A day after the first certificate of occupancy was issued for a fully rebuilt Altadena home, historic Christmas Tree Lane will shine once again Saturday, providing two more milestones in the community’s recovery from the disastrous Eaton Fire.
Christmas Tree Lane is widely regarded as the nation’s largest and oldest outdoor holiday lighting display, starting in 1920 and completely relying on volunteers who spend months using ropes and pulleys to set up lights.
On Saturday evening, more than 20,000 lights are expected to illuminate the trees that line about 1 mile of Santa Rosa Avenue, close to the Eaton Fire burn scar.
Since its inception Christmas Tree Lane has gone dark only during true crises such as World War II and the 1970s energy shortage. After the Eaton Fire, organizers briefly debated canceling this year’s displays.
“We did talk about whether it would be depressing because of what was lost,” Scott Wardlaw, president of the Christmas Tree Lane Association, told LAist. “But people were urging us to do it again and saying, ‘Please put the event on and put those lights up.'”
When the fire hit Jan. 7, some of the holiday lights were still were still connected to trees and were damaged along with branches — not by burning embers but by the fierce winds that drove the flames. Several houses at the north end of the lane were scorched, but none of the street’s 153 deodar cedars — some as high as 130 feet — were lost.
Every holiday season, thousands travel to Altadena to see the colorful light displays.
Organizers expected a large turnout for the 6 p.m. kickoff. The ceremony will feature a moment of silence for the 19 Altadena residents who died in the fire. Longtime volunteer families will activate the lights along with Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Altadena.
A donation from The Walt Disney Co., which employs many Altadena residents, paid for thousands of additional lights for this year’s effort that will make it extra shiny.
First home fully rebuilt
The first certificate of occupancy was issued Friday for a West Altadena home completely rebuilt after the Eaton Fire.
LA County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella signed the certificate, marking the official return home for the Dyson family.
John Dyson has lived at his Grandeur Avenue property for 48 years and helped his father build the original home. The rebuilt house is 1,470 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths home, along with a new accessory dwelling unit that supports the family’s multigenerational living needs.
“This house is a symbol of hope,” Barger said at a ceremony marking the rebuild. “Standing here today with the Dyson family reminds us that West Altadena can — and will — recover. Their resilience represents the spirit of this community. Their story deserves to be told and remembered.”
Friday’s milestone reflects not just an administrative accomplishment but a turning point for the entire community, Barger said.
“To the Dyson family and every worker who contributed to this rebuild: You’re an inspiration,” Barger added. “Your determination and vision are lighting the path for Altadena’s recovery.”
John, Darlina and Deborah Dyson joined Barger during the event. Throughout the morning the Dysons’ friends — many of them fellow fire survivors — came by to offer congratulations, see the new home and garner ideas for their own rebuilding efforts.
The Eaton Fire scorched more than 14,000 acres, caused the deaths of 19 people and destroyed nearly 7,000 homes and businesses.
The cause is still under investigation, but several lawsuits contend Southern California Edison power lines sparked the blaze amid fierce Santa Ana winds. The company has established a program for residents to file claims for financial compensation.