Altadena Kicks-Off Holidays With Annual Christmas Tree Lane, Festival

Many L.A. residents are unaware that one of the largest and oldest Christmas tree lighting spectacles is in their very own backyards: Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena.

Since the 1920s, the 0.7 mile boulevard of deodar cedar trees has been lit annually as a Christmas display, and each year, thousands of people flock to the Lane to kick-off the season with a lighting ceremony and Winter Arts & Crafts Festival.

“Christmas Tree Lane is a must-see for anyone living in Los Angeles. We have been coming here for the past 10 years, and it’s incredible,” said Elvia Lahman, Altadena resident and volunteer.

A true community event, the festival and lighting ceremony is made possible solely through the contributions from donors and the hard work of volunteer members.

“There are 600 members who contribute the capital to pay for the electricity and bulbs, wires, tools and equipment. Regular volunteers, both children and adults, install and remove the lines for the trees, and build and repair lines.

More than 100 students from 10 schools participate; local firms such as Las Flores Water Company generously allow us to store our 10,000 pounds of equipment; Boy, Girl and Eagle Scout Troops regularly donate valuable time and assistance for many projects.

The Altadena Library and adjacent Senior Center contribute their facilities for the Lighting event.

And last but not least, the County Supervisor and his staff, the Public Works and ISB Departments who are responsible for the Lane’s electrical infrastructure,” said Tony Ward, Board Member of the Christmas Tree Lane Association. “This is truly a community effort by anyone’s definition.”

This year’s festivities will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 beginning at 2 p.m., with 29 gift and food vendors in attendance including Coolhaus, Hang 10 Tacos, Slammin’ Sliders, Silly Dog Art Glass, plus designer jewelry and face painting.

Eliot Arts Jazz Band under the direction of Karen Klages will entertain the crowd. The event also includes performances by Eliot Middle School’s “Pasadena Learns” after-school program choir and John Muir High School Choir, and the ever-popular John Muir Alumni Drum Corps will escort the crowd down the Lane under the canopy of lights. The Girl Scouts local troop #060401 will be lighting the Lane. Ceremony begins at 6pm sharp. 


And Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be making an appearance, straight from the North Pole, because what is Christmas without Santa Claus?

For more information on the rich history of the Lane, or to donate or volunteer, visit: http://www.christmastreelane.net

Winter Arts & Crafts Festival begins at 2pm

Lighting Ceremony begins at 6pm

Altadena Public Library, 600 E Mariposa St, Altadena, CA

Street parking available