About the Redding Garden of Lights
The Redding Garden of Lights is a holiday festival in California, USA that turns the McConnell Botanical Gardens into an interactive wonderland of lights and colors.
This festival is held yearly to celebrate the holidays, offering a perfect setting for families and friends to bond and enjoy the season with cheers and good vibes.
The experience in this event usually starts at the famous Sundial Bridge as it glows over the Sacramento River. Once you’re inside the garden, the paths lead you through immersive light tunnels and garden beds that shine with millions of colors.
Here are some of the other highlights you won’t want to miss:
- Turtle Express: You can hop on this festive miniature train for a whimsical ride through sparkling forests and glowing tunnels.
- Model Train Town: This detailed display features tiny locomotives weaving through a beautifully lit miniature world.
- Glowing Swings: These popular swings let you relax and play under a canopy of hanging lights for a great photo op.
- Private Igloos: Groups can reserve these heated, decorated spaces to enjoy pizza and drinks in their own cozy bubble.
- Holiday Food & Drinks: You’ll find several stations serving up seasonal treats like hot cocoa, s’mores, and festive adult beverages.
- Fire Pits: These warm spots are scattered throughout the gardens, making them the perfect place to roast marshmallows.
- Interactive Zones: The “Polar Path” and other hands-on areas let you step directly into the light displays.
- Artistic Displays: Glowing trees and sculptures of native animals create a beautiful link between nature and the holiday spirit.
Festival Dates
The festival typically kicks off in late November and shines until the first few days of January. The previous edition took place from November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, transporting the attendees into a world of sparkling light displays that perfectly capture the season.
Dates for this year’s edition are yet to be announced, but according to the festival’s official website, the dates for 2026 will be released soon, so stay tuned for that.
Where It’s Located and How to Get There
The Mc Connell Botanical Gardens is located within Turtle Bay Exploration Park at 844 Sundial Bridge Drive in Redding, California. This 10-acre park can be found along the Sacramento River, providing the ideal backdrop for the holiday lighting displays.
If you’re coming from far away, the Redding Regional Airport (RDD) is the most convenient place to land since it’s only about ten miles from the park. It handles daily direct flights from major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Getting there from within California:
- By Car: Hop on Interstate 5 and head toward central Redding; once you exit, just follow the signs for the Sundial Bridge to find plenty of free parking.
- By Train: You can take the Amtrak Coast Starlight to the Redding station, which is located downtown and just a quick five-minute rideshare from the gardens.
- By Bus: The Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA) runs local routes, like Route 15, that stop right near Turtle Bay and the Sheraton Hotel.
Getting there from outside California:
- By Plane: Your best bet is flying into Redding Regional Airport (RDD) or grabbing a rental car from Sacramento International (SMF) for a straight two-hour drive north.
- By Road Trip: If you’re driving from Oregon or Washington, Interstate 5 South will take you right into Redding with some pretty amazing mountain views along the way.
- Connecting Flights: Most major airlines offer quick connections through hubs like Denver or San Francisco that land you right in the heart of Northern California.
If you liked this festival, you can also check out these other stunning lighting events across the United States:
Festival Hours
The Redding Garden of Lights usually runs from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This gives attendees plenty of time to explore the illuminated garden and immerse themselves in the mesmerizing lighting displays and other festive activities.
The festival also typically features Sensory Hours on select nights for those with sensory processing needs. Sensory Hour usually runs from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
The event also offers an early New Year’s Eve countdown on December 31, as the park often stays open until 10:00 PM for a family-friendly celebration.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend the Redding Garden of Lights
Tickets for adults (16 years old and above) typically range from $23 to $32 depending on the day you visit, while kids’ passes are a bit cheaper at $16 to $20. Toddlers under two years old can get in for free.
To add a little extra magic to your evening, you can also grab a $10 ticket for the Turtle Express train to glide past glowing lanterns and through sparkling forests.
Take note, however, that these prices may vary or change. For the most up-to-date details, you can visit the festival’s official website or their social media channels.
Festival Weather and What to Wear
The weather in Redding from November through January is usually crisp and cool, with daytime highs often landing between 13°C and 17°C.
Once the sun dips below the horizon, the temperature can drop quickly to a chilly 2°C or 5°C, so you’ll definitely feel the winter bite while you’re out exploring the displays.
To make sure you stay cozy while wandering through the garden, here is what you should wear and bring:
- Warm Layers: Start with a thermal base or a thick sweater so you can stay toasty as the night air cools down.
- Insulated Coat: A heavy puffer jacket or a windproof coat is your best friend for blocking out the evening chill.
- Sturdy Walking Shoes: You’ll be on your feet quite a bit, so wear comfortable, closed-toe boots or sneakers with good grip for the garden paths.
