Christmas in Marinwood: Linda's Snow Village

When you're making the rounds at Marinwood's amazing decorated Christmas houses, like the Bear House and the Mickey Mouse House, it's kind of easy to overlook Linda's Snow Village. Linda's Snow Village isn't so much a decorated house as a unique holiday display set up in front of a home on Miller Creek Road (near Quietwood Drive).

It's a definite holiday must-see, though, so make sure you don't miss it when you're in the area. 2010 was rumored to be its final season, but to our delight we've found it up and running again the past two years!

You can find Linda's Snow Village on the east side of Miller Creek Road. Spot the elf holding the colorful sign and you're there. The Snow Village itself is in a sort of white wooden hut or kiosk in the driveway. It's hard to miss, as it's pretty big and it's wrapped in colored Christmas lights. Inside the kiosk you'll find hundreds—maybe thousands—of little lighted buildings, cars, figurines, animals, an HO-scale model train, and even a flying saucer, all arranged in a sort of mid-century snowy winter wonderland. It's mesmerising and fascinating and definitely a change of pace from the more ornate holiday houses.

One of the most fun things about Linda's Snow Village is that it's sort of like a real-life I Spy book. Each of the kiosk's windows has a little note challenging visitors to find things hidden somewhere in the display, such as various animals, candy bars, and musical instruments. Keep a sharp eye out, because some of the items can be a real challenge to find! Of course along the way you'll find many other hidden treasures, too, which is also part of the fun.

There's so much going on in Linda's Snow Village that it definitely bears repeat visits during the holiday season. You can find the village at 563 Miller Creek Road. Make sure you approach the house from the south, as Miller Creek Road is divided in this area. It's probably easiest to head west on Lucas Valley Road from 101, then turn right on Miller Creek Road and follow it up to Linda's Snow Village.

If you're visiting the Nisja's Bear House nearby on Quietwood Drive, follow Quietwood to Miller Creek, then turn right onto Miller Creek and it's just around the corner. Remember, look for the elf holding the sign in the front yard and you're there!