Redding Lights and Silent Nights
Holiday Getaway to Redding
Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Redding is all set for winter group activities—from snowshoeing around Lake Manzanita to checking out the stellar Redding Garden of Lights, named a Top 10 Reader’s Choice event by USA Today.
Garden of Lights
Take your merry and bright to 11 at the phenomenal Redding Garden of Lights (November 21 – January 4). There’s a reason USA Today named it a Top 10 Reader’s Choice event. Located where the famed Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Redding’s Turtle Bay Exploration Park gets glowing reviews for its festive, vibrant, and immersive 10-acre wonderland of holiday lights.
Stroll through sparkling trees and colorful tunnels, past shimmering gardens, and across the glittering Sundial Bridge. More than two million lights are used to illuminate this incredible exhibition. Ambient music travels along the pathways with you. Stop at one of the fire pits for some s’mores and enjoy holiday-themed food & drink stations. New! Hop on board the mini train to tour the Redding Garden of Lights.
BONUS: Reserve a Private Igloo Experience for up to 8 people (includes 2 large gourmet pizzas from Mosaic and unlimited non-alcohol beverages; additional food and beverages also available for purchase).
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Snowshoe Fir Sure!
It’s one of California’s less-traveled national parks, and in winter it’s a snowy wonderland. Make your basecamp Redding for great lodging and outstanding dining options, then make the easy daytrip to Lassen Volcanic National Park for snowshoe and cross-country ski adventures.
Depending on the weather, lace up your hiking boots or strap on some snowshoes and explore the majestic red fir forest around Manzanita Lake. Check out Lassen’s Winter Activity Guide.
Extra-Celestial
Does the idea of traveling out of this world make you starry-eyed? Head to Redding’s Schreder Planetarium for one of their holiday-themed evening programs. The beautiful domed theater combines education and entertainment with its 3D immersion technology. Upcoming shows include the Special Holiday Event: A Christmas Star.
See Schreder Planetarium’s calendar of upcoming shows and special holiday events.
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Meet in Redding: Discover lodging and deals plus venues, all ready to impress and ensure your group gathering or special event is ideal.
Choco-Palooza!
As if you need an excuse to eat chocolate, we’ve got one for you anyway! The California Chocolate Expo in Redding has so much variety even Willy Wonka would be jealous.
Explore a decadent world of chocolate bakeries, boutique booths, and a bevy of restaurants dishing out endless sweet moments. Big bold dark, creamy milk, or something in between…have fun tasting all the fine creations at this family-friendly event with live entertainment.
Know what else is sweet? The price—just $15 per person (late day fee is $10). Splurge on a VIP package for extra perks.
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Meet in Redding: Discover lodging and deals plus venues, all ready to impress and ensure your group gathering or special event is ideal.
Redding to Run a New Year’s Marathon
It’s not too early to start planning (and training!) for a New Year’s Resolution. Get your 2026 off and running at the Redding Marathon (January 18, 2026).
Let the gorgeous scenery be your motivation as you make your way from the Shasta Dam to the Sundial Bridge—two absolute icons of California’s landscape.
TIP: If a marathon feels a bit too ambitious, bridge the gap and consider doing the event’s Sundial 5K.
Choose Redding: Events Calendar
Meet in Redding: Discover lodging and deals plus venues, all ready to impress and ensure your group gathering or special event is ideal.
