This is a must if you live in the Fresno area, hands down! In years' past, you were able to walk down the street. This past Christmas season, though, we all drove through it - at least, when we went - which made for a much quicker experience, of course, but it spared us the cold weather and muddy ground. Pack a car with family and friends, and come experience the magic. Go early or risk getting into some serious grid-locked traffic for a little while. There's vendors and cheer, galore. Some home decorations feature specific themes, like Marvel or Disney, while others take a more secular approach or else go all-out Christmas bonanza. The bigger, the better is what it's all about. Though this event is free, donations are encouraged to keep the tradition going year after year. read more

This is one of many traditions we have in our little family. My daughter is older now and I have to persuade her to continue with the tradition. I love to come when on the walk night. A lot of people come and just walk and admire the Christmas decorations that every year they put and keep the old decorations and year after year they add new ones. I don't really know how link the walk is from beginning to end. But you need to come prepared. Put some confit shoes and a thick jacket. It gets cold. It is a nice tradition that they stared after a child die in one of the houses after that the tree in front of the house they started decorating it and more families started to decorate their houses. It has become one of the nicest things to do as a Comunity. Love coming here! Also be prepared to give a donation. They need help for the resources. Very pretty every year! read more

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If you haven't done the walk at Christmas Tree Lane, you definitely need to do it. Christmas Tree Lane is celebrating 102 years this year. It started with one tree and grown into a family tradition. Opening night is a walk night where no cars allowed and people fill the streets walking to enjoy the holiday decorations.Vendors are also out selling food and toys. People bring kids and dogs. It's recommended to bring your dogs on a leash and make sure they are comfortable with crowds. Some people will bring wagons. It is a bit crowded for bikes. It was nice cool night for walk to really help bring in the holiday season! read more

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Before I go All-In. Thank you neighbors for sharing your homes with thousands of people every year to shut down your neighborhood, for hours and weeks, for the goodwill of smiles. Kudos to the City of Fresno for structuring the event planning in a safe and organized manner and communicating with the community about the expectations of maintaining this traditional event to be respectful,safe, and family focused. Wow! Can I stay awake through this drive. Sleepy Mom Driving. If you have visited any magical Christmas Lane then you will be bored. I'm a visitor to the city. And lights, camera, action is my thing. Actually if you got bundled up to go see Christmas lights it's probably your thing too. The Fresno bowling alley had more Wow. When kiddos and cars go to sleep and it's only 6:10 that is telling. If this was a walking event, I would demand foot massages at the end. And a refund. Oh yeah it's free. Well, refund my time. I have no proof but I noticed a pattern: No mechanical decorations. Period. The most dramatic a house could be is stand-ups that were cardboard or wood decor No awesome lights spectacular. Most homes had one light or it could have been the already lawn lights Do not expect any Christmas Light Fight competition Two hours later between waiting in line and passing last home, I would recommend a pass on this one. High Fives Beautiful trees. Actual trees, not Christmas trees. Monetary donations at the end are appreciated "Don't compare the measure of giving of your heart to another. Each of our circumstances vary." read more

Christmas Tree Lane - Wood and cardboard decorations were the staple at each home - Festivals Near Me - Fresno, California

