It’s late October, the leaves are finally turning, and the first real rain is on its way. Around our house, that means one thing: somebody is already asking when the Garden of Lights opens.
Redding doesn’t do the holidays in a flashy, big-city way. We do them the hometown way: a tree lighting downtown, a parade where you’ll recognize half the people on the floats, and a walk across the Sundial Bridge with a cup of cocoa in your hand. I grew up with these traditions, and now I get to share them with my own family.
Whether you’ve lived in Shasta County your whole life or you’re brand new (or still deciding whether to move here), here’s my guide to the 2026 holiday season, with the dates confirmed so far and a few tips from a local.
Redding Garden of Lights at Turtle Bay (Nov. 20, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027)
If you only do one holiday outing in Redding, make it this one. Every year, Turtle Bay Exploration Park turns the McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens into a winter wonderland, with more than a million lights spread across about 10 acres.
This year it runs Friday, November 20, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027, opening at 5 p.m. on event nights. Visit Redding lists general tickets at around $25. Prices can vary by age and date, so check the official Garden of Lights site before you go.
A few things I’ve learned over the years:
- Go on a weeknight if you can. Weekends in December get busy, especially the week before Christmas.
- Check the calendar. The event is closed on several Mondays and Tuesdays in early December, so don’t drive down on a dark night.
- Walk across the Sundial Bridge. It’s half the fun. If anyone in your group has trouble with the walk, there’s an accessible entrance with parking on the west end of the gardens near Arboretum Drive.
- Save room for s’mores and cocoa. The fire pits are a big hit with kids (and grown-ups).
There’s also a New Year’s Eve celebration at the Garden of Lights on December 31, which is a nice option if you’d like to ring in 2027 without staying out until 2 a.m.
Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting (Friday, Dec. 4)
Redding’s downtown Christmas tree lighting is one of the oldest traditions in town. Last year was the 106th annual lighting. Visit Redding has the 2026 lighting on Friday, December 4.
The lighting is usually paired with other downtown activities earlier in the day, and it’s a great excuse to grab dinner at one of the downtown restaurants and walk around. Watch Visit Redding and local news for the exact time and any street closures as the date gets closer.
The Lighted Christmas Parade and Jingle Bell Fun Run (Saturday, Dec. 5)
The next night, Saturday, December 5, is a big one.
The Redding Lighted Christmas Parade rolls through downtown after dark. It’s been going for more than 40 years. My advice: bring a blanket and a thermos, and get there early if you want a curb spot with little ones.
Earlier that same evening, the Jingle Bell Fun Run starts at 4 p.m. at the Sundial Bridge. It’s a relaxed 2-mile loop on paved paths through the arboretum, ending near the Garden of Lights entrance. Festive outfits are encouraged. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to get the whole family moving before the parade and the lights.
More November and December Events Worth Knowing About
The big three get most of the attention, but there’s more going on this season:
- California Chocolate Expo – Saturday, November 14. A sweet way to start your holiday shopping.
- Turkey Trot – Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving morning). Plenty of Redding families make this their Thanksgiving tradition: run or walk in the morning, eat pie in the afternoon, and don’t feel guilty about it.
- Shasta College Country Christmas Fair and Tree Sale. In recent years the Shasta College Farm has held a weekend fair and fresh-cut tree sale in early December, with Santa visits and farm animals. Watch Shasta College’s news page for the 2026 dates.
- Cut your own tree. If you’d rather head into the woods, local national forest land has offered Christmas tree permits in past years for about $10. Check recreation.gov or the Shasta-Trinity National Forest for this year’s rules, and always know whose land you’re on.
As always, dates can change, so confirm with the organizer before you load up the car.
New to Redding? How to Settle Into Your First Holiday Season Here
I talk with a lot of people who are relocating to Shasta County, and the holidays can be a lonely time when you don’t know anyone yet. The good news is that Redding’s holiday events are exactly the kind of places where people talk to strangers.
Here are a few easy ways to feel at home:
- Pick one tradition and make it yours. The parade, the tree lighting, or the Garden of Lights. Going every year is how a new town turns into home.
- Volunteer. Local food banks, churches, and nonprofits get busy this time of year and always appreciate extra hands. It’s one of the fastest ways to meet good people.
- Shop local. Downtown Redding, Anderson, and Palo Cedro all have small shops and makers. You’ll find better gifts and meet the people who make our community tick.
- Plan for the weather. December evenings here are cold and often wet, even though our days can be mild. Layers and a rain jacket will cover you for most of these events.
Thinking About Buying or Selling During the Holidays?
People sometimes ask me if they should “wait until after the holidays” to do anything with real estate. Here’s my take.
For buyers, the holiday season is often a quieter time in Redding. Fewer people are out shopping for homes, so you may get more of a seller’s attention and a little more room to negotiate. If you’re relocating, a December visit also shows you what Redding is like in the off-season, not just in the summer.
For sellers, the buyers who are out in November and December tend to be serious ones, often on a timeline because of a job or family move. A home that’s clean, warm, and lightly decorated can show beautifully this time of year. Just keep the decorations simple so buyers can still picture themselves living there.
There’s no single right answer. It depends on your goals, your timeline, and your situation. If you’re not sure, let’s talk it through over coffee. No pressure, no sales pitch.
Let’s Make It a Good Season
Some of my favorite memories growing up in Shasta County are cold December nights downtown, waiting for the parade to come around the corner. I hope this guide helps you make a few memories of your own this year.
If you’re thinking about a move, whether that’s across town, into a smaller place, or to Redding for the first time, I’d love to help. Reach out anytime.
530-953-1100 · jcreteam.com/contact · [email protected]
About Justin Cartwright: Justin Cartwright is a third-generation Shasta County resident and licensed REALTOR® with Waterman Real Estate in Redding, CA. He and the JCRE Team specialize in helping buyers and sellers navigate the Redding and greater Shasta County market with honest guidance and genuine care. DRE License #02093872 · Waterman Real Estate, 1760 Churn Creek Rd, Redding, CA 96002 · 530-953-1100.
Event details sourced from Visit Redding’s 2026 Annual Event Guide and Redding Garden of Lights 2026 event listing, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and past-year reporting from Shasta College and KRCR. Dates and prices are subject to change; please confirm with each organizer.
