One of SoCal’s and the U.S.’s oldest holiday traditions is getting ready to shine again! Christmas Tree Lane, the beloved stretch of towering cedar trees in Altadena, will return this holiday season for its 106th anniversary, with more than 20,000 twinkling Christmas lights.
Recognized as the oldest large-scale outdoor Christmas lighting display in the United States, the historic attraction is expected to welcome between 10,000 and 15,000 visitors.
When and where to see Christmas Tree Lane in 2026
Christmas Tree Lane is located along Santa Rosa Avenue, between Woodbury Avenue and Altadena Drive. The 2026 lighting ceremony will take place on December 5, across nearly a mile of towering deodar cedar trees, starting at 6 p.m.
The celebration begins earlier with the free Winterfest, running from 3 to 9 p.m. at the corner of Santa Rosa Avenue and Mariposa Street. The festival will feature local artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, marching bands, children’s activities, community booths, and photo opportunities with Santa.
The association’s visitor guidelines recommend driving slowly through the residential street. Since there are no sidewalks, the Lane is primarily designed to be enjoyed while driving. Visitors should avoid stopping in the street, blocking driveways, littering, or making excessive noise, as this is an active residential neighborhood. Parking is limited on nearby streets.
The illuminated display will remain up from early December through approximately the first week of January, with the best viewing after dark.
How Christmas Tree Lane survived the 2025 Eaton Fire
The January 2025 Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of structures across Altadena, but remarkably, none of the historic deodar cedars lining Christmas Tree Lane were lost. Strong winds damaged several branches and strands of lights, but volunteers returned to restore the display.
The Walt Disney Company also contributed $100,000 toward replacing damaged lights and improving the installation. The tradition returned in December 2025, less than a year after the fire.
The history behind America’s oldest outdoor Christmas light display
Long before becoming a beloved Christmas tradition, the towering deodar cedar trees along Santa Rosa Avenue were planted in 1885 by the Woodbury family, among Altadena’s earliest founders.
In 1920, local businessman Frederick C. Nash began decorating them with lights to attract holiday shoppers to his department store. The original quarter-mile display eventually grew into nearly a mile and was designated a California Historical Landmark in 1990.
