Photo contributed
Written by Ben Hensley
The lights are strung and shimmering in Old Fig Garden in preparation for the annual Christmas Tree Lane, featuring nearly 150 homes and 300 trees on display for two miles of holiday cheer for visitors from near and far starting tonight.
Open to the public and free of charge, Christmas Tree Lane has shone light across yards in Fig Garden on Van Ness Blvd. for 104 years. This year’s celebration will begin tonight from 6 to 10 p.m., commencing with the traditional walk night, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacle on foot before vehicles are allowed to drive the trail starting Wednesday.
Christmas Tree Lane was first held in 1920 when a single tree was decorated in honor of a child who had recently passed away. From that single tree, the event has grown to feature over 2.5 million lights casting warmth upon the night, welcoming thousands of visitors each year.
Visitors to Christmas Tree Lane on Tuesday are encouraged to allow extra time to get around local streets, park only in permitted areas and to not block driveways.
Parents are also encouraged to keep a close eye on small children and consider carrying a flashlight for safety.
Visitors are asked to be respectful of the neighborhood and not touch decorations.
Bicycles are permitted on both walk and drive nights. Walking is also allowed during drive nights.
Christmas Tree Lane’s regular schedule will run from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. Besides tonight’s event, Christmas Tree Lane will also hold a walk night on Wednesday, Dec. 11.