The most wonderful time of the year is finally here! And to help you make the most of this magical season, we’ve put together a “Holiday Guide” that’s jam-packed with amazing light displays, festive happenings, and so much more! We’re also sharing some helpful tips on how to spruce up your home decor and deck the halls in style this holiday season. Embrace the Christmas spirit with our Holiday Guide and let the celebrations unfold!
Looking for some holiday cheer? Make this season a magical one by attending one of the below holiday happenings and events.
Holiday Events & Happenings:
Redding Lights
When: Now Open
Where: 2499 El Verano Street, Redding
What: This award-winning, animated Redding Christmas light show features synchronized lights, music, and stunning visual effects against the backdrop of the holidays. Located in east Redding, the Van Gent family has made this dazzling experience a tradition for local and visiting families. Learn more here.
Redding Garden of Lights
When: Now through January 7th
Where: Turtle Bay Exploration Park | 844 Sundial Bridge, Redding
What: Turtle Bay Exploration Park is transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland. Over one million colorful lights decorate the McConnell Botanical Gardens across ten acres, creating a dazzling backdrop for your holiday celebrations. Walk across the iconic Sundial Bridge and follow the path to the garden entrance, where you’ll find festive food and drinks. Sip on hot cocoa as you stroll along the winding paths with loved ones, soaking in the dazzling light displays choreographed to holiday music. Pause to take in the model train exhibit winding through the glittering landscape, or linger around the crackling fire pits to roast s’mores under the stars. Learn more here.
Lights on the Farm – Historic Hawes Farm
When: Now through December 30th (Select Days)
Where: Historic Hawes Farm | 6465 Deschutes Rd, Anderson, CA 96007
What: Guests can choose between a ride on the Country Covered Wagon or Hawes Express to journey through a mile of dazzling light displays. Both follow the same festive path filled with unique illuminated sculptures but split off at times for separate experiences. The spacious Covered Wagons fit up to 50 people, perfect for parties. After the ride, stroll through craft vendors, cozy up to fireplaces, and take a photo with Santa. Enjoy delicious food and drink options on the farm and marvel at the 50-foot tall Christmas tree visible from almost everywhere! General admission includes a ride on the Hawes Express Train or Covered Wagon Ride through twinkling lights, plus a visit with Santa and a photo for the kids! Kids 3 and under are free. Enjoy a new family tradition and a joy-filled evening at the farm. Learn more here.
Redding City Ballet – The Nutcracker
When: December 8-9th
Where: Cascade Theatre | 1731 Market St, Redding, CA 96001
What: Share in this North State holiday tradition as Tchaikovsky’s timeless score takes Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a journey through sparkling snowflakes to the land of dancing sweets. From stunning costumes and a beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy to toy soldiers, waltzing flowers, and an evil Rat Queen, this enchanting ballet will sweep you up in the delight of the holiday season. Redding City Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker features all local dancers.Get tickets here.
Disney Frozen Kids
When: December 7-9th
Where: Timbre Theatre | 3274 Bechelli Ln, Redding, CA 96002
What: You’ll love this fanciful and heartwarming stage adaptation of the celebrated animated film. Join Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Sven, and all of your favorite characters as they embark on an epic, ice-filled journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and the real meaning of true love. Adapted for young performers, this musical includes favorite Frozen songs such as “Love Is an Open Door,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” and “Let It Go,” as well as wonderful new songs from the Broadway production. This production of Frozen KIDS is sure to prove that “some people are worth melting for.” Purchase your tickets here.
12Ks of Christmas
When: December 9th
Where: Lake Redding Park Pavilion Area | 2225 Benton Drive, Redding
What: Come on out and run 12Ks with us or 2 Turtle Dove Miles, your choice. Expect to receive long-sleeved shirts and awards while enjoying music and some Christmas fun. Races start at 9 am. Packet pickup on race day starting at 7:30 am at Lake Redding Park Pavilion area. Register here.
Liberty Christian Christmas Craft Fair
When: December 9th
Where: Liberty Christian School | 2970 HARTNELL AVENUE, REDDING, CA, 96002
What: Liberty Christian School is hosting its annual Craft Fair on December 9th from 9 am – 4 pm. Free entry for shoppers. See additional details here.
Family 2nd Saturday: Winter Wonderland
When: December 9th
Where: Turtle Bay Exploration Park | 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA
What: Family Second Saturday is an all-age educational program that provides fun activities and projects for the whole family to enjoy. Come celebrate the wondrous winter season with us; snow, traditions, and icy weather. Click here to learn more.
