Christmas Tree Lane Altadena: A Local Holiday Tradition
From the Author: We walk to Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena every year to see the lights. It’s around the corner from our house, so we’ve made it a tradition.
There’s something magical about Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena, especially when you know just how much it’s been through. This historic stretch of Santa Rosa Avenue, lined with towering deodar cedar trees draped in thousands of twinkling lights, has been a cherished holiday tradition for over a century.
In January 2025, when fires swept through parts of Altadena, many feared the worst for this beloved landmark. But against the odds, Christmas Tree Lane survived—with a little luck, it’s an enduring symbol of resilience, community, and the kind of holiday spirit that refuses to be extinguished.
Christmas Tree Lane, Altadena: The Deets.
- Known for: The world’s oldest large-scale outdoor Christmas display, with 135 decorated Deodar Cedar trees lining Santa Rosa Ave.
- Location: Santa Rosa Avenue between Woodbury Street and Altadena Drive in Altadena
- Opening Day: The second Saturday of December
- Closing Day: January 5, 2026
- Hours of Operation: 5:30 p.m.-12 a.m. nightly
- Time Requirement: About an hour
- Drive or Walk: I recommend you park on Woodbury and walk. It’s a much more enjoyable experience this way. If you drive up Santa Rosa Ave, you can’t experience it thoroughly, and you’re done in about five minutes.
- Distance: 0.7 miles (it’s 3 big blocks)
- Fun Fact: 135 Deodar Cedar trees create the oldest large-scale outdoor Christmas display in the world!
- Historical Landmark: Christmas Tree Lane is on the National Register of Historic Places and is also California State Landmark No. 990.
Local Tip: You can also park on Altadena Drive and walk down Santa Rosa Ave. Just note that means you’ll be walking uphill on the way back. If you park on Woodbury, the return will be downhill.
Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena is the oldest large-scale Christmas lighting spectacle in Southern California.
Each year, the residents of Santa Rose Ave, as a community, put on a magical and unique display of lights for the neighborhood and annual visitors.
The Story of Christmas Tree Lane
The plaque on Christmas Tree Lane reads,
The 135 Deodar Cedar trees were planted in 1885 by the Woodbury Family, the founders of Altadena. First organized by F.C. Nash in 1920, the “Mile of Christmas Trees” has been strung with 10,000 lights each holiday season through the efforts of volunteers and the Christmas Tree Lane Association. It is the oldest large-scale Christmas lighting spectacle in Southern California.
Fun Fact: More than 50,000 cars travel the avenue during the weeks of the lighting.
The Wrap-Up: Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena
Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena is a sweet celebration of the holiday. It’s unique because it isn’t over the top; it happens every year and doesn’t take much time or require a significant commitment. It does make you feel good and gets you in the Christmas spirit.
It’s dependable and low maintenance, which is my jam.
Christmas Tree Lane, Altadena Photos
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