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The story behind Christmas Tree Lane makes Christmas Tree Lane a lot more special! I have only gone a hand full of times. The neighborhood is the Old Fig Garden area. It's amazing to see a community come together for 99 years to celebrate Christmas Cheer. I went with the dude his first time on 12/20/21 and Mr. Grinch (The Dude) was not impressed. I agree the WOW factor wasn't there but it's definitely a Fresno /Clovis BIG deal, you have to go at least every few years. He said he wouldn't come back but wants to next year as it will be 100 FRIKKIN YEARS of a community banding together turning something tragic to something memorable and heart warming. Can we please shine some light on to that! I honestly think for the WOW factor for ultimate Christmas Cheer is Candy Cane Lane in Clovis. My opinion but I still LOVE Christmas Tree lane. Some of the houses were not decorated and some looked like they just threw the lights on. I'm not hating on any of the houses as MY little apartment doesn't have lights up at all so I'm not judging. COVID has been rough and we locals and travelers understand it does take time and resources to put up lights and even pressure to have thousands drive through your neighborhood - that's a lot of pressure and I probably wouldn't put lights up! it's not an easy task and cost money especially with no help from the City of Fresno or local organizations. I do DONATE each time I go as the city of Fresno doesn't help with financing this event -_- and even the police department are out there too making sure people are safe . I was glad to see cops stationed at EACH of the rail road tracks as unfortunately people lost their lives :( there were a few cars who STOPPED on the tracks and the police would run or walk over IMMEDIATELY to let them know GET OFF THE TRAIN TRACKS as there are REAL trains that come by periodically throughout the night or evening so pay attention! Don't stop on the tracks! Make sure your car can clear the tracks - even if you think it can JUST WAIT until you are confident it CAN. Like seriously no rush. I came again on 12/22/21 with my mom, dad, older niece, and uncle while my middle sister, older sister, her daughter, and husband were behind us. We all couldn't fit in one car. But it was fun. Dad fell asleep and the older niece was beyond thrilled and my mom and uncle LOVED the huge houses although some looked creepy xD but a lot were nice. It was beautiful. I would recommend to go on rainy nights as the line moves faster and quicker . Monday was 3.5 hours and yesterday 12/22/21 was under 2 hours minimal traffic or it could be due to holiday who knows! The second time went a lot smoother. Cannot thank the Van Ness and Old Fig Garten community, law enforcement, and volunteers enough for continuing to bring Christmas or Holiday Cheer to the community! See you for celebration in 2022 for 100 years! read more

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It's a great tradition and I do appreciate the neighborhood going through all the effort of accommodating the massive traffic. However, it's lost its magic. The last time I went through was 10 years ago and that experience was wonderful. A short line in, about 30 minutes through, 45 all together and every house was lit up beautifully. This year (2024) it was a three hour line in and an hour to get through for some reason. Only about a third to half the houses were lit and most of those were signs. The final grand finale house is still there and looking great but by that time we just wanted to get home. While this street is full of beautiful homes, there are plenty of better lit neighborhoods. I would drive through if there was no wait but never again otherwise. read more

Went to visit family in Fresno and told my mom that I wanted to see Christmas sights. I am lucky that this was recommended and a cousin was kind enough to guide us to the route. There were tons of lights and the houses along Van Ness we super decked out. The line was long at it took us more than an hour to finish the whole thing. It was delightful and something that should not be missed for sure. We also read that this was not funded by any public or private organizations and this has been happening for about 90 years now. Christmas spirit and festive tradition indeed. read more

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Another year with another good variety of beautiful homes decorated for Christmas! It will never get old and always helps bring out the holiday spirit! A really long line to get in to see. Cops posted everywhere to make sure rules are being followed! Be aware! The line moves pretty quickly to get in and then it moves at a medium pace. It looks like it starts at Shields & Blackstone. They provide a Christmas music channel to listen to while driving through. Adding to the holiday spirit! A lot of new stuff! Pretty great! Merry Christmas Eve everyone! Highly Recommended! read more

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I'm a big fan of volunteer community projects, and I'm glad Christmas Tree Lane exists! I don't know how anyone can sit through the long car ride, though. I will forever recommend the walkthrough over driving any day! Just keep in mind that you'll have to also make the walk back. The other option is to just take a Lyft back to your car, as my friend does. Either way, you're looking at a good time with lights, decorations, and music! Is this the best stretch of neighborhood lights I've seen? No. However, I love that most of the houses participate, come together, and provide the City of Fresno with a large serving of Christmas Spirit! You'll see a variety of styles and themes as you make your away along the nearly 2-mile stretch. Most are fun, though there are a few that don't make any sense (Avengers, Goku, Wonder Woman, etc.). You will hear both Christmas tunes playing through speakers from some of the houses and other random music from cars passing through. Walk through Christmas Tree Lane, and enjoy a winter holiday-filled evening! read more

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Throughout the whole holiday season, I've been biting my tongue and holding myself back from visiting CTL too early. But finally, December 24, Christmas Eve, we eagerly jammed ourselves into the car and drove towards Van Ness. Lights never seem to die down as each ear passes. It's either the decorations seem content and casual as previous year's or super overwhelming and just insane! We lined up immediately at the strike of 6, just as the lane opened and yes, lined up. It is so awesome to see how festive this place gets around this time of the year and I'm glad the tradition is so alive. The experience was awesome, just as every other year. It rained Christmas Eve, which we had thought would make the experience bland but wow, what a sight still! read more

