This vacation season in Northern California, Redding Garden of Lights competition transforms Turtle Bay Exploration Park right into a shimmering wonderland of greater than 2 million twinkling lights. Now in its fifth yr, this nationally acclaimed occasion is a magical expertise for households, {couples}, and anybody who loves the magic of the vacations. Running now by means of January 5, 2025, it’s a must-visit vacation spot for creating unforgettable recollections.
A Magical Journey Begins
The journey begins with a stroll throughout the enduring Sundial Bridge, the place the glow of vacation lights displays off the Sacramento River, setting the stage for what’s to come back. Once contained in the McConnell Botanical Gardens, guests can comply with winding paths by means of ten acres of dazzling shows, every extra enchanting than the final. New for this yr is the Enchanted Forest, a shocking addition to a lineup of beloved options that embody Peppermint Portal, Candy Cane Lane, Polar Palace, and Light Tunnels. Families will delight within the Magical Mosaic Children’s Garden, the place tiny playhouses, lighted home windows, and radiant meteor lights create a fascinating playground for little ones.
For these searching for an interactive expertise, the Glowing Swings space provides greater than 30 neon-lit swings, and the Model Train Town showcases intricate shows of Shasta County landmarks amid glowing lights. Couples can stroll hand-in-hand by means of romantic scenes or steal a kiss on the Proposal Pavilion, whereas the whimsical wildlife installations within the Australian Garden carry a contact of fantasy to the night.
Book Your Stay
Elevated Experiences
For an extra-special celebration, the competition provides Private Igloo Experiences, accommodating as much as six company. These VIP packages embody meals, drinks, souvenirs, and unique treats, making it the right solution to rejoice an important day or just get pleasure from an opulent night. This yr additionally introduces a personal occasion area with a patio that includes heaters and firepits. With room for as much as 150 company, it’s a great venue for vacation events, household gatherings, or perhaps a winter wedding ceremony. Guests can savor customized catering and craft cocktails from Mosaic Restaurant, positioned on the Sheraton Redding Hotel on the Sundial Bridge.
Festive Food and Photo Ops
The competition isn’t simply concerning the lights—it’s a feast for the senses. Guests can heat up with sizzling chocolate, spiked apple cider, and seasonal cocktails, or get pleasure from contemporary kettle corn from meals huts sprinkled all through the gardens. The rigorously curated shows, just like the 40-foot cylindrical gentle columns of Candy Cane Lane or the immersive 200-foot Light Tunnels, additionally present loads of Instagram-worthy photograph alternatives.
Ring within the New Year
For households, the “Almost Midnight” New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31 (6–10 pm) provides an early countdown with all of the magic of the lights. This family-friendly occasion ensures that even the youngest attendees can be a part of within the vacation festivities.
Travelers can prolong the magic with the Garden of Lights bundle on the Sheraton Redding Hotel at Sundial Bridge. This unique in a single day providing consists of deluxe lodging and two grownup tickets to the competition, making it the right getaway for a festive weekend.
Plan Your Visit
Dates: Through January 5, 2025.
Hours: Open Wednesdays by means of Sundays.
Tickets: $32 for adults; $20 for youngsters (ages 4–15), veterans, and seniors; free for youngsters underneath 3.
Purchase tickets at Redding Garden of Lights.
Whether you’re seeking to make new vacation traditions or relive the magic of the season, the Redding Garden of Lights competition is the right place to rejoice. From the glowing paths of the Light Tunnels to the comfortable heat of a personal patio firepit, each second is designed to enchant guests of all ages. Plan your go to right now and expertise one of many nation’s most breathtaking vacation festivals—the place artwork, nature, and lightweight come collectively to create pure magic.