by Kathy Eide Casas
This year, Christmas Tree Lane continues its enchanting tradition of treating visitors from far and wide to the Lane’s holiday magic. This class two-mile stretch of dazzling sparkle showcases over a million lights on homes, trees and displays, making it a generational favorite. The Lane transforms North Van Ness Boulevard in Fig Garden into a one-way boulevard and includes approximately 140 homes and 300 majestic trees, all decorated for the Christmas holiday. 
The “official” opening of the 2018 Christmas Tree Lane was Saturday, December 1, and is one of two nights dedicated to walkers only–no vehicular traffic. The second walking night is scheduled for Tuesday, December 11. The walking nights allow spectators to take their time, walking and strolling through the crisp December air. On the two rain or shine walk-only nights, Tree Fresno will be sponsoring The Shuttle Express to Christmas Tree Lane. Tickets for the Shuttle Express are still available for each of the walk nights. The North Station Express will run from Palm at San Jose and Shaw and the South Station will run from Van Ness Boulevard at Andrews, near Shields. Individual tickets may be purchased at the site during each Walk Night or group sales of 10-40 seats may also be purchased. More information may be gathered and ticket purchases may be made at www.Treefresno.org.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, an integral part of the safety fabric of Christmas Tree Lanes, provides the following advice for walkers:
Please remember to take simple precautions on walk nights to ensure you have a safe and comfortable experience.
—Allow extra time to get around city streets as it will be very crowded.
—Park only in permitted areas and do not block driveways.
—Lock your vehicles and do not leave any valuables visible inside.
—Parents should keep a close eye on their children and consider carrying a flashlight for extra visibility.
—Dress warm as temperatures are known to be in the 30s and 40s.
—No alcohol is allowed on Christmas Tree Lane.
—Please be respectful of the neighborhood. Do not touch decorations and do not litter.
The remaining nights are open to vehicles and families and friends from far and wide are making sure they include Christmas Tree Lane in their holiday activities. Nicki and Mike are already making plans to walk and drive the Lane! Each year, they gather a small group of friends to bundle up for the walk and this year, with the addition of a new grandbaby, they will be riding as well!
Please see below for FAQ regarding Christmas Tree Lane:
Q – Is there a cost??A – Christmas Tree Lane accepts donations. There is a cost for the shuttle buses on walk nights. More information can be found on Tree Fresno’s website.
Q – Can dogs walk The Lane??A – Yes, but please use a leash. Dogs can walk on any night including walk nights. It is also common courtesy to cleanup after them.
Q – Can I walk on The Lane during a non-walk night??A – Yes.
Q – Can I ride my bicycle on The Lane??A – Yes. You can ride your bicycle on any night.
Q – Where is parking for walking The Lane??A – The largest parking area is located on the Northeast corner of Shaw and Palm. This would be in the Fig Garden shopping/financial area. There is also on the street parking where allowed along the lane on the side streets.
Q – Can I drive my bus, RV, large vehicle on The Lane??A – Yes, but please be considerate of the other smaller vehicles.
Q – When are the walk only nights??A – Opening night, December 1 and December 11 are the walk nights for 2018.
Q – Will the walk only nights be postponed for weather??A – No. Sorry to say, but the walk only nights go on as scheduled.
Q – When is the last night??A – The last night The Lane will be opened in 2018 is December 25.
For all other information, please visit www.christmastreelane.com.
Happy Holidays!
You can find many other holiday events on KRL’s Christmas/holiday events page.
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