Redlands to kick off holiday season with annual tree-lighting ceremony

Updated Nov. 18 at 16:03

REDLANDS, Calif. — The city of Redlands will kick off the holiday season Nov. 21 with its annual tree-lighting ceremony, bringing music, activities and a festive glow to the Historic Downtown.

City Council members are scheduled to flip the switch at 6 p.m. at Ed Hales Park, illuminating the holiday tree and lighting up East State Street from Orange Street to Redlands Boulevard.

Festivities begin an hour earlier, at 5 p.m., with family-friendly activities including live music, free hot cocoa, a bounce house, crafts, painting and a holiday photo opportunity.

The event is free and open to the public.

City outlines rain plan as tree-lighting celebration proceeds as scheduled

The city issued a weather update Tuesday, confirming that the event is moving forward as scheduled from 5–8 p.m. Friday at Ed Hales Park. City staff will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day.

According to the city’s rain plan, if heavy or sustained rain occurs before the event begins, staff will determine whether to cancel and will announce any changes publicly.

If heavy rain begins during the event, staff will make the call on-site and begin an organized shutdown, notifying vendors and attendees and initiating cleanup and exit procedures.

Any updates will be shared through the city’s official communication channels.