Riverfront Playhouse Holiday Craft Fair
When: December 9th
Where: Riverfront Playhouse | 1950 California Street, Redding
What: This inaugural event will bring together vendors selling gifts, jewelry, food, crafts, decorations, and more. Join the festivities at the Riverfront Playhouse to find unique holiday gifts while supporting local artisans and entertainers. ‘Tis the season for craft fairs! Click here for more info.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
When: December 17th
Where: Redding Civic Auditorium | 700 Auditorium Drive, Redding
What: This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life. Featuring an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and more, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE features a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an original musical score including twists on favorites like Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Imaginative and fun for the whole family, this production is sure to put a twinkle in your eye! Doors open at 5:30 PM for the show starting at 7:00 PM. Get tickets here.
TOMÁSEEN FOLEY’S: A Celtic Christmas
When: December 20th
Where: Cascade Theatre | 1731 Market Street, Redding
What: Drawing on the infinitely rich treasury of Ireland’s cultural heritage, Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas is a re-creation of a night before Christmas in the West of Ireland in the 1940s, in the days before the motorcar, the television, and the telephone. Now in its 28th season, this year’s show features some of the finest, most authentic exponents of the Celtic arts performing anywhere today, on either side of the Atlantic. Purchase tickets here.
NYE at Redding Garden of Lights
When: December 31st
Where: Turtle Bay Exploration Park | 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding
What: Welcome 2024 at the Garden of Lights during this festive New Year’s Eve celebration! A delightful experience for the entire family, featuring live music, an “almost midnight” countdown, and the warmth of giving as this event is a fundraiser for Turtle Bay. All proceeds directly support our educational programs, engaging exhibits, and the care of our beloved animals. Join us for a night of magic and ringing in the New Year!
McCloud WinterFest
When: Every Saturday in December
Where: Various Locations in McCloud
What: Kids crafts, Santas Workshop, Merchants/Vendors, Character Brunch, Holiday Vendors and more! Winterfest is the McCloud Chambers way of giving back to the community. Learn more here.
Church Services & Celebrations (Christmas Eve & Christmas):
Holidays at Bethel
Pathway Church
Redding Christian Fellowship
Redding First Baptist Church
Saint Joseph Catholic Church
First Christian Church of Redding
Wondering where you can catch a dazzling light display this year? Check out over-the-top holiday light displays in and around the Shasta County area! A holiday lights Google map list will be updated this weekend. You can find it by joining a local Facebook Group called “Shasta Christmas Lights and Sites“.
Want to wrap up the year in style? Here are some of the top ways to deck your halls for the holidays according to expert designers.
Glass Ornaments
One big trend designers are cozying up to is glass. As Ashley Macuga of Collected Interiors explains, “Glass inherently is a demonstration of effortless elegance. As an art form, it plays with reflection more than any other medium—enhancing and refracting the light produced from Christmas tree lights and warm taper candles, which are mainstays of traditional holiday decor.”
“The transparency of glass provides a weightless contrast to the heaviness of more ornate decor often used to adorn coffee tables and banisters. We also love the delicate shapes, translucent colors, and handmade textures of artfully created glass ornaments…adding touches of magic to anywhere that it is placed,” says Macuga. In addition to your Christmas tree, consider placing glass ornaments in bowls for effortless decor. Also, think glass candle holders and decorative bowls.
Mixed Metallics for a Modern Twist
Move over traditional red and green! This year, we’re seeing a surge in popularity for mixed metallics like gold, silver, and copper. Incorporating these modern metallic tones into your decor can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your festive space. Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors embraces the glitz and glam of the holidays with these metallics. “Brass and chrome decor will have staying power beyond the holiday season—simply change up the styling. A spray of holly in a brass vase can easily be swapped out for cherry blossoms come spring,” says Adams. In need of some inspiration? Check out these Starburst Taper Holders from West Elm or these String lights from Anthropologie.
Warm Colors
Add instant warmth into your home with the use of warm tones and colors. “The use of color…like blush, which is undoubtedly warm and looks beautiful when combined with the traditional gold, silver, and jeweled tones of the season,” says Macuga. “It’s a stark contrast to the cool, chilly temperatures of the outdoors.” Think rustic glam ornaments and blush glass vases.
Minimalist Winter Wonderland
Embrace a minimalist approach to holiday decor by opting for a winter wonderland theme. Keep things simple with white and silver accents, focusing on clean lines and a clutter-free aesthetic. This trend is perfect for those who prefer a sleek and contemporary look for the holidays. “This year I foresee a more understated use of decor. Less bold ‘green and red’ combos and more muted greenery along with moody neutrals,” says Laura Williams of ATX Interior Design. This linen runner from Crate & Barrel and Clemente bowl from Lulu and Georgia tie in nicely with the minimalist trend.
Are you responsible for preparing this year’s Christmas feast? From tender Roast Beef Prime Rib to indulgent charcuterie boards and wine pairings, we’re serving up some of our favorite Christmas dishes that will leave your guests feeling merry (and full)! You can even savor the joy of Christmas morning with homemade sourdough cinnamon rolls – a favorite Dedmon Christmas morning tradition!
