REDDING HOLIDAY EVENTS GUIDE 2024
The holiday event season promises festive family fun throughout Redding and the surrounding areas this year.
From beloved community traditions to new wintry activities, there are many ways to celebrate the most wonderful time of year.
*This holiday events guide is currently being updated for the 2024 season, so be sure to check in again soon for the latest information!
Redding Community Holiday Events
Redding Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 1, 5 PM – 7 PM | Downtown Redding
Join in this cherished community tradition in downtown Redding for the 104th annual lighting of the giant Christmas tree near the intersection of Market and Yuba. Enjoy carolers, classic Christmas car displays, and festivities to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Redding Lighted Christmas Parade
December 2, 6 PM – 8 PM | Downtown Redding
This beloved local tradition features vibrant floats, twinkling lights, festive bands, and community groups marching down downtown streets. Grab some hot cocoa and join in the holiday fun!
12 Beers of Christmas
December 1 – 12 | Fall River Brewing Co.
Fall River Brewery taps a new holiday movie-themed beer daily from December 1-12 that guests can sample by getting a passport stamped.
Finish the passport and receive an exclusive invitation to Fall River’s 2024 Premiere Party on January 9th, featuring food trucks and festive brews like Son of a Nutcracker Sour and Bad Santa Saison.
Old Time Holiday Celebration
December 2, 11 AM – 3 PM | Shasta State Historic Park
Shasta State Historic Park’s free Annual Old Time Holiday Celebration will feature engaging arts and crafts, blacksmith demonstrations, light refreshments, candle making, Christmas crackers, and more for visitors of all ages.
For more information, call 530-243-8194. Shasta State Historic Park is located six miles west of Redding on Highway 299W.
Second Saturday at Turtle Bay: Winter Wonderland
December 9, 11 AM – 2 PM | Turtle Bay Exploration Park
At this Family Second Saturday event, celebrate winter with crafts, activities, and explorations of snow, winter traditions, and icy weather. Kids and families will enjoy educational fun while getting into the holiday spirit.
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa
December 16, 1 PM – 4 PM | 890 Cypress Avenue
The Children’s Legacy Center and Children’s Legacy Foster Family Agency provide cocoa, cookies, crafts, and photos with Santa Claus at this free event.
Attendees are asked to bring donations like new pajamas and toys for children in foster care.
6th Annual Santa Pub Crawl
December 16, 7 PM to bar close | IOOF Hall & Downtown Redding Bars
Viva Downtown Redding presents the 6th Annual Santa Pub Crawl! Bar hop downtown Redding from 7 PM to bar close.
Check in at the IOOF Hall to receive wristbands, hats, and beards and enjoy festive food and drink specials. Tickets are $10 presale on Eventbrite or $15 at the door.
Meet Santa at 32 Below
December 17, 3 PM – 6 PM | 32 Below
Meet Santa Claus in person at 32 Below ice cream shop. Kids can participate in Christmas activities, and the whole family can enjoy a festive treat.
Every participant will get a free picture with Santa emailed to them.
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Redding Christmas Lights Displays
Redding Garden of Lights
November 22 – January 5 | Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Stroll through over 1 million dazzling lights illuminating 10 acres of stunning botanical gardens during this beloved annual holiday display. Sip on hot cocoa as you walk the sparkling path and celebrate the spirit of the season. This is one of the best holiday events of the year!
Redding Lights
Opens November 24 | 2499 El Verano St.
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.
Lights on the Farm
November 24 – December 30 | Historic Hawes Farms
Experience the magic of Lights on the Farm at Historic Hawes Farms this holiday season, with train and wagon rides through over a mile of dazzling light displays, photos with Santa, vendors, food, and a 50-foot Christmas tree. Guests can make magical memories as they journey through illuminated sculptures and enjoy a joy-filled evening on the farm.
Holiday Concerts & Productions
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
November 11, 7 PM | Redding Civic Auditorium
Don’t miss the return of this family-friendly ballet production featuring international dancers. The show brings to life the holiday classic tale of young Clara and her Nutcracker prince with beautiful sets, costumes, and choreography.
Cascade Christmas: Redding’s Holiday Tradition
November 24 – December 3 | Cascade Theatre
Enjoy Redding’s long-running variety show filled with Christmas entertainment for the whole family. The production features lively musical numbers, comedy sketches, and dance routines to celebrate the holiday season.
Disney’s Frozen KIDS
November 30 – December 9 | Timbre Theatre
Bring the whole family to enjoy the magic of Disney’s Frozen live on stage as presented by the Redding Performing Arts Center. Watch Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and all your favorite characters from the celebrated animated film embark on a frosty, fun-filled journey of friendship and self-discovery in this heartwarming musical adaptation.
The Nutcracker Ballet
December 8-9 | Cascade Theatre
The Redding City Ballet Company performs this beloved holiday tradition featuring Clara’s magical adventures with the Nutcracker Prince. Enjoy gorgeous sets and costumes as you experience this Christmas classic brought to life through dance.
Celebrate the Messiah
December 9, 10:45 AM | Redding Adventist Church
The choirs and orchestras from the Red Bluff and Redding Adventist churches will join together to present “Celebrate the Messiah,” a free Christmas concert. Under the direction of Grace Ramley, the groups will perform inspirational sacred music.
What Child Is This?