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Man oh man! Was feeling some Christmas spirit today after some shopping and decided to take the kiddos to drive through Christmas Tree Lane on a Wednesday night. We have lived in Fresno for only 5 years and this was our first time going. I wanted to be prepared and looked for info on the website about directions on entering Christmas Tree Lane. Didn't find much other than the entrance is on Shields and Van Ness. So off we go and come upon tons of traffic. After driving around, I find myself eventually waiting to turn left onto Blackstone from Dakota Ave. Like all of the other cars in front of me, at a green light, I wait for traffic to clear the intersection before I make the left turn, but still end up with the end of my car sticking out into the intersection for a few seconds before I'm able to finally clear it. As I'm waiting I see other cars cutting into the queueing lane in front of me and I think "wow!" Everyone is just trying to get in. Suddenly a police car pulls up next to me and has me roll down my window. The officer proceeds to tell me that I cut the line when I turned in at the intersection. I told her I did not realize there was a line of order especially since there were other cars in front of me who made the same left turn into the line as I did. She says "who did that?" Uh, basically all of the cars in front of me that turned as well. She says "well, there is a line." Ok? Thanks for the limited info. Nothing about where the line starts. And how was I supposed to know this? What about all the other cars in front of me who did the same thing? There were no signs saying there is a line and no info on the website about a line. She also then tells me that the BUTT of my car was still sticking out into the intersection after I turned which I agree. But there were so many cars in front of me that blocked the intersection WAY worse than I did!! Guess the cars in front don't matter since I was the one who she stopped. Then she goes and flashes her flashlight toward my kids in the car saying I'm endangering them by doing that and then lets me continue on. Ok lady! Merry Christmas to you! You're doing such a good job! Keep up the great work! I saw so many vehicles on Christmas Tree Lane with their kids hanging 3/4 of their bodies outside of their car windows and practically sitting on top of their cars through the sunroof while driving. Yet, I'm endangering my children for the few seconds my car's BUTT was barely in the intersection. I'm surprised the are no officers parked or patrolling the actual Christmas Tree Lane since there's people driving AND walking. Afterwards, I go on Facebook and find a post on the Christmas Tree Lane page that "encourages" drivers to enter Blackstone from Ashlan and proceed south to Shields. Hmmm..."encourages." Does that necessarily mandate a line??? If so, maybe you should find a way to make others more aware of this info. I posted a photo of the "encouraged" route to hopefully help first timers or out of towners who may not know this info. Since apparently "there is a line" and you are not allowed to cut in line. All in all, we probably won't make a trip down to Christmas Tree Lane again. Definitely was not a good experience. And that was just trying to enter. The kids said the wait was not worth it. Hopefully this info helps others to have a better experience. read more

Christmas Tree Lane - "Encouraged" route. Hopefully this helps first timers or out of towners. - Festivals Near Me - Fresno, California

I still love the tradition, but it's just not what it used to be (20 years ago) a lot less crowd then.

My family and I did the walk-thru last night. It was pretty crowded. We parked in the bank parking lots next to Fig garden village. There were shuttle buses that you can pay to take you to the beginning of the lights and then you walk through and end at Shaw and Palm. We chose not to pay for the shuttle and just walked into Christmas tree lane's back entrance (Shaw and palm). If you do this, prepare to walk through it twice because you will have to turn around and walk back. There was a lot of police and sheriffs around helping escort pedestrians. We did hear that a child was lost last night and a few officers were looking for the child during our time there. There were a few homes that were for sale or being remodeled so there were some gaps in the lights. I personally think the lights on Candy Cane Lane in clovis is a much better experience to walk through. Christmas Tree Lane isn't bad by any means, it's just that only about 50% of the Homes really did something spectacular. They other half just seemed so plain and basic or with very old and outdated decorations. read more

If you're from Fresno you know that you want to walk or come early because those car lines waiting to get in can be ridiculous. We chose to walk this year on a driving night on a Sunday, ended up being better for us and our daughter. read more