- Winter Accessories: Don’t forget to toss on a beanie, a scarf, and some gloves to protect yourself from the persistent breeze.
- Thick Socks: Wool or thermal socks are a lifesaver for keeping your toes warm while you stand and admire the light displays.
Where to Stay – Hotels Nearby
If you’re planning to stay overnight for the Redding Garden of Lights, here are some convenient hotels nearby that make it easy to reach the gardens in just a few minutes:
- Holiday Inn Redding by IHG – This reliable 3-star hotel offers a comfortable stay with great perks like free Wi-Fi and free parking. You can relax in the hot tub or take a dip in the outdoor pool after a long night of walking. It’s a solid choice for families who want a bit of extra quality.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Redding – This 2-star spot is known for being budget-friendly and even includes a free breakfast to start your morning right. They offer free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub for guests to enjoy. Plus, you won’t have to worry about extra costs since parking is completely free.
- Travelodge by Wyndham Redding CA – If you want something simple and close to the action, this 2-star hotel covers all the basics. It features an outdoor pool for those warmer California days along with free Wi-Fi to help you share your festival photos. Guests also benefit from free parking, which makes coming and going a breeze.
Where to Eat – Nearby Restaurants
For those looking to grab a bite before or after exploring the festival, here are some local dining spots to try out:
- Mosaic Restaurant – This modern, rustic spot is located right at the Sheraton and serves a menu of California cuisine. You can enjoy flavorful dishes like the ribeye carpaccio, a Caesar salad with chicken, or their sweet coconut panna cotta.
- Vintage Public House – Located in Hotel Redding, this lively American bistro features a great selection of wines and craft beers with comfortable patio seating. Their menu includes a honey chipotle shrimp rice bowl, hearty lasagna and meatballs, and a crispy chicken and pear salad.
- Paradisio – This homey Californian restaurant specializes in globally inspired dishes. You can choose from a variety of fresh salads, their signature lasagna, or a comforting bowl of potato gnocchi.
More Things to Do in the Area
If you’re extending your stay, you’ll find that Redding is packed with unique spots and outdoor adventures just minutes away from the festival grounds. Here are just some of the places you can visit:
- Turtle Bay Exploration Park – This 300-acre cultural center sits right along the Sacramento River and features the Turtle Bay Museum along with the iconic, 700-foot long Sundial Bridge. You can explore interactive natural history exhibits inside the museum or take a scenic walk across the glass-decked bridge to enjoy views of the river.
- Sculpture Park – Located at 777 Cypress Avenue, this artistic outdoor space showcases a variety of striking stone and metal artworks set against a peaceful, landscaped backdrop. It is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll where you can admire local craftsmanship and enjoy a quiet moment by the park’s fountains.
- Fantasy Fountain – Nestled inside Enterprise Park, this family-friendly destination features a fun water play area and a massive community playground known as Kids’ Kingdom. Children can burn off some energy on the castle-themed play structures or wait for the water volcano to erupt during the warmer seasonal months.
A Glowing Conclusion: Final Thoughts on the Redding Garden of Lights
The Redding Garden of Lights is the ideal destination if you’re looking for a magical experience this holiday season. With its stunning lighting displays along with the various activities and highlights it offers, the festival is easily the perfect backdrop for you and your loved ones to create new holiday memories this year.
Beyond the festival, Redding is full of scenic beauty and interesting corners just waiting to be explored during a weekend stay. Extending the trip can give you a perfect balance between festive nighttime magic and relaxing daytime discoveries.
So what are you waiting for? Plan a visit soon to see the glowing displays and experience the Redding Garden of Lights in person.
FAQ
- Is there a fee for parking at the event?
- You can park for free in the main lot or the nearby dirt lot at the Rodeo Grounds.
- Can I smoke or vape while walking through the gardens?
- The entire park and all garden paths are strictly smoke-free environments.
- Are household pets allowed to join me for the light show?
- Only certified service animals are permitted inside, though leashed pets can enjoy the public trails outside the gates.
- Is the festival path accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?
- The entire route is paved or flat, making it easy to navigate with strollers or mobility aids.
- Is the Garden of Lights a good choice for families with kids?
- This event is designed for families and features glowing swings, model trains, and lighting displays.
- What kind of food and drinks can I buy on-site?
- Food trucks offer items like pizza, sandwiches, and s’mores kits along with festive cocktails and cocoa.
- Where can I find a restroom during my visit?
- Accessible restrooms are located at the Museum, Forest Camp, and within the Botanical Gardens.
- Does the show close if it starts raining?
- The lights stay on even in the rain, so bring an umbrella and dress for the weather.
