Making the trek down Christmas Tree Lane is a beloved Fresno tradition for many of us, and an experience not to be missed by new Fresnans. It’s quite a fantastic sight, especially if you pause to think about the work that goes into pulling it off. The 2-mile stretch of Van Ness Avenue, which begins at Shields Avenue if you’re driving includes 140 decorated homes and over 300 lit evergreens that form a canopy of lights that lead the way. These trees tower above the lane and require cranes and the blood sweat and tears of professional laborer Shawn Caglia, who spends three months preparing the lane to awe children and adults alike come Christmas time. 2014 is the Lane’s 92nd year operating (there were two years the lane was dark – 1941 due to war time restrictions and 1973 due to an energy crisis), and the tradition began in honor of a young child who passed too soon. A tree was lit in her honor, and the residents began to follow suit.
With the comparatively recent addition of Cindy/Candy Cane Lane as another festively lit neighborhood for Valley residents, I feel Christmas Tree Lane residents have recently stepped up their game, updating displays and upgrading lights.
There are three ways to experience the fun of Christmas Tree Lane.
1. Walk the Lane: There are two nights in which traffic is closed to vehicles and pedestrians as well as stroller and wagon riders have the freedom to enjoy the lane at a leisurely pace with a few thousand others. Yes, there are crowds, so expect that. Typically, there is a walking night on the first Tuesday and second Wednesday of the month and this year is no exception. (TONIGHT is the second and final walking night for 2014, so get out there!) Our family along with our neighbors enjoyed last week’s walk, despite rain forecasts, and had a great time. Some tips if you walk:
- It’s fairly dark out. Don’t focus on your looks, focus on comfortable shoes!
- You can ride a Tree Fresno shuttle from Figarden Village to the start of the lane if you don’t want to walk all the way down the Lane, then all the way back. For shuttle details, call 559-221-5556.
- If you’re thinking of grabbing a Starbucks drink to warm your hands and tummy while you walk, consider getting it at a Starbucks that you’ll pass before you reach Figarden Village. Crowds cause long lines and waits (though this year, they were very proactive and had a hot chocolate table outside the store to alleviate some of the wait, which was great!)
- We find it easiest to park near the banks just North of Figarden Village
- Lots of people (and their dogs!) wear festive or lit accessories and clothing – if that’s your thing, go for it
- There are porta-potties along the lane, but not many and lines can be long. Have your littles use the restroom before you start your walk
- Dress in layers – it’s often not as cold in Fresno as we expect at night, and when you’re walking for a few miles, you may get warm
- Bring some cash. Christmas Tree Lane is 100% supported by the donations received, so please give what you are able. There are boxes to donate in along the walk.
- Expect to see Santa and The Grinch in person, kids can take a picture with them for free! (Use your own camera/cell phone)
2. Jog the Lane: The Jingle Bell Run/Walk is held mid-December (this year it will be this Saturday, December 13th) in the morning. No, you don’t get the full benefit of all the lights, but the decor is still festive in broad daylight and you’ll also enjoy cookies, cocoa and even SNOW this year (yes, rumor has it there will be snow brought in!) so it’s definitely a good time! The run is a 5k chipped run, and the walk is a 2 mile loop down Christmas Tree Lane with a single starting line located near the Shaw end of Van Ness. (Once again, parking near Figarden Village is advisable.) The registration fee is $40 and Toys for Tots will also be on site collecting new, unwrapped toys for children in need in exchange for a Santa hat. Registered runners and walkers also receive a holiday sweatshirt to sport along with their festive running accessories (most people seem to don Santa hats, striped tall socks, antlers or red and green tutus). To register online visit the Jingle Bell Run site here.
3. This is my personal least favorite option, but still a good one, especially if you have very young children or elderly people in your family who simply would not be able to make the walk (and definitely not the run). Drivers enter Van Ness off of Shields and slowly proceed down the Lane with their headlights off (don’t be the person who forgets to turn off their lights), you’ll be inching along, so it’s safe – promise. Bring cocoa and popcorn or treats, wear pajamas and play Christmas music in the car for a truly festive experience! Just like the walking nights, remind kiddos to use the restroom before you go, as you may be on the lane for 1-2 hours, depending on the crowd.
Whichever way you decide to traverse Christmas Tree Lane, it’s definitely a tradition worth enjoying, appreciating and supporting! Christmas Tree Lane will be lit from 6pm – 10pm on weekdays and 6-11pm on Fridays and Saturdays through December 25th and is located on Van Ness Avenue between Shields and Shaw. Have fun!
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