If you love all things Christmas, then you must experience Christmas Tree Lane in Fresno, Ca.! I grew up in Fresno, so it's tradition to pile in the car, get some hot Dutch or Starbucks, play Christmas tunes, and snap pics, as we oooh and awww down Van Ness Blvd. I never get tired of the holiday displays each house puts out every year. In fact, if there's something I don't see that was there the previous year, I'm a little sad. You do have to have patience, because it's always crowded and you drive at a snail's pace, but it's the holidays, people! Enjoy it while you can! Trust me, once you get to the end, it's all worth it! Usually there are 2 "walk nights", so the street is closed to vehicles. I've done it a couple times and it's a great way to enjoy the fresh crisp air and see the decorations up close and personal (well, as close as you can get without trespassing onto someone's home!). Christmas Tree Lane is operated solely by volunteers and donations, so don't be a Grinch and keep this holiday tradition alive by giving generously at the donation booth. And say HI to Santa! read more

Christmas Tree Lane - Festivals Near Me - Fresno, California

We went to Christmas Tree Lane for the first time because it's apparently the thing to do this time of year! I had found out it was the last night for walking so I definitely took advantage of taking my 2 pups out. I had a lot of questions about the whole thing, so let me share my experience: Getting there: I took the Ashlan route going westbound towards Palm. I honestly didn't know what to expect so I parked my car on a smaller street (on Sussex, I believe) and walked a couple blocks. I figure I have many more opportunities in the future to find a stress free approach. Lights & neighborhood: What I love about the neighborhood is the beautiful mature trees and amazing driveways all intricately decorated with lights. Some tasteful, some not lol. There's plenty of picture worthy spots! The crowd & walk: it was extremely packed this particular night. There were plenty of officers at intersections and some were sprinkled along Van Ness. There were also various food vendors and even porta potties (I suggest going to the bathroom before arrival, the lines were awful). My pups definitely received a lot of love & attention for the younger kiddos! Do: bring a warm jacket and comfortable shoes. Also doesn't hurt to wear more festive gear :) Can't wait to walk it next year! read more

Christmas Tree Lane - Festivals Near Me - Fresno, California

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This is a very nice place to come with your family, walking or with your own car. It is nice to see how the homes are decorated and the effort to put a good light scene for everybody to appreciate it. I think it is nice place to get together with your family and pass a good time together. I cannot understand the other reviewers complaining about the few walking days, most people will come in cars because it gets pretty cold. And the people complaining about the time that it takes to pass along in your car, it is because everybody is enjoying the details and taking photos... come on!, let's be patient and enjoy. :) read more

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Check out their website for annual hours of operation and driving and walking days. Over the years I've been here 4-5 times. Generally the decorations (for the houses and street) have stayed the same over the years. Thus, why I come every couple years--not an annual attendee. The entrance is on Shields and Van Ness. The best route to the entrance is to come from Blackstone and head west on Shields. If your come from the other direction you can't make a u-turn and are forced to enter from Blackstone. Depending on when you come it can take up to 60-90 minutes just to enter!!! The entire Lane is about 2.5 miles and takes about 60 minutes to drive through it. If you don't want to drive then entire lane there is another entrance about halfway through, but I don't recall the exact location for that entrance. You really don't have to worry about the kids sitting in their seats during the drive because you are driving sooooo slow!!! There are plenty of police at important intersections--and they don't care if your kids are bouncing around in the car! Lol. This year we took a flatbed truck, threw some hay bails in the back, and drove through with about 12 people sitting on the hay bails. It was great because we weren't trying to look through car windows at the house and decorations on both sides of the street. Towards the end is santa and a place to leave a donation. And he last house is just amazing!!! Its made national news and even won a $50,000 prize!! Overall it's a great location to bring the fam, its cheap, and an easy way to enjoy the Christmas season! read more

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This is an amazing 92 year old tradition in Fresno County. For approximately a 2 mile stretch of Van Ness in the Old Fig Garden area, nights become a seasonal wonderland, starting the Monday after Thanksgiving and going until around Christmas. Houses have elaborate lights and Christmas themed displays, the old fir trees that line the street are converted into lovely Christmas Tree canopies above the road, and two nights per year, the road is closed to allow a massive sea of pedestrians walk the path and enjoy each home's decor at a walker's pace. Law enforcement donates their time, visitors donate their money to help fund the lighting and upkeep costs, and the neighborhood gives up their street and ease of ingress/egress for the benefit of the community at large. I love this holiday tradition, and it never fully feels like Christmas without a visit to the lane. Go grab yourself a cup of hot cocoa or a peppermint mocha, and get in the long long long long line (often two or more times as long as the lane itself), turn on the holiday music channel and enjoy this holiday tradition. It is definitely worth the wait--especially if you have never been before. read more

