For all the people of Fresno, Christmas Tree Lane is a place that holds many memories. For those who visit it, the simple fact of going at night with their families to see the magic of Christmas is something you feel just by seeing the first house.
It is a magical tradition to go on Christmas night to see the houses on this street decorated in all possible ways. If you haven’t had the pleasure of going to Christmas Tree Lane, believe me, don’t forget to look at both sides of the street, because the view will be magical. The first time I visited, I felt close to my home country of Nicaragua where traditions are very important to us.
In Nicaragua, we have one tradition in particular. In December, we decorate an entire street in the country with nativity scenes of Jesus. For us, it is important just as Christmas Tree Lane became important to the people of Fresno since 1920 when a child tragically lost his life in the neighborhood. After this tragedy, they put a tree in his honor as a way to remember him on the first Christmas without him.
Each year after, more trees were decorated and with that, Christmas Tree Lane was born.
Over the years, the tradition stopped being about just trees as people began to decorate houses, gardens, and everything around them. Today, it stretches for two miles, starting at Shields Ave and flowing northbound to Shaw and Palm.
All these houses prepare for the arrival of Christmas. Homeowners decorate the houses with different themes, even having activities like finding all of Santa’s reindeers throughout the street.
Christmas Tree Lane is a really charming place. Seeing what it has become over the years, how it transformed from a devastating event to the excitement and joy of many families and children is something truly worthy of a community.
The best part by far is you can now walk the street again. There’s nothing like getting prepared with some warm clothes, a good hot chocolate, and walking Christmas Tree Lane with your friends or family.
If you don’t have the opportunity to have your house decorated for the holidays, I wouldn’t waste time and would go with family or friends to appreciate the magic of Christmas.
