2024 Fresno Christmas Lights [Christmas Tree Lane + More!]

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Looking for the best Christmas lights in Fresno? You’ve come to the right place! I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best light displays around my hometown, including the best Christmas events in Fresno.

Christmas Tree Lane is Fresno’s most iconic holiday activity. But as a Fresno local, I know first-hand how much more there is to do around Fresno this season.

In addition to these neighborhoods that go all out with their home displays, you’ll also find Christmas cheer on select weekends as these annual events celebrate the holiday season.

So get bundled up and get ready for some holiday cheer! Here are the top places to see Christmas Lights in Fresno and the best Fresno Christmas events.

1. Christmas Tree Lane Fresno

Christmas Tree Lane is Fresno’s most popular holiday experience. Located in the historic Fig Garden area, Van Ness Boulevard becomes a one-way street lined with trees and homes decorated with over two million lights. This two-mile stretch between Shaw and Shields makes for a truly spectacular sight.

Christmas Tree Lane Fresno is also one of the most historic Christmas lanes in the country. It was first established in 1920 and has since gained national recognition.

Visitors can drive Christmas Tree Lane northbound.

• December from sunset to 10pm
• South Entrance: 3204 N Van Ness Boulevard
• Free (donations accepted, treats for purchase)

Street parking is available in the neighborhood streets surrounding Van Ness. Be respectful of residents’ driveways and the occasional No Parking signs. The Well Community Church Fig Garden (4545 N Palm Ave) and the Fig Garden Village shopping center (790 W Shaw Ave) are also popular places to park and walk.

2. Candy Cane Lane Fresno

Located technically in Clovis, just northeast of Fresno, Candy Cane Lane Fresno is a beautiful street in a neighborhood that comes to life during the holidays.

Every house is decorated with festive lights and holiday decorations, and many homes also have elaborately decorated front yards. In addition to the impressive displays, carriage rides are often available.

In my opinion, Candy Cane Lane is more walkable than Christmas Tree Lane. You will find people riding golf carts or slowly cruising with their car windows down, enjoying the displays.

Street parking is available in the neighborhood streets surrounding Cindy Lane. Be respectful of residents’ driveways and the occasional No Parking signs. You can also park in the Willow Station (1197 N Willow Ave) parking lot and walk from the sidewalk connected to the shopping center.

3. IllumiNature at Fresno Chaffee Zoo

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is another popular place to experience Fresno Christmas lights. Formerly Fresno Zoolights, on select evenings, this year the zoo is transformed into a multicultural light display including Christmas lights and Chinese Lunar New Year displays. The evenings also feature live entertainment and festive treats for purchase.

• Select Nights 2024
• 894 W Belmont Ave
• $22 per person
• Zoo Event Tickets

Parking at Roeding Park costs an additional $5.

4. Downtown Fresno Ice Rink

The Downtown Fresno Ice Rink is back this year in 2024! Opening day is December 10th and check back each day for themed nights.

Street parking is available but can be difficult to find in downtown Fresno. Arrive early to secure a spot in a parking garage.

Looking for even more things to do in Fresno? Check out my guide to Fresno, California.

5. Children’s Electric Light Parade

Neighboring Fresno, every year Old Town Clovis hosts the Children’s Electric Light Parade. The parade features a variety of floats meant to be enjoyed at night as they are lit up with holiday lights.

Parking and seating disappear fast. You may have to park at the Clovis Fairgrounds and walk over. Many people leave their folding chairs out in the morning to reserve their sidewalk space.

6. Old Town Clovis Horse Drawn Carriage Rides

The horse-drawn carriage is a popular sight in Old Town Clovis during the holiday season. Take a festive loop around Old Town on select weekends.

• Fridays Saturdays & Sundays November 26th – December 18th from 1-4pm
• Pollasky Ave & Fifth Street
• Donations encouraged

Hanging around Clovis after the holidays? Check out my complete guide to Clovis, California.

7. Hillcrest Farms Reedley

Although it’s not in Fresno, Hillcrest Farms in Reedley is a day trip I make every holiday season. During the day, you can pick out the perfect Christmas tree, ride on a miniature steam train around the property, and enjoy festive treats.

At night, Hillcrest really comes to life. With an advance purchase ticket, you can enjoy Pajama Nights where you can ride the steam train at night and have cookies and hot cocoa with Santa.

Pin this guide to the Fresno Christmas Lights