This is an every year tradition for me. I usually go with a crowd of people but this year I opted for my kids only. CTL has 2 walk throughs every year and the rest of the days most people take the driving option. The walk days are memorable because you can see things up close and catch things you would normally miss on the drive. Plus there are no vehicles behind you that can't shut their automatic day lights off ::grr:: so you get the full night effect. Crowds are big so take a chill pill upon entering and summon your eagle powers for a 2 mile walk in chilly weather to take pictures and drink something deliciously hot. It's a some good clean fun for the family! read more

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Great place to see the Christmas lights in a neighborhood. I was out that way on a business trip and decided to go check out the Christmas lights and I would recommend anyone if visiting during Christmas to check it out. Awesome place for kids and family. read more

The line was so ridiculously long this year I decided not to wait with my two babies that don't do good in car seats. The line is just outstandingly long. read more

Well we were going to go,but the line was going to be hours long. My advice bring gallons of gas. I don't think this is great for kids because a child would certainly not be willing to wait in a line of that magnitude. It's worse than Disney. read more

This is so cool! I don't understand the critical comments here. I think it's wonderful that so many people come together to create something so fun for the whole community. A three-mile stretch of Christmas cheer for everyone to share, all having grown from a dedication to a child who died over 90 years ago?! Think about it! I went on a walk night with a flask of hot chocolate and a couple of friends and the weather was perfect, which helped. It's all very well organised and a ton of people came out. Fresno is bigger than you realise! It felt a bit like the winter equivalent going to the Big Fresno Fair. You can start at Gazebo Gardens and grab a snack or a hot chocolate then start your walk from there. Some houses are more involved than others, but there's a great mix of decoration styles and different themes to enjoy. They also feature art works from local schools and there were a few bands and carol singing groups along the way. Delightful! read more

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This is by far the best Christmas decorated area in Fresno. It's approximately about 2 miles. It starts at Shields Ave at Van Ness. However, you need to get there before 6:00 PM. If you don't plan on being in line for a long time to get onto Van Ness to start the drive. On busy nights, be prepared to spend at least an hour or more in traffic traveling north on Van Ness. It is bumper to bumper. There are signs at the beginning and at other points of the lane showing you the FM radio channel that you can tune your car radio to hear christmas music being broadcast. It's also a way for the people that organize Christmas tree lane to generate some donations. Towards the end of the route, you'll see Santa Claus. If you have a few dollars to spare to donate to the Christmas Tree Lane, you can give it to Santa's volunteers. On certain nights, they close off the streets to vehicles and only allow walkers. Along the route, they have port-o-potties if you need tinkle. If you live in Fresno and go every year, it seems the same. They did some minor updates with lighting and characters along the route. However, if you are from out of town, and have never gone through Christmas Tree Lane, don't miss it. It is great for the whole family. I recommend this for all parents with little kids. read more

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This is one of the most festive things you can do during the holidays. The lines look scary but it does move faster than it looks. Since there are two lanes. Try to be on the right lane. We found more to see on that side. Just make sure you won't need the restroom for the next 1.5 to 2 hours. Do bring some hot coco with you! Tune into their radio station and you are set. Make sure to check to see if it's a walk only night. Also check the hours and go at least an hour before closing. The lights do go off about 30 mins after published closing time. Admission is free but they do ask for donations at the end. read more

