FRESNO (KMJ) — The festive show of lights and decorations which is Christmas Tree Lane is ready for its latest season.
The event is now in its 97th year, with Fresno’s Van Ness Boulevard prepared for the influx of visitors. The first night, on Saturday December 2nd, is strictly for those on foot.
“The walking nights are very popular. Realistically estimate between 30 to 40,000 people actually come down and walk the lane,” revealed event Chairman Dean Alexander.
“It’s pretty phenomenal.”
Local law enforcement is also on hand to help keep the crowds moving.
“California Highway Patrol, Fresno PD, and the Sheriff’s Department, out here in force, especially on walk nights. During the walk nights they have around 80 patrolmen out here.
“Then the drive nights, during the busy nights, they actually shut down Shields Avenue where you can’t go straight on Shields you have to come down Blackstone to get on the Lane. Without them we couldn’t put this event on.”
For those new to Christmas Tree Lane, Alexander recommends seeing the show as soon as it opens for the evening, or shortly before it closes.
“And come during a weeknight. During the weekend it gets very busy and sometimes you wait for an hour to an hour and a half to see the lights.
“It’s still worth it…but if you want to try to avoid it you want to come early or come late.”
Drivers are being asked to travel north on Van Ness Boulevard in order to take a vehicle down festive street. Fresno County Sheriff’s Office adds that it will be crowded, visitors should be respectful of the neighborhood, and that vehicles should only be parked in permitted areas.
Christmas Tree Lane opens December 2nd and closes December 25th. Walk nights are December 2nd and December 12th. Lane hours are 6pm until 10pm Sunday to Thursday, and 6pm until 11pm Friday and Saturday.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
