Christmas Tree Lane

Christmas Tree Lane located on Van Ness Blvd between Shields and Shaw Ave in Fresno, California is celebrating its 92th anniversary, making it one of the longest running holiday events in the Nation.

The tradition that has become Christmas Tree lane was started in 1920 when a single tree was lit in honor of a child who died. Since 1920, there have been two years when it was closed 1940 (wartime restriction) and 1972 (energy crisis). Each year more than 100,000 visitors come to see the lights of Christmas Tree Lane.

As a child growing up one of my favorite things to do was to ride down Christmas Tree Lane. Sometime during my high school days the organizers began closing Christmas Tree Lane to car traffic two nights a year, closing for foot traffic only. This is now my favorite way to celebrate the annual holiday event. Being a military family means we are often not home to celebrate Christmas Tree Lane, but if we are able to make it home for Christmas it is a definite must do.

This year Christmas Tree Lane will open the 2nd of December with the annual walk night (the other walk night will be Dec. 10th) and will run through Christmas Day, December 25th. This is a spectacular event and one of the best parts is that it is a free event. Donations are accepted, but not required. If you live anywhere close to the Fresno area it is worth the trip to see. I think every family has a special holiday light display they visit every year. Where do you take your family?

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