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Whether you go to Altadena or Woodland Hills or any of the other neighboring light displays remember the efforts of the residents is a labor of love. There are plenty of food vendors, coffee and hot chocolate, and balloons to add to the festivity! (We like the coffee from Steam-Bean they have a table on Oakdale before Martha St) Steam Bean Coffee & Matcha (@steambeanofficial) •
Coffee and Lights and Music: Candy Cane Lane Woodland Hills
Hurrah for the Altadenians who are continuing their neighborhood display "Christmas Tree Lane" which began one-hundred and five years ago!!! The L.A. Times Instagram page features a video detailing the history and current displays by enthusiastic and determined residents of the area despite the devastation caused by the Eaton Fire in January.
"Disney employees, many who lost homes in the fire, helped restore lights across the historic cedar-lined street, supporting the community's road to recovery."
An article in the L.A. Times in 1996 A Home-Grown Holiday Institution - Los Angeles Times details the original efforts by Woodland Hills residents in 1951, desiring to share the joy of the holidays. The event has always had a shared participation by both those who either celebrated Christmas or Chanukiah. Each of the streets had a theme which is not adhered to today; Oakdale was" Candle Light Lane", Jumilla was "Avenue of the Bells", Penfield "Carolers Way" and Lubao was "Candy Cane Lane" . Some new owners even now have found original decorations in the attic with a nod to those themes.
Meanwhile, Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills continues to see a wanning in participation similar to the 1970's, which has been detailed in news stories, as new residents opt out of contributing to the community's tradition. However, in 2020 during the Covid shutdown resident and visitor participation was enthusiastically visible during the entire month of December, with people driving and walking the 4 block x 4 block area of displays even up until midnight!
Current highlights include a 12foot tall Santa (Martha & Oakdale) a real Train engine unit (Lubao & Hatteras), a movie snippet from "The Nativity" and various musical presentations. This weekend 12/19- -12/21 Taft High School will be present with their marching band. Taft High School Marching Band Returns to Candy Cane Lane | San Fernando Valley News Portal
Perhaps the enthusiasm of Altadena residents may encourage other Southern California communities and their residents that some things such as holiday lights decorating streets and houses is actually what expands our homes into a neighborhood of friends....and memories.
Other articles:
- Candy Cane Lane | The West Valley~Warner Center Chamber of Commerce
- Candy Cane Lane (Everything To Know Before A Visit) - The Tourist Checklist
- These Are The Most Magical Candy Cane Lanes Around Los Angeles This 2025
- How did Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills begin? | JohnHart
- Candy Cane Lane : Each Christmas, a West Valley Neighborhood Glows With Good Cheer and Massive Wattage - Los Angeles Times 1989
- Candy Cane Lane - Grokipedia
More News from Los Angeles
- Taft High School Marching Band Returns to Candy Cane Lane Schedule your visit to Candy Cane Lane December 19, 20 & 21 from 6-9pm and an enjoy the Taft High School Marching Band. ENJOY BEFORE THE RAIN COMES NEXT WEEK!
- Empowering Self-Sufficiency: MikeRoweWorks & The Salvation Army Trade based charities are often overshadowed by those providing housing, clothing, food. But charities which enable recipients to become self-sufficient need priority & recognition
