This holiday season we decided to visit one of Southern California's most beloved and oldest holiday traditions: Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena. Driving slowly down Santa Rosa Avenue between Woodbury Road and Altadena Drive, we were surrounded by towering deodar cedar trees illuminated with thousands of bright holiday lights. Some of the houses were also decorated with lights, which further added to the festive environment. A few people were walking, but we decided to enjoy the views from the car as it was a chilly evening. A great tip is to play your favorite holiday music during the drive and maybe even bring hot chocolate to enjoy as well.
Driving slowly through the lane, we were impressed with the towering deodar cedar trees and felt the holiday spirit of this century-old tradition. Seeing the draped string lights cascading from the tips to the base of the trees from one end of the street to the other was truly a memorable sight. The lane is open nightly during December, with the official lighting ceremony kicking off the season on the second Saturday of December. One popular tradition is to visit multiple times throughout the month, as each visit offers a unique and memorable experience. Traffic can get heavy during the weekends as it gets closer to Christmas. The lights get turned on at 5:30 p.m. and stay on until midnight.
Christmas Tree Lane at Santa Rosa Avenue between Woodbury Road and Altadena Drive is free to the public, and the display usually lasts until January 7th.
A Humble Start: From Community Effort to Cherished Tradition
Christmas Tree Lane's origins date back to 1920, when it began as a simple community effort to bring holiday cheer to the neighborhood. The Altadena Chamber of Commerce and local residents recognized the potential of the majestic deodar cedar trees that lined Santa Rosa Avenue. Deodar, which is a cedar-evergreen coniferous tree, is native to the Himalayas, Pakistan, India, Tibet, and Nepal. They were brought to Altadena in 1885 by John Paul Woodbury, who planted 134 of these trees as a mile-long driveway to his planned estate and mansion that was never built. These towering evergreens, with their graceful branches and impressive height, provided the perfect canvas for holiday lights. In 1990, Christmas Tree Lane was listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, as well as designated as a California Historical Landmark.
The tradition continues to grow thanks to the dedication of generations of Altadena residents and volunteers. Every year, volunteers and community members work tirelessly to decorate the trees, update the lighting displays, and ensure the tradition continues.
A Symbol of Hope and Recovery
In January 2025, Altadena faced one of its darkest moments when devastating wildfires swept through the community, destroying homes and displacing thousands of residents. The Eaton Fire, as it came to be known, left entire neighborhoods in ruins and forever changed the landscape of this beloved foothill community. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Christmas Tree Lane has taken on profound new meaning. What was once simply a cherished holiday tradition has become a powerful symbol of Altadena's resilience and determination to rebuild.
For the 2025 holiday season and beyond, Christmas Tree Lane represents more than twinkling lights and festive cheer. It embodies the strength of a community that refuses to be defined by disaster, choosing instead to honor its traditions while looking toward a brighter future. The towering trees are living monuments to Altadena's perseverance and the unbreakable spirit of a community that has faced unimaginable loss.
Supporting Altadena Through Recovery and Beyond
Today, Altadena is rebuilding with the same community spirit that has defined it for generations. Despite the challenges posed by the recent fires, the area's commitment to preserving traditions like Christmas Tree Lane demonstrates the strength and unity of its residents.
Arroyo Parkway Self Storage
So next time you're in town during December and want to experience where generations of families have created holiday memories—and witness a community's incredible strength and recovery—make sure to take a drive through Christmas Tree Lane's illuminated wonderland. And if you or someone you know is a resident of Altadena, Pasadena, or relocating to the area, remember that Arroyo Parkway Self Storage is here to help make your life easier during the holidays, and all year long.
Santa Rosa Ave, from Woodbury Ave to Altadena Dr, Altadena, CA
5:30 PM to Midnight
December 6 - January 7, 2026
