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100th Christmas Tree Lane (Van Ness Boulevard, Fresno, California)

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2022 marks the 100th Christmas Tree Lane which is held partially in the city of Fresno and Fresno County Island known as Fig Garden.  Christmas Tree Lane is held from the beginning of December to Christmas Day on Van Ness Boulevard between Shields Avenue to Shaw Avenue.  Van Ness Boulevard is adorned with Christmas lights above the roadway and most homeowners put emphasis on creating elaborate decorative displays.  Christmas Tree Lane began during 1920 following the death of a child who once lived along Van Ness Boulevard.  Christmas Tree Lane has only been interrupted by World War II during 1941 and an energy crisis during 1973.  

Christmas Tree Lane in the past typically has held time-night walking events.  These events have been cancelled since 2020 by the Fig Garden Homeowners Association in favor of one-way night-time drives on Van Ness Boulevard.  The only way to access Christmas Tree Lane reliably on foot with crowds since 2020 has been through the Jingle Bell 5K Run charity event.  

The Jingle Bell Run begins on Christmas Tree Lane near the terminus of Van Ness Boulevard just south of Shaw Avenue.  


The Jingle Bell Run loops via Rialto Avenue, Wilson Avenue and Lansing Way to the Fresno city limit at Herndon Canal Number 39 on Van Ness Boulevard.  A Christmas Lane shield has been installed on northbound Van Ness Boulevard which can be viewed at Herndon Canal Number 39.


Overhead Christmas Tree Lane signage can be found on Van Ness Boulevard immediately north of Herndon Canal Number 39.


The first tree to be decorated on Christmas Tree Lane during 1920 can be found at the southeast corner of Van Ness Boulevard and Pontiac Way. 



Various assorted Christmas displays on Van Ness Boulevard north towards the end of the Jingle Bell Run near Rialto Avenue.  
















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