This vacation season in Northern California, Redding Backyard 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. Working now by 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 long-lasting Sundial Bridge, the place the glow of vacation lights displays off the Sacramento River, setting the stage for what’s to return. As soon as contained in the McConnell Botanical Gardens, guests can comply with winding paths by 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 embrace Peppermint Portal, Sweet Cane Lane, Polar Palace, and Mild Tunnels. Households will delight within the Magical Mosaic Youngsters’s Backyard, 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 affords greater than 30 neon-lit swings, and the Mannequin Prepare City showcases intricate shows of Shasta County landmarks amid glowing lights. {Couples} can stroll hand-in-hand by romantic scenes or steal a kiss on the Proposal Pavilion, whereas the whimsical wildlife installations within the Australian Backyard deliver a contact of fantasy to the night.
Elevated Experiences
For an additional-special celebration, the competition affords Non-public Igloo Experiences, accommodating as much as six visitors. These VIP packages embrace meals, drinks, souvenirs, and unique treats, making it the right technique to rejoice a special day or just get pleasure from an opulent night. This yr additionally introduces a non-public occasion area with a patio that includes heaters and firepits. With room for as much as 150 visitors, it’s a really perfect venue for vacation events, household gatherings, or perhaps a winter wedding ceremony. Friends can savor customized catering and craft cocktails from Mosaic Restaurant, situated on the Sheraton Redding Resort on the Sundial Bridge.
Festive Meals and Photograph Ops
The competition isn’t simply in regards to the lights—it’s a feast for the senses. Friends 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 fastidiously curated shows, just like the 40-foot cylindrical gentle columns of Sweet Cane Lane or the immersive 200-foot Mild Tunnels, additionally present loads of Instagram-worthy picture alternatives.
Nobody can resist a light-weight tunnel!
Ring within the New 12 months
For households, the “Nearly Midnight” New 12 months’s Eve Celebration on December 31 (6–10 pm) affords an early countdown with all of the magic of the lights. This family-friendly occasion ensures that even the youngest attendees can be part of within the vacation festivities.
Vacationers can prolong the magic with the Backyard of Lights package deal on the Sheraton Redding Resort at Sundial Bridge. This unique in a single day providing contains deluxe lodging and two grownup tickets to the competition, making it the right getaway for a festive weekend.
Plan Your Go to
Dates: Via January 5, 2025.
Hours: Open Wednesdays by Sundays.
Tickets: $32 for adults; $20 for kids (ages 4–15), veterans, and seniors; free for kids below 3.
Buy tickets at Redding Backyard of Lights.
Whether or not you’re trying to make new vacation traditions or relive the magic of the season, the Redding Backyard of Lights competition is the right place to rejoice. From the glowing paths of the Mild Tunnels to the comfortable heat of a non-public patio firepit, each second is designed to enchant guests of all ages. Plan your go to at this time and expertise one of many nation’s most breathtaking vacation festivals—the place artwork, nature, and lightweight come collectively to create pure magic.
