reason.
Linh Tran
REALTOR®
Area served: San Jose, Santa Clara County, CA, Milpitas, Santa Clara County, CA, Fremont, Alameda County, CA, Newark, Alameda County, CA, Santa Clara, CA, Cupertino, Santa Clara County, CA
Expertise: FHA Financing, First-Generation, Fix-and-Flip Investor, First-Time Buyer, Tech Relocation
