Your Guide to Holiday Gifts and Activities in Redlands
After a long year of school, work, and challenges, it’s so nice to have the holidays to look forward to. In Redlands, there’s a lot to see and do, from holiday activities and exciting shows to unique shopping experiences and opportunities to serve. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, get ready for Christmas in Redlands by reading our guide.
Activities
Shows and Performances
Shopping
Opportunities to Share
Safe Celebration
Activities
Maybe you’ve felt this way before, but when it gets dark earlier and earlier, all you want to do is hang out at home, watching TV or playing on your phone after work or school. Nothing wrong with a good ol’ relaxing evening, but it is nice to have preplanned activities to look forward to. That’s why it’s great that holiday activities in Redlands are abundant! There are Christmas tree farms to visit, the Redlands Christmas Parade to watch, and a tree lighting ceremony with holiday activities to experience.
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Trees
Before December is too far gone, head to Greenspot Farms in Mentone or Rye Farms in Nuevo to look for your own real Christmas tree. At Greenspot, “Cut Your Own Tree” starts the day after Thanksgiving, and lighted hayrides start on December 1, running from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m every evening. Rye Farms has a Christmas tree farm featuring trees up to 14 feet tall! Their opening day is November 12, so head there if you want your tree (and a photo op) a little earlier!
The Redlands Christmas Parade
On December 3, Kiwanis Club of Redlands is hosting The Comforts of Christmas Holiday Parade! The parade is open to the public and starts at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Redlands. There is even parking available at the parking garage off of Stuart Street. If you’re interested in walking in the parade, you can also enter for a fee of $35 for individuals and nonprofit organizations. The deadline for entries is November 20, so don’t wait until the last minute to sign up!
Have questions about participating? Call (909) 654-6680 for more information.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Check out the Mountain Grove and Citrus Plaza’s Annual Holiday Event and Tree Lighting Ceremony for even more holiday cheer! On November 22, they will not only be lighting a 50-foot Christmas tree with over 21,000 lights, but they will also be offering amazing entertainment like live music, stilt walkers, jugglers, a hot cocoa bar, holiday train rides, and more! You and your kids could even get photos taken with Santa in his workshop. This event is free to attend and an amazing family-friendly option if you have kids!
Shows and Performances
Who doesn’t love a good live performance? Whether your preference is ballet, theater, comedy, hard rock, or anything else, there’s just something about a live show that is so exciting and really gets you into the spirit of the holidays. And this year, there are plenty of shows for everyone to enjoy for a great Christmas in Redlands.
Music
If you’re a live music fan, you’ll love Nutcracker: The Concert by the Redlands Symphony on December 10 at 8:00 p.m. They’ll play all your favorites from the ballet, including “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Flowers.” For the first time ever, these magical songs will even be brought to life with original narration based on the fairy tale. Tickets start at $20. Check it out!
Plays
Head over to LifeHouse Theater at 1135 N. Church Street in Redlands for some festive plays. This year, they’re putting on Noah, an imaginative musical comedy based on the familiar biblical story, and A Christmas Song in My Heart, which tells the true stories behind favorite Christmas carols. You can also view their shows online!
Shopping
We all love shopping from big online retailers—so convenient, and so many options! But it’s always so great when you can support a local business. So check out these locally owned shops to experience one of our favorite holiday activities in Redlands.
For Your Pets
These days, our pets are like family, and Furry Face knows it! “Furry Face offers the finest products available in every department with competitive pricing,” the website says. “When it comes to services, we drive for the exceptional in Grooming & Doggie Daycare. In all we do, your Furr-Kid is our top priority at all times.” Head over for gifts or a gift card for your pet or a friend’s pet.
Anything and Everything
If you just don’t know what to get someone, a gift shop can really help! Paisley Grove Gifts has lots of gems to pick from. They’ve got custom key holders, personalized picture frames, unique Christmas ornaments, and more. This is a locally based and veteran-owned business, so you can feel really good about shopping there!
Clothing and More
Head over to Nectar Clothing for some trendy finds! They’ve got stylish clothing and accessories, holiday decor, and home and lifestyle items. Check out their cozy outerwear here and find the physical store on State Street in Redlands.
Opportunities to Share
They call this the season of giving, and it really is a great time to reflect on all we’ve been given and see how we can give back. That’s truly what makes this time of year so special! Even if you can only give a little, that will make a difference—to you and the recipients. To celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in Redlands, check out these two local causes:
Food Bank
While holiday feasts are a cherished tradition, it’s important to remember that many around us are struggling with food insecurity, and even small donations can really help! Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County is a private nonprofit agency that has been serving San Bernardino County since 1965. You can help by donating even a dollar!
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots gives “toys, books, and HOPE to less fortunate children” all over the country. In 2020, the 29 Palms CA program gave 23,333 toys to 6,909 children. To join the cause, you can donate new toys or money and even volunteer to help with warehouse tasks or meal delivery. If a child you know could use a toy this year, you can also fill out a form to request toys.
Safe Celebration
Candles are a cozy addition to your holiday decor, but did you know that 7,500 fires are started each year because of household candles? Please stay safe and be careful when lighting candles in your apartment, especially in your bedroom, where you may fall asleep and then leave the candle unattended. Consider using battery-powered candles, which create a similar ambiance without the added danger. If you do use real candles, be sure to keep an eye on them and blow them out when you are done!
Christmas trees, of course, can create another natural fire hazard. If you’ve purchased a real tree this year, be sure to water it regularly so it doesn’t dry out. Keep all open flames, such as candles, away from the branches, and make sure you turn all lights off when you’re not at home.
Holidays are the perfect time to connect with family, friends, and neighbors. As you spend the next few weeks shopping, seeing shows, serving, and doing holiday activities in Redlands, we hope you enjoy sharing good times with a friend or family member.
We’d love to see your holiday fun! If you decorate for the holidays or try out one of the activities above, post a photo on social media, tag us, and use #TisTheSeasonAtAMC.
From all of us at Countrywood Apartments in Redlands,
Happy Holidays!
Come On In
MONDAY–FRIDAY
9 AM–6 PM
SATURDAY
10 AM–5 PM
SUNDAY
11 AM–5 PM