Fresno's Christmas Tree Lane kicking off 103rd year

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The 103rd annual Christmas Tree Lane is back and brighter than ever.

For Scott and his dad, Jim, it's a tradition of over 50 years and even though it looks different, the spirit is the same.

"That is always been a good thing for us to be together," Jim Rymer said.

"We're too old to climb up on the roof and put up lights now we put everything on the ground," Scott Rymer laughs.

Some 140 homes and millions of lights span a near two-mile stretch on North Van Ness Boulevard in Old Fig Garden.

From Mickey to Labubus, the nightly drive draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

"I personally love being part of that Fresno tradition. Christmas Tree Lane is one of those things that makes Fresno a great city," Volunteer coordinator Dan Gallagher said.

Each home with its own style and flair, some neighbors like Tino added finishing touches down to the final hours.

"You have to come out here prepare the last-minute things, make sure the wires are good, all the wires are untangled for your lights, test them and make sure that when the show starts that you're ready to go," neighbor Tino Deguevara said.

Fresno's Christmas Tree Lane opens for its 103rd year Wednesday night. Tens of thousands of people will drive down Van Ness Boulevard.

This year there will be no walk nights, a change that has left some disappointed.

"The kids love it. They get underneath sign and take a picture and you can't do that in the car," Scott said.

Patrols will look different this year without the walk nights.

Fresno County Sheriff's Deputies plan to work alongside Fresno PD and the CHP to monitor the flow of traffic.

"The two big things be patient and be respectful. There's going to be a lot of cars. We can see a back up as far away as 41 off of Shields Avenue," Fresno County Sheriff's spokesperson Tony Botti said.

The world-renowned lane, a hometown tradition, designed to spread joy and make Spirits Bright.

Christmas Tree Lane is completely free to anyone who would like to drive by, but is supported by its homeowners and by community donations.

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