13 Activities To Celebrate The Holidays

*Because local and statewide mandates and guidelines are changing constantly, make sure to verify times and dates before heading out.

Festive Family Activities For The Holidays

Although the 2020 holiday season is going to be different from years past, there are still lots of fun family activities that will help you celebrate, enjoy good cheer, and make memories. We’ve rounded up a “baker’s dozen” to choose from — or do them all!

1  Redding Garden of Lights at Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Explore winding paths leading through 10 acres of artfully illuminated and immersive displays that exhibit world-class design. Celebrate the natural world with wildlife and plant-themed exhibits unique to our region. Afterward, warm up by the fire with ‘smores or enjoy holiday-themed drinks, gifts, and food.  Throughout Turtle Bay’s curated gardens adjacent to the Sundial Bridge and the Sacramento River. Rain or shine November 27-December 27, reservations recommended, and pricing varies.

2  Paradise Lighted Truck Parade

Enjoy this community event as decorated trucks drive the parade route, starting at Ace Hardware, heading west on Pearson Rd, up Skyway, turning around at the Holiday Market, and doubling back. Settle in somewhere along the route. To maintain social distancing,  spectators are asked to watch from the route and not congregate in the Ace parking lot. December 5, 6:30pm. Free event, but canned food donations at participating locations are welcome.

3  Redding Lighted Christmas Parade

Grab your Christmas music, family, and friends, and enjoy this sparkling event from the warmth of your car. The parade will look a little bit different this year; all spectators must be in a vehicle and will drive through a spectacular lighted display. Rain or shine, December 5, 6-9 pm. $15 per car at the Shasta District Fair & Event Center.

4  Nevada City’s Victorian Christmas

Jump into the nostalgic enchantment of a Norman Rockwell painting. Enjoy shopping for fun gifts and tasty treats while mingling safely with local vendors and street performers dressed up in Victorian-era costumes.  December 6, 13 & 20, 1:30-6pm and December 16 & 23, 5-9pm.

5  Siskiyou Ice Rink, Mt. Shasta & Ashland Rotary Centennial Rink, Ashland, Oregon

Nothing feels more like winter than ice skating!  Bundle up and brave the ice at either venue.  Siskiyou Ice Rink plans to open on November 21. Check the Ashland website for opening dates.

6  Mt. Shasta Ski Park

If you’re wanting an outdoor winter adventure,  this is the place to find it! Depending on snow levels the ski park is hoping to open the second weekend in December.

7  The Nutcracker and The Nutcracker at the Drive-In

No holiday season would be complete without this classic ballet.  Although there will not be an indoor theater showing this year, Redding City Ballet has found a way to keep this tradition alive.  Reserve your tickets for a live stream of the performance and watch either in your own home or at three downtown outdoor showings. Each show features the Market Street Holiday Fair, with Christmas music, delicious eats, festive lights, and holiday vendors. December 11, 7 pm and December 12, 1, and 7 pm. And in Chico, Chico Community Ballet’s “A Very Chico Nutcracker” shows on December 13, 5:30-7:30 pm at the Meriam Park Drive-In Theater, so pack some treats and bring the whole family.

8  Orland Avenue of Lights at the Glenn County Fairgrounds

One of Northern California’s most cherished traditions, this festive event features a one-mile “avenue” of lighted displays of penguins sledding, reindeer games, Santa’s sleigh, a live nativity, carousel, and a forest of more than 20 lighted and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. The North Pole Lodge will not be available this year, but folks can drive as slowly as they like to enjoy the magic of the night. New this year, the Glenn County Fair Heritage Foundation will be selling premium coffee, hot cocoa, and warm apple cider. Milo’s will be on-site selling pizza, corn dogs, and more; and Funnel Cake Express will be selling lots of delicious funnel cakes. Concession stands will be located at the end of the drive-thru and will be accessible even for those who don’t come through the Avenue. December 16-20, 5:30-9pm. $15 per carload.

9  Photos with Santa

Don’t forget to visit Santa! Contactless photos with Santa will be available at both the Mt. Shasta Mall November 27-December 25;  and Chico Marketplace, November 27-December 24. Reservations required. Or go virtual with JingleRing which allows you to schedule a live or prerecorded call with Santa (pricing varies).

10  Cut your own Christmas tree

Create a special day of memories — spend the day outdoors searching for the perfect tree, and remember to bring your hot cocoa and treats. Shasta-Trinity National Forest,  Plumas National Forest, and Lassen National Forest are issuing permits for Christmas tree cutting.  $10 per tree, two trees max per household. Many permits are being sold through the mail only, so be sure to check the websites before venturing out.

11  Eskimo Hill

Follow your Christmas tree adventure with some family fun sledding and playing in the snow at this popular spot in Lassen National Forest, an hour’s drive east of Redding off Highway 44.  Check the snow and road conditions before heading over.

12  Handmade holiday gifts

Spend a day making handmade holiday cards or treats to mail to friends and family. We may not be going out to as many events or traveling to see all the family this year. Show them how much you are thinking of them by sending some very personal holiday cheer.  Check out some great ideas for yummy food gifts in this month’s Localicious.

13  Connect over some new puzzles

Besides being good for the brain, working on puzzles is great fun, and can be a peaceful way of creating quality family time. It’s also perfect for those who may be spending the holidays solo this year. Check out the wonderful puzzles at one of our local businesses, Bird in Hand in Chico.