CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS EXTRAVAGANZA AT SHOPPES OF BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Maybe it's the effect of having a Christmas tree lot on your street, but the Shoppes of Bethesda shopping center has gone all out for the holidays this year.

Even the "secret staircase" between Elm Street and Hampden Lane is filled with Christmas cheer.

Would you believe there's a Nutcracker soldier guarding the premises?  And judging from those red cheeks, he's been having one too many drinks at Ri-Ra in the process! It's hard to find good help these days.