Logo of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with stylized text and a graphic of a red 'meatball' insignia.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Redding Garden of Lights will be open to the public from November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026. The Redding Garden of Lights will be open from Wednesday to Sunday and closed on select Mondays and Tuesdays. The event will be open on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Please check the ticketing page for open dates and times.

  • Redding Garden of Lights is taking place inside the McConnell Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay, adjacent to the Sundial Bridge and Sacramento River at 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, California.

  • Redding Garden of Lights features over two million lights on display throughout 10 acres of curated botanical gardens filled with festive and animated light displays. The festival includes fire pits and s’mores, holiday-themed food and beverage stations, synchronized music animations, and many more features. The entire experience begins with a walk across the world-famous Sundial Bridge, which spans the Sacramento River. A path leads guests to the garden entrance and courtyard, which features holiday-themed food and beverages for the entire family to enjoy. Explore the winding paths, enjoy the music, take in the sights, snap photos, and have a wonderful holiday experience!

  • Only service animals are allowed inside the Redding Garden of Lights event. Pets are not allowed due to the safety of our guests. Dogs are permitted outside of the event on the Sundial Bridge and the surrounding Sacramento River Trail.

  • Turtle Bay Exploration Park owns and operates the Redding Garden of Lights. It is a non-profit organization that raises funds for ongoing educational programming, garden maintenance, museum exhibitions, wildlife care, and other initiatives.

  • The Redding Garden of Lights is for everyone, including residents, Turtle Bay Members, and traveling tourists, with a particular focus on being family-friendly. The Sundial Bridge and Sacramento River Trail remain open and accessible to the public to enjoy year-round.

  • The Redding Garden of Lights was designed by Tres Fromme Design, a leading designer in botanical gardens and seasonal displays with over 15 years of experience.

  • The Redding Garden of Lights offers a wide variety of food and beverage options for all ages, served by Mosaic Restaurant within the event. Mosaic offers two food trucks with options including pizza, sandwiches, and more. Additional offerings include festive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as kettle corn. Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside Redding Garden of Lights.

  • The Turtle Express train ride is all new for 2025! This charming ride carries visitors on a scenic journey through glowing tunnels, whimsical light displays, and sparkling forests. With its gentle pace and magical views, the Turtle Express is perfect for families, couples, and friends to enjoy together. The Turtle Express is also ADA accessible, ensuring that all guests can enjoy the ride with ease and comfort. Train tickets are $10/rider and are only available for purchase in person at the event. Train operations may change without notice.description

  • The Redding Garden of Lights is funded by local grants and donations from community partners, including the presenting sponsor, Dignity Health—Mercy Medical Center Redding. Founding support can be attributed to the Redding City Identity Project, the City of Redding, the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce, Visit Redding, the Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and many other organizations. Funds donated by the City of Redding for the Redding Garden of Lights in 2020 and 2021 are designated for tourism purposes.

  • Yes, groups of 75 or more may purchase tickets at a discount rate. Please email lightsgroups@turtlebay.org to request group tickets.

  • Admission tickets are valid only for the date and time specified on your ticket.
    Turtle Bay does not provide refunds, exchanges, or rain checks on admission tickets. Turtle Bay offers Flex Tickets, which allow a one-time change to your visit date due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Simply contact the Guest Services Team at lightsinfo@turtlebay.org or call the dedicated Garden of Lights hotline at (530) 242-3123 to easily exchange your visit date for a different day. This change must be made 24 hours before the date of your original reservation.

Contact Us >