Those in the know are gearing up for some serious cheer by choosing Redding in the joyous season. Northern California’s holiday hotspot, Redding has plenty of celebrations and festive activities during this wonderful time of year to make folks of all ages feel merry and bright. Here are a just few of our early December favorites!

Quickly becoming a holiday ‘must-do’ for locals and visitors alike, the Redding Garden of Lights is truly a dazzling display. Located at Turtle Bay Exploration Park next to the Sundial Bridge and Sacramento River, it features over one million lights spread throughout more than ten acres of illumination with lighted trees and structures for the whole family to explore. Plus, kids ages 0-4 are admitted free, providing an extra bonus to your budget. The artful outdoor exhibits are bound to elicit some gleeful oohs and ahs, and there’s holiday music, themed beverages, and even Santa’s reindeer in the holiday village. If you start feeling chilly, take a timely break and warm up by the fire with smores and a beverage.

A magnificent sight to witness, this year marks the 103rd annual lighting of the downtown Redding Christmas tree lighting. In celebration of the long legacy of this tradition, the tree is situated at its historical location at the intersection of Yuba and Market streets. While the actual lighting of this giant tree will take place at 7 p.m., the excitement gets underway at 5 p.m. with a classic car display and special events and deals offered by downtown businesses. There are even carolers to add to the fun from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s a fun-for-the-whole-family event you won’t want to miss!

Held on the first Saturday in December each year, the Redding Lighted Christmas Parade is one of the most highly anticipated events of the ho-ho-holiday season. Hosted by the Active 20-30 Club of Redding, dozens of floats decorated in twinkling lights cruise, march, dance, and ride down the main streets of Redding, lighting up a jolly evening for all watching and participating. This year's theme is "All Aboard the Ornament Express" so there’s sure to be some creative and entertaining sights to see. The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. at the intersection of California and Tehama streets, and ends at the corner of Pina and Yuba streets. Be sure to find your spot along the parade route early for the best views you can get.

Now in its 18th year, this Redding tradition is a song and dance extravaganza that’s designed to delight theatre lovers and spread the spirit of the season. Taking place at Redding’s historic non-profit Cascade Theatre, Cascade Christmas tells the tale of a tour group of Christmas superfans, led by their holiday-loving tour guide Leo, that makes its way to the North Pole for the first-ever public tour of Santa’s workshop. There, they meet the discontented Jasper, an elf who has never left the North Pole even though he doesn’t fit in. With a cast of unforgettable characters – including St. Nick himself! – viewers learn that discovery, hopefulness, and acceptance are at the heart of the holidays and wherever we call home.