A Community Tree Lighting
Gather near Ed Hales Park and Fifth Street for the ceremony, holiday greetings, and the moment our Christmas tree lights up.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Free community event ✦ Friday, November 20 ✦ Downtown Redlands
The City of Redlands invites you
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Free admission · All are welcome
A glowing Christmas tree, live music, outdoor dining, seasonal shopping & time together in downtown Redlands.
Friday, November 20, 20265:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Ed Hales Park & Downtown State StreetRedlands, California
Bring everyone together
Experience the wonder of Christmas
Celebrate the season with a community tree-lighting ceremony, live holiday music, photos with Santa, a welcoming outdoor dining area, seasonal food, and one-of-a-kind gifts from local businesses and visiting vendors. Admission is free!
Live Holiday Performances
Enjoy seasonal music in the entertainment area near Orange Street as the celebration fills downtown.
Outdoor Dining Under the Lights
Make time to gather at festive tables along State Street and enjoy a meal from a participating downtown restaurant.
Gifts & Local Finds
Discover handmade gifts, seasonal goods, and local shops as you stroll farther along State Street.
Festive Food & Treats
Enjoy holiday flavors from neighborhood restaurants and visiting food vendors.
Photos with Santa
Stop by the Christmas tree area for an opportunity to take a special photo with Santa.
Discover the flavors of downtown
Make time for dinner, treats & holiday shopping.
Find a favorite downtown restaurant, choose something delicious and bring it to our festive outdoor seating along State Street. Stay a little longer to explore neighborhood shops, holiday gifts and local discoveries.
Dining directory
Your holiday table awaits
Browse restaurants and sweet stops along State Street and just around the corner. Outdoor seating is planned between Orange and Fifth Streets, with additional tables just east of Fifth near Caprice Café.
Explore Downtown Dining ↗Explore local storefronts
Find a little something special
Visit downtown businesses for gifts, seasonal finds, handcrafted creations and holiday favorites. Store hours and special offerings vary by business.
Business participation inquiries ↗The dining directory is a guide to local businesses, not a list of confirmed evening openings. Check directly with businesses for their menus, hours and pickup options.
An evening to explore
One downtown. So much holiday spirit.
Wander from music and dining near Orange Street to the ceremony near Fifth Street, then enjoy seasonal shopping and treats farther along State Street.
01
Music & a place to gather
Begin near Orange Street with holiday entertainment, strings of lights, outdoor tables and downtown dining. Choose a favorite restaurant and enjoy your meal with family or friends.
02
Share the tree-lighting moment
Gather by Ed Hales Park near Fifth Street for the official Christmas tree-lighting celebration. Santa will also be nearby for festive family photos.
03
Discover gifts & seasonal flavors
Continue east along State Street to explore booths with handmade goods, gifts and holiday favorites, plus food vendors and welcoming downtown shops.
The tree-lighting countdown time, participating businesses and detailed evening schedule will be posted as arrangements are finalized.
Your evening on State Street
Explore the Christmas celebration.
From music and holiday dining near Orange Street to the tree-lighting celebration at Fifth and festive discoveries farther east, see how the evening comes together downtown.
Music & holiday dining
Enjoy live entertainment and gather at outdoor tables with food and treats from downtown businesses.
The tree-lighting ceremony
Gather near Ed Hales Park for the Christmas tree and the separate City Council ceremony stage.
Photos with Santa
Make a holiday memory with Santa at the photo area close to the tree.
Gifts, treats & local finds
Explore artisans, merchants, community groups, local shops and food vendors along State Street.
Planning your evening around dinner? Explore the Downtown Dining Guide.
Find your holiday gathering place
Make an evening of it.
Music, welcoming places to sit and the flavors of our downtown restaurants all come together for a cozy celebration.
Near Orange Street
Settle in for music & dinner
Enjoy seasonal performances and a festive outdoor seating area along State Street. Pick up a meal from a participating downtown restaurant and enjoy the company of friends, neighbors and family under the holiday lights.
Near Ed Hales Park
The moment we light the tree
Our Christmas tree-lighting ceremony brings the community together near Fifth Street, with greetings and the countdown to the first glow. Stop by the nearby Santa photo area to make another holiday memory.
