Final walk night of 2023 for Christmas Tree Lane

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- If you didn't already know, walk nights at the historic Christmas Tree Lane are back for the first time since the pandemic.

"It's our 101st year, which is a long time," says Terry Cole.

Cole has been a part of the Christmas Tree Lane magic for decades and even served on the Tree Lane board.

He remembers how it all began in 1920 as a tribute from the Winning family to their 14-year-old son who died that year.

"That year, they put out lights on the tree," Cole said. "The trees were only 10 or 15 feet tall at the time, but they put lights on the tree as a memorial to their son."

Neighbors joined in and that memorial became a tradition for the neighborhood, which still stands over 100 years later.

"And the neighbors did it too, and then five years, they had the whole block," Cole said. "101 years later, we have two miles of trees with 150 homes and 300 trees, so it's going strong."

Not to dim your Christmas spirit, but Tuesday will be the last walk-only night of the season. But have no fear -- the festive fun will continue on as Christmas Tree Lane will stay open to drivers until Christmas Day.

For those channeling your inner Grinch, Santa will be watching who is naughty and nice, and safety will be a top priority.

"Believe it or not, that's probably the thing that keeps us the busiest is deputies trying to locate kids who get separated from their parents," says Tony Botti with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

For news and weather updates, follow Nico Payne on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.