Festive Apps:
Cheesy Spinach Dip Christmas Tree
Charcuterie Christmas Tree
Christmas Deviled Eggs
Pecan Stuffed Mushrooms
Jalapeno Popper Christmas Tree
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Caramelized Onion Dip
Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Christmas Mains:
Prime Rib Recipe
Holiday Glazed Baked Ham
Holiday Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
Julia Child’s Favorite Roast Chicken
Maple Glazed Turkey
Stuffed Shells (Vegetarian Option)
Mushroom Piccata (Vegetarian Option)
Boursin Baked Ziti (Vegetarian Option)
Pass the Sides:
Homemade Mac & Cheese
Green Bean Casserole
Crispy Smashed Brussels sprouts
Herbed Brown Buttered Mashed Potatoes
Honey Glazed Spiced Carrots
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Scalloped Potatoes
Creamed Corn
Broccoli & Quinoa Salad
Making Spirits Bright:
Craft Your Own Sangria Here
Christmas Punch
Egg Nog
Hot Buttered Rum
Naughty or Nice Cocktail
Irish Coffee
Cranberry Ginger Mimosa
Pear Tree Martini
Christmas Morning Punch (Non-Alcoholic)
White Grape Punch with Cranberry Ice (Non-Alcoholic)
Homemade Egg Nog (Non-Alcoholic)
Stock Up On Your Favorite Wines at Redding’s New Tasting Room: Want to support local wineries? We have a NEW tasting room in Redding! Check out their holiday showcase or stock up on your favorite whites at the New Clairvaux Tasting Room.
Make Your Christmas Morning Sweeter with Our Favorite Cinnamon Roll Recipe: Trust us when we say, this is the only cinnamon roll recipe you will ever need. And it’s a Dedmon Christmas morning tradition! These soft sourdough rolls are layered with cinnamon sugar then rolled up and baked until golden brown and gooey. They’re then topped with cream cheese icing for the ultimate breakfast treat. Get the recipe here. Pair with a Christmas Morning Mimosa!
Here are this month’s featured businesses in Redding:
Aaron Brown – Woodworks:
We are a small shop in Northern California, but our roots are on the East Coast. Originally from upstate NY, Aaron has loved woodworking since he was 12 when he noticed a shelf, cheaply made, and wondered if there was a way to create something that would last. From that moment on he was hooked, getting lost for hours in his parents’ basement, honing and discovering his craft. He started his professional career in a small local shop and moved to higher end shops that outfitted penthouses in NYC.
Fast forward 30 years and Aaron has gone from working for custom cabinet shops to building his own truly custom legacy craftsmanship. He started his own business here in Redding just a few years ago, where his wealth of knowledge and experience can serve a new demographic.
Our shop is run by us, Aaron, master craftsman and Emily, his wife, the real CEO of this ship. Their services range from custom cabinetry and bath vanities to built-ins and outdoor kitchens. Learn more here.
Rose Mountain Healing Arts: Rose Mountain Healing Arts is a world class Luxury Boutique Holistic Wellness Day Spa. Enjoy the panoramic view of Redding California overlooking the Sacramento River with the mountains framing the skyline in the River Rose Room for Couples Massage. RMHA offers Massage Therapy, Biomagnetism Therapy, Medical Massage, Health Coaching, Pregnancy Massage, Myofascial Therapy, Deep Tissue Sculpting, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Sound Healing, Private Yoga Instruction & Somatic Touch Therapy for Trauma Care.
If you are desiring physical care &/or soul care, every service offers a holistic approach of mind, body, spirit integration. Built on intuitive heart-led healing modalities with a mission & passion for pursing excellence in modern & ancient healing modalities, we believe abundant life & abundant health are your birthright, & we are here to facilitate a heavenly space for your healing. We are an Agent Nateur provider (featured in Forbes & VOGUE) & offer luxury natural products formulated in France as well as offer Holistic Facials, Red Light Therapy & Gua Sha Facial Sculpting.
We support your health journey, & we thank you for supporting our woman-owned & operated small business. Learn more here.
According to the latest stats available from the California Association of Realtors for October of 2023, active listing inventory is down 3.6% from last year with 204 homes on the market, while home sales are down 25.5% from last year. 44.9% of the active listings had price reductions, which has proven to be a notable trend this year due to rising mortgage rates.
In today’s evolving real estate market, having a reliable partner who truly understands the ins and outs of the local market is paramount. With over ten years of experience as a resident and Realtor in this community, I’ve had the honor of assisting numerous families, even during challenging market conditions. If you’re curious to explore the dynamics of our local real estate scene further, don’t hesitate to give me a call at 530.524.4333. Let’s navigate the market together!
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and warm holiday season.
Grateful for you! – Julia
