YMCA to open Christmas tree lot

Black Friday marks the return of a Burbank tradition that’s attracted thousands of local residents in the past five decades, including local celebrities such as Jay Leno, Johnny Carson and Will Smith.

On the day after Thanksgiving, the Burbank Community YMCA will open its annual Christmas tree lot and will keep it going until Christmas Eve. On opening day, Noble, Fraser and Nordmann firs will be available, with Grand and Douglas firs arriving a few days later on Dec. 3.

This year marks the lot’s 55th year, and the YMCA’s 90th year in Burbank. In 2013, customers bought nearly 2,000 trees from the lot, its highest sales to date.

Proceeds from the tree sales go to help support the YMCA’s programs, such as financial assistance with membership fees, year-round child care and activities for seniors. Volunteers from the Burbank YMCA Service Club and YMCA staff will help with the operation.

The lot will be located at Burbank Boulevard and Victory Place, with the entrance off of Lake Street. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.