Explore farther along State Street for seasonal gifts, artisan creations and festive food. Event locations and performance details are subject to final arrangements.
Old-world holiday charm
Traditions feel brighter together.
“A little sparkle, a little nostalgia, and a whole lot of holiday spirit.”
Inspired by the charm of traditional Christmas celebrations, the evening brings music, sparkling lights, outdoor dining and local makers together in Downtown Redlands. Come for the tree lighting, linger for festive food and gifts, and celebrate alongside your neighbors.
Holiday lightsLocal flavorDowntown traditions
Celebrate together downtown
Be part of the Christmas celebration
We’re inviting downtown businesses and welcoming a festive variety of food vendors, merchants, and community groups to take part.
Downtown businesses
Downtown restaurants and storefronts are invited to join with seasonal menus, takeout, treats, shopping and other holiday offerings. Businesses affected by the State, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Street closures may request a complimentary booth directly in front of their own storefront. Please contact Recreation by Monday, November 9 for details and eligibility.
Ask about participating ↗Vendors & community groups
We’re welcoming a wonderful mix of food vendors, artisans, merchants and community organizations. If you’d like to take part, our Recreation team would love to hear from you.
Email our Recreation team ↗Questions? Contact [email protected]
Save the date
Plan your Christmas evening
Event at a glance
Friday, November 20, 2026
5:00–9:00 p.m.
Ed Hales Park & Downtown State Street
Redlands, California
Free admission
Everyone is welcome. Food, gifts, and independently operated offerings may be available for purchase.
Tree lighting, music, Santa photos & outdoor dining
Celebrate near Ed Hales Park, enjoy seasonal performances and make time for a photo with Santa.
Helpful visitor information
Getting downtown
Street closures will affect State Street from Orange to Seventh Streets, with additional impacts on Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Streets. Please follow posted traffic directions and check back for approved closure times, parking instructions and accessible routes.
Please check back before the event. Specific tree-lighting ceremony timing and any additional family activities will be shared as arrangements are confirmed.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
A few helpful details as we prepare for the celebration.
When and where is the event?
Friday, November 20, 2026, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Ed Hales Park and along Downtown State Street in Redlands.
What time will the Christmas tree be lit?
The exact tree-lighting countdown time is still being finalized. We’ll share the ceremony schedule here once confirmed.
What can families look forward to?
Expect live holiday performances, festive outdoor dining, the community tree-lighting ceremony near Ed Hales Park, photos with Santa, local shopping, artisans, food vendors and seasonal treats. The detailed schedule will be shared closer to the event.
Can we enjoy dinner downtown during the celebration?
Yes! We are planning welcoming outdoor tables along State Street for guests to enjoy food from participating downtown restaurants. You can also explore nearby dining options and seasonal treats from food vendors.
Will there be places to shop or find gifts?
Yes! Downtown businesses and visiting merchants and artisans are part of the holiday experience, with seasonal goods, gifts and other finds to explore along State Street.
Where should I park?
Some downtown streets will have event-related closures. Parking suggestions, accessible arrival information and the final event footprint will be posted once the traffic and site plans are approved. Please check this page before coming downtown.
Is admission free?
Yes! Admission to the Christmas Tree Lighting celebration is free. Food, gifts, and some independently operated offerings may be available for purchase.
Can we take pictures with Santa?
Yes! Santa will be part of the Christmas celebration, and guests will have an opportunity to take photos with him. Additional details will be shared as the event approaches.
How can downtown businesses and vendors participate?
We welcome downtown businesses interested in participating through festive dining, seasonal treats, gifts, and special holiday offerings. We are also bringing together food vendors, merchants, and community groups for the celebration. To learn more about participating, email [email protected].
Where can we find restaurants and food options?
Browse the Downtown Dining Guide for restaurants and nearby favorites. Pick up a meal or treat and enjoy the planned outdoor holiday seating along State Street. Each business sets its own hours and offerings.
Can my downtown business take part?
Businesses affected by the planned closures on State, Fifth, Sixth or Seventh Streets can inquire about a complimentary booth in front of their storefront. Contact [email protected] by Monday, November 9, for details. All placements are coordinated by City staff.
See you downtown
Let the Christmas season begin!
Free admission · Friday, November 20 · 5–9 p.m. · Ed Hales Park & Downtown State Street
Share this page