December 14, 7 PM | Redding Adventist Church
The Weimar Academy Choir and Orchestra will present a Christmas concert titled “What Child is This?” on December 14th at the Redding SDA Church. The free event features inspirational sacred music performed by talented high school students from the Sacramento area, designed to celebrate the Christmas season.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
December 17, 7 PM | Redding Civic Auditorium
This dazzling family holiday spectacular combines contemporary circus arts with Broadway-style production. See aerialists, acrobats, jugglers and more perform to holiday music and delight audiences of all ages.
Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas
December 20, 7:30 PM | Cascade Theatre
Ring in the holiday season with beloved Irish storyteller Tomáseen Foley through Celtic music, dancing and tales. The show captures the spirit of Christmas in Ireland through humor and heart.
Holiday Runs & Races
2023 Turkey Trot
November 23, 8 AM | Redding Senior Center
The annual Turkey Trot run/walk takes place on Thanksgiving morning, sponsored by the SWEAT Running Club.
Participants can pick up their race packets and bibs ahead of time at the Senior Citizen Hall, or on race day morning before the start.
12Ks of Christmas
December 9, 9 AM – 12 PM | Lake Redding Park
Tackle the 12K course or opt for the 2 mile option at this festive annual holiday race. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome. Enjoy music, costumes, and awards plus refreshments to fuel up post-race.
Jingle Bell Fun Run
December 2, 4 PM | Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Ring in the holidays at this festive new fun run starting at the Sundial Bridge. The course winds through the Redding Garden of Lights. Finish the run and enjoy admission and activities at the illuminated gardens.
Holiday Bazaars, Craft Fairs, & Art Classes
North Valley Art League’s December Show
November 8 – December 22 | Old City Hall
The North Valley Art League is hosting its annual Holiday Show featuring artworks created by league members.
There will be an Opening Reception on December 1st from 5-7 PM to shop for unique handcrafted gifts, meet the artists, and enjoy refreshments.
Redding Christian Fellowship Craft Fair
November 10-11, 9 AM – 3 PM | Redding Christian Fellowship
Shop handmade and homemade goodies from local vendors at this indoor holiday market.
Holly Jolly Holiday Bazaar
November 18, 9 AM – 3 PM | Enterprise High School
Find unique local arts, crafts, and gifts while supporting EHS PTSA at this annual bazaar.
Fused Glass Tea Light Christmas Tree & Ornament Workshop
November 18, 11 AM – 1 PM | Gather Downtown
Create festive holiday decorations in this hands-on fused glass workshop with Prissy at Gather Downtown!
Craft a fused glass Christmas tree complete with a wooden stand and tea light, plus your own 3-inch glass ornament. This mosaic-style class lets you make two projects to display or gift.
Holiday Fine Art & Gifts Boutique
November 25 – December 22 | Old City Hall
The Holiday Fine Art and Gifts Boutique holds its festive opening reception on Small Business Saturday, November 25 from 10 AM – 3 PM at Old City Hall.
Discover locally made fine art and handcrafted gifts while enjoying live music, tasty treats, and supporting talented artists in the community.
Riverfront Playhouse Holiday Craft Fair
December 9, 11 AM – 3 PM | 1950 California Street
The Riverfront Playhouse is hosting its first-ever Holiday Craft Fair, welcoming vendors selling gifts, jewelry, food, crafts, home decor, and more.
Get into the holiday spirit at this new event and shop for unique gifts while supporting local artisans and the Riverfront Playhouse community.
Festive Holiday Paint Pour Workshop
December 10, 1 PM – 3 PM | Gather Downtown
Get creative this holiday season by making your own abstract art and festive ornaments at the Festive Paint Pour Workshop held at Gather Downtown.
Using fluid acrylic paints and pouring medium, participants will create a stunning 8×10 canvas plus their choice of two ceramic coasters or two holiday ornaments to gift or decorate with.
A Yultetide Artisan Fair
December 14, 9 AM – 4 PM | Palo Cedro Community Hall (formerly Millville Grange)
Roots Farm EDU is hosting its annual Yuletide Artisan Fair, featuring 40 craft and handmade vendors with additional family-friendly activities like face painting and henna.
Don’t miss out on this indoor festive shopping event for finding unique gifts and supporting youth and community artisans!
New Year’s Eve Events in Redding
Photo Credit: Ian Schneider
New Year’s Eve at the Redding Garden of Lights
December 31, 6 PM – 10 PM | Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Ring in 2024 at the family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at Redding’s Garden of Lights, featuring live music, and an “almost midnight” countdown.
Welcome the new year with magic and giving, with proceeds benefiting Turtle Bay’s exhibits, animals, and educational initiatives.
New Year Party at Hawes Farms
December 31, 8:30 PM – January 1, 12:30 AM | Historic Hawes Farms
Welcome 2024 with an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and a midnight champagne toast at Historic Hawes Farms’ New Year’s Eve Party.
This 21+ event features a DJ spinning hits all night in the farm’s restored dairy barn with limited tickets, so reserve your spot today!
Nearby Holiday Fun
Just a short drive outside Redding, enjoy these additional holiday activities:
Siskiyou Ice Skating Rink in Mt. Shasta – Lace up your ice skates and glide across the ice at this picturesque rink about an hour from Redding. The rink is open for the season beginning November 18th, 2023 through February 25th, 2024.
Mt. Shasta Ski Park – Make the most of the wintry weather with a day trip to hit the slopes at Mt. Shasta Ski Park, just over an hour’s drive from Redding. Rent your ski or snowboard gear from one of the local Redding shops, then head up for a day full of fresh powder before returning to Redding to relax and warm up after your outdoor adventure.
However you choose to celebrate the season, Redding offers many ways to make spirits bright!
If you have events you would like to add to the Visit Redding calendar, submit them here.