As a traveler always on the hunt for unique experiences, I’ve discovered something truly magical that you absolutely cannot miss this holiday season. The Sheraton Redding Hotel and Turtle Bay Exploration Park’s 5th Annual Garden of Lights Festival is not just an event—it’s a transformative winter wonderland that will make your holiday memories sparkle brighter than its beautiful twinkling lights!
Pure Enchantment and Endless Memories
Picture walking through ten acres of pure enchantment, where every step reveals a new world of two million lights, wonder, and holiday magic. More than just another Christmas display—this is an immersive once-in-a-lifetime experience that captures the true magic of the holiday season and caters to everyone: families, couples, friends, and, yes, solo travelers like myself!
Must-See Attractions That Will Take Your Breath Away
1. The Journey Begins: Sundial Bridge
Your magical adventure starts with a walk across the world-famous Sundial Bridge. Imagine a bridge that’s part transportation, part timepiece, and completely breathtaking. Completed in 2004 at a cost of $23.5 million, this unique cantilever spar cable-stayed bridge is a stunning architectural marvel designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. It spans 700 feet across the Sacramento River, serves pedestrians and cyclists, and ingeniously hovers above the river to protect the delicate salmon habitat below.
2. Light Displays That Will Blow Your Mind
Once over the Sundial Bridge, you will step into a festive world of light displays that will blow your mind. Renowned light artist Tres Fromme has outdone himself with incredible themed light displays featuring over two million lights. Themed areas include:
- Enchanted Forest: A mystical woodland of illumination
- Peppermint Portal: A candy-cane lover’s dream
- Candy Cane Lane: A 40-foot ring of festive cylindrical columns
- Polar Palace: Features a stunning 30-foot igloo with a snow zone
3. Unique Experiences for Every Traveler
Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple on a romantic date, or a family looking for memories, there’s something for everyone:
- Australian Garden: Bestow whimsical larger-than-life lizards, tortoises, and butterflies while listening to the sounds of children’s holiday songs
- Glowing Swings: Over 30 neon swings
- Magical Mosaic Children’s Garden: Perfect for the little ones
- Mediterranean Garden: Traverse nearly 200 feet of Light Tunnels
- Model Train Town: Featuring Shasta County landmark exhibits
- Proposal Pavilion: For the romantics out there
Foodie Heaven: Culinary Delights to Complement the Lights
It wouldn’t be a festive occasion without yummy holiday delights like these treats:
- Hot Chocolate and Hot Apple Cider
- Festive bars with Spiked Hot Chocolate, Spiked Cider, and a range of other Festive Cocktails, Wines, and Brews
- Quick bites like Pizzas, Chicken Strips, Churros, Candied Marshmallows
- Gourmet food options like Pot Roast Sandwiches and the most delicious, flavorful Garlic Fries
- Kettle Corn Huts and S’mores stations
Elevated VIP Experience
Want to elevate your experience? Check out the heated Private Igloo Experiences, which accommodate up to six people. The igloos include firepits, food, drinks, and souvenirs and are perfect for small groups or a unique date night.
The Magic Beyond
The Garden of Lights Package
Extending the magic beyond an evening of sparkling displays, the Sheraton Redding at Sundial Bridge has designed the perfect complement to the Garden of Lights experience with an exclusive overnight Garden of Lights Package:
- Deluxe overnight accommodations
- Two adult tickets to the Garden of Lights experience
- Upgrade to the Club Floor and enjoy an evening reception 5 – 7:00 pm and daily breakfast 7 – 10:00 am in the Club Lounge (see guest room options when booking)
- To book a package, please visit: https://www.marriott.com/offers/redding-garden-of-lights-2024-off-87947/rddsi-sheraton-redding-hotel-at-the-sundial-bridge?propertycode=rddsi
New Year’s Eve Celebration
New Year’s Eve isn’t just for adults anymore. For families looking to ring in the New Year without staying up past bedtime, the Garden of Lights offers the perfect solution with a family-friendly “almost midnight” celebration that captures all the excitement of New Year’s Eve (12/31, 6 – 10:00 pm)!
Must-See Destination
Blending artistic innovation, festive cheer, and immersive storytelling, the Redding Garden of Lights transcends the typical holiday display to become a must-see destination that promises wonder, joy, and unforgettable moments for visitors of all ages. Book your tickets now, you don’t want to miss this magical holiday experience! $32 (Adults), $20 (Children/Veterans/Seniors), and Free (Children 0-3); Wednesdays – Sundays (through 1/5), 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA 96001; 530.242.3123
