Did You Know… that the concept of Candy Cane Lane originated in Ventura?
For over 38 years, the residents of Candy Cane Lane (Teloma Drive, between Loma Vista and Telegraph Roads, Ventura) filled their lawns with elaborate holiday decorations. But, in 1992, residents of the original Ventura County Candy Cane Lane (on Teloma Drive) decided to end their holiday lights tradition.
Ventura County Candy Cane Lane residents voted to not only pass the torch to Oxnard’s F Street but also donated hundreds of decorations and lights, as well as three scaled-down animated merry-go-rounds. The Ventura County neighbors trucked the donations to F Street and assisted with the setup for several years.
The event was organized and renamed Christmas Tree Lane by past neighborhood Chair and F Street resident Steve Buratti. The holiday extravaganza expanded in 2000 when an additional five blocks of adjacent G Street were added into holiday lights shows.
Oxnard estimates that over 20,000 to 40,000 visitors come to see the holiday decorations during the 2 to 3-week period. As a side note, the residents of Christmas Tree Lane receive no assistance from the city, and they each pay for the electricity to power the holiday lights.
What you need to know when visiting Christmas Tree Lane
- Decorations and lights are on from 6 PM to 10 PM every night, starting the second Sunday of December through December 26th.
- Visitors are asked not to walk in private yards or driveways unless allowed by residents.
- Visitors can walk the route (the best way to fully take it all in) by parking on adjacent side streets and making the 10-block loop. Warm attire is recommended.
- Trash receptacles are provided by the City of Oxnard at most intersections.
- Visitors in vehicles are asked to keep headlights on for safety reasons. Old-timers to Ventura’s Candy Cane Lane remember the rule of turning off your headlights, but with three cross streets on Christmas Tree Lane and significantly more visitors, headlights must be on for everyone’s safety.
- In 2008, guided weekday Trolley Tours were added that included a loop through downtown Oxnard’s Heritage Square and Plaza Park’s Christmas Displays of Ventura County’s tallest Christmas tree (over 110 feet) and holiday lights on the historic Plaza Park Pagoda Bandstand. Trolley Tour information can be found at Downtown Oxnard.
- Please respect the privacy of all residents. Always keep children with adults; do not allow them to touch or climb on any exhibits – this is for their own safety!
- Please be courteous when the crowds are larger on weekends and the sidewalks are congested.
- You can find more information on Christmas Tree Lane at Visit Oxnard
More Ventura County holiday lights for your viewing pleasure
Ventura
Ventura Harbor Village. The picturesque Village shines even brighter with its colorful Greetings holiday display dazzling the shores now through New Year’s Eve. Learn more about Ventura Harbor Holiday Seaside at Ventura Harbor Village.
Camarillo
Gemini Street. A great place to view Christmas lights in Camarillo is on Gemini Street. The homes’ annual light show takes place on Gemini Street and Waverly Avenue south of Dunnigan Street in Camarillo. To get there, take Arneill Street North past Ponderosa to Dunnigan. Turn right on Dunnigan, and Gemini is the 4th street on your right.
Simi Valley
Auburn Lane. Auburn Lane is a small community in Simi Valley known for its festive holiday décor. It is located on Summerwood Avenue, off of Cochran, west of Stearns in Simi Valley. Check out the lights on their Facebook Page.
Moorpark
Candy Cane Lane. Moorpark’s Candy Cane Lane is located on Pinedale Road. You will see lawns decorated with giant snowflakes, blow-up holiday animals, gift boxes, and even Santa and his reindeer. Just off Countrywood Drive, you will find Candy Cane Lane. Over 40 homes are decorated for the holidays. You’ll find it in Moorpark at Timberdale and Pinedale Roads off of Countrywood Drive. Take Tierra Rejada east to Countrywood; you will find it across from Moorpark’s High School, and then Timberdale is two blocks in on your left.
Woodland Hills
Candy Cane Lane. Candy Cane Lane has been a tradition in Woodland Hills since 1952. It begins on the 2nd Saturday of December and lasts through the end of the year. It is located at the intersection of Lubao and Oxnard Streets (by Pierce College) in Woodland Hills. Make sure to drive slowly down the street with your headlights dimmed so that everyone can enjoy the lights. To get there from the 101 freeway in the West part of the San Fernando Valley in Woodland Hills, exit at Winnetka Avenue. Drive north on Winnetka Ave; when just across from Pierce Junior College, turn right on Oxnard Street.
Enjoy the Candy Cane Lane lights and be safe!
Sources: City of Oxnard, LA Times, Ventura County West
Photos: City of Oxnard