Over 500,000 people in Fresno, Over 100,000 in Clovis, and a puny 31 reviews for one of the longest and great traditions in the area? Really Central Valley? If you want to show people the positive things of the Valley, yall need to be more vocal and be proud of the things you have here. Christmas Tree Lane is one of those things. Amazing tradition that is nearing it's 100th year. There are many parts of Fresno that look like the neighborhoods you see in Christmas movies. Think of those neighborhoods and that is the setting you have here. Minus the snow of course--this is CA. If you want inspiration and get into the spirit of the holidays, pay a visit here. All (ok most, there are 2 grinch houses) homes are nicely decorated and lit up. The trees are lined with lights as you drive (or walk on the limited walk only days) to really top off the already beautiful homes and their decorations. It's hard to really capture how amazing this event/place/homes are in pictures or videos. It's massive. It's a 2 mile stretch of homes on both sides of the road. Like I said previously, the homes here are like homes you see in Christmas Movies.. think the Macclister residence of Home Alone. Big homes with big lawns. There are 2 days that cars are blocked off and you can walk only. I highly recommend you tr and go one of these days, especially with the kids because you can really feel the festive spirit of everyone, and you can also see the lights more and appreciate it because of that. The only problem is, it gets super duper crowded. Neighboring cities next to Fresno/Clovis go to this so be prepared for a crowd. I doubt they will be able to allow the walk only days if the crowd keeps growing. On the other days you just drive through. Yes cars are lined up as well to enter the street. This is probably the best stretch of homes in California that I have seen with lights. I've seen streets with several homes, maybe a block but you got 2 mile stretch here. Keep in mind, this is done just by the people who live here. All solely on donations. I actually felt compelled to donate because what they have been doing here is special and amazing and I hope they continue the tradition. Also, one of the homes here were featured--AND WON, on the show The Great Christmas Light Fight on ABC. read more

A Fresno tradition! We try to go every year. The first night(s) are closed to cars and people walk. A ton of people. If it is not too freezing cold it is worth checking out. Otherwise, hop in the car the other nights and turn on the Christmas tunes and enjoy time with your loved ones. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! read more

Grab your hot chocolates and warm clothing and head to Christmas tree lane. I went on one of the walk days this year- Dec 1 and 11. Christmas Tree Lane has been a tradition for 96 years!! I highly recommend walking as opposed to slowly driving by in a car. You're able to see so much more in person as opposed to driving in your car. All the lights were beautiful, especially the house at the end. This is a something that's great and free for children and pets. I saw many dogs walking the same path. It does get very cold so dress appropriately. Some houses even had live music outside of their houses. I would give CTL 5 stars if it wasn't for the shuttle buses. I reserved two spots on the shuttle bus to get me and my boyfriend there. The directions were quite unclear and I was never able to find it. I wouldn't even bother with the shuttle bus. I ended up just parking in the Fig Garden Financial Center, since there is so much parking there. It's right across from the end of the lane. If I come again, I'll make sure to come on a walk day again and ignore the shuttle bus. I highly recommend gloves!! I want to come back for the 100th year. Overall, these houses were beautifully decorated and it was a fun experience. read more

A Fresno Tradition for sure! I remember taking my kids down that magical street Old Van Ness turns into during the month of December. And now my kids take their kids to view all the amazing lights and Christmas scenery. Thank you to each any resident along the way who takes the time, effort and expense to share holiday joy with the community. To the community, please show your best side as you are enjoying Christmas Tree Lane. The lines get long, plan for that. Go early. Weekdays my be a better choice than weekends. Respect people's property. Stay in your car and dim your lights. Keep your not tuned to the Christmas Tree Lane radio station to yourself. If someone needs to cross Van Ness on a side street, please let them do so. If a resident needs in or out of their driveway, please oblige them. No walks in 2020, that's different this year. That is OK in my book - - - the lane sure gets crowded on walk nights. What's the same this year? That cute little gingerbread house looking donation box at the end. Please give a little to help with expenses related to keeping this event going year after year, and hopefully for years to come! read more

Nostalgia runs rampant down this stretch of semi-lit, seim-seasonal, seim-decorated road in Old Fig Garden, Fresno, California. I have been down Christmas Tree Lane many times over the last four decades. Recently, it seems like fewer houses participate. Depending on the evening that you go, it might take a couple of hours to get from one end to the other. We drove down Christmas Tree Lane on Christmas night this year. Yes that is one of the most populated times to go, but we were okay with that. There were a couple of things that just didn't make it feel as wonderful this year. First, there are signs up that ask people to dim their lights. BUT, there are always those people (and they are usually the ones driving really tall vehicles) who REFUSE to dim their lights. So while you are trying to enjoy the subtle yet festive lights to the right and to the left of your car, you are actually too blinded by the nimrod behind you with their high-beams piercing your retinas. Next, honestly there is only one incredible house. That house is at the very end. That house is nowhere near the middle. I'm talking the absolute most blatantly unarguable last house on the entire route. I don't know if some of the residents have lost the Christmas Spirit, or if they just don't participate because they feel they'll never even come close to that magnificent house at the end. Whatever the case may be, I see fewer and fewer memorable houses and displays each year. The dancing Raggedy Ann and Andy display is still there. There are still a few Christmas Cows. The reindeer are still scattered about the route. But mostly, the displays have become ho-hum and lackluster. I don't know if we'll continue the tradition next year. It's really sad to see Christmas Tree Lane dying out. read more

