Fresno's Christmas Tree Lane opens for 2024 holiday season

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Thousands of people filled Christmas Tree Lane in Fresno for the first night of the 2024 season on Tuesday.

The walk-only night drew in people of all ages to enjoy the more than century old tradition of the hundreds of trees and homes decked out on Van Ness.

Some even wore their own Christmas lights or holiday costumes.

For many walking Christmas Tree Lane is a yearly tradition to soak in the holiday cheer.

"We love the atmosphere. Everybody's happy, everybody's willing to be here, nobody's angry, they come out with smiles on their face and their dogs and their babies and it's just fun," said Debbie Wilson.

Some take as many opportunities as they can to enjoy the tradition.

Finding all of Santa's reindeers becomes a welcome challenge in all the fun.

"You have to look for them and then at the end if you find all of them, you win!" said Ziana, a Fresno local.

While everyone has their eyes on the decorations, law enforcement is keeping an eye on the crowds.

They suggest everyone carries around a light to make themselves more visible on the street.

But a lot of their work at Christmas Tree Lane is connecting parents and kids who have become separated.

They want parents to keep a close eye on little ones and suggest using the assistance of technology in case kids do get lost in the crowds.

"If your child has a phone perhaps activating find my iPhone or if you have an AirTag you could drop it in their backpack to keep track of them," said Fresno County Sheriff's Deputy Jessica Arroyo.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office has set up a base at the Fig Garden Woman's Club where they can reconnect families.

There will be another walk-only night on December 11.

You can walk or drive the lane until December 25.

Just be cautious of the traffic and pedestrians in the area, especially on nights when there's fog.

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