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1st time here it was Unbelievable! You drive down approx. 2 miles of beautifully decorated homes with lit up trees and different props from Nativity sets, Charlie Brown, Santa, Disney and Marvel characters just to name a few. There are speakers hidden in the trees playing Christmas music you can also play the music in your car on a designated station. Did I mention all this is FREE?!!!! We went on a Friday night and it did take us 1.5 hours to go through but well worth it. Being that it is FREE please do donate to continue this tradition. Tip: There are outhouses along the way too. We plan on returning soon before Christmas. read more

Christmas Tree Lane - Lit up sign of Christmas tree lane - Festivals Near Me - Fresno, California

Came here for the first time after living in Fresno for awhile. It was a much longer walk than I anticipated but it was great. I think it would be better if they sold hot cocoa or coffee while you walked. It's a nice thing to do during the holidays. The lights were pretty and some of the houses were beautiful!! read more

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Lights weren't all turned on until 6pm for the walk thru. Once on, my little one was in a magical place read more

Christmas Tree Lane - Festivals Near Me - Fresno, California

It took us 1.5 hrs to get into Christmas Tree Lane tonight and we arrived at 6pm. There were a lot of homes that were dark this year compared to last year. My group & I counted less than 5 homes that were beautifully decorated, including the "finale" house at the end. Even the Santa at the end of the lane had his back turned to the cars and was chatting with a group instead of waving to the cars. Other than a few 100 year displays, nothing new to see. This event unfortunately was not worth the wait and we will start going every other year or maybe every 2 years. read more

How do you explain to a carload of kids that the police are here @6:20PM to direct traffic and we arrived @5:35Pm to get into the "line" to enter? This sucks ...police department..why are you here so late? You should have been setting up your cones and road blocks @5Pm. Not okay. The grinch that stole Xmas just happened :-( We are fine to wait in line but when you cut off a whole line of cars on Shield Ave just to divert into a new line of 100 feet long, that is truly frustrating. We never made it, due to time constraint...very disappointing. read more

255. Beautiful lights and displays. Temporarily stayed in Fresno for a couple of months and was lucky to be here when the holidays rolled around. Be aware that if you are driving through here, they have converted the route so that it's only a one-way street going north from Shields/Van Ness and exits near Shaw/Van Ness (as of December 2015). We walked, but it wasn't very pedestrian-friendly. Sidewalks randomly show up and disappear and the walkways aren't well lit for the entire route, so be careful. I'd drive through here if you're okay with crawling slowly in bumper to bumper traffic. read more

It's tradition for us and our 6 kids to go every year! Never disappointed in the beauty right in our back yard!

It is a beautiful sight, and it brings out the Christmas spirit. However, the walk can be a little challenging for children and the elderly. The traffic cutting in front of each other doesn't make it much fun either. It would be helpful if they had designated parking areas, (the old Mervyns parking lot off Blackstone, and the parking area at Fig Garden) to avoid traffic congestion. Provide a tram or shuttles for picking up people at these areas, and maybe charge a certain amount per person or family. The shuttles can return to the parking areas and pick up another group. I bet the police department would benefit from this set up. Less traffic jams and angry drivers. The money can go to a charitable organization, the Christmas Tree Lane committee, or any other entity. Unfortunately, I will not be returning to this area, since I am 73 years old and this walk really wore me out. But in spite of the traffic jams and long walk, it is a beautiful place to visit. read more

During covid I seen that it was only drive through I wasn't sure how it was gonna turn out but my daughter liked it . The only thing is the line was insane trying to get in people were cutting and crap . But once your in it's pretty good you can drive at slow speed to see the lights . It's completely free they due accept donations they run off donations so please donate. read more

Christmas Tree Lane - Festivals Near Me - Fresno, California

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