By Melissa Wynn
The magic of the holiday season fills the air in Northern California and a great way to soak it up and share it with your loved ones is to catch a Christmas show at the Cascade Theatre at 1731 Market Street in Redding. Since 1935 spectators have flocked to this famous show house to enjoy holiday performances on stage and screen.
A Cascade Christmas is Redding’s foremost holiday tradition and families from miles around have been starring in and attending this amazing performance for generations. Local talent brings the spirit of the season to life through song, dance and illusion. Experience the joy of Christmas as performers take you on a magical journey through a winter wonderland. This year’s performances begin Friday, November 23rd at 7pm. Repeat performances are available Saturday, November 24th at 2pm and 7pm, Sunday November 25th at 4pm, Friday November 30th at 7pm, Saturday December 1st at 1pm and Sunday December 2nd at 4pm. Bring your camera along as Santa will be sticking around after each matinee performance to pose for pictures with the children adding an extra dose of anticipation to the day. Adult tickets are $20-$28 and children 12 and under attend for just $14.
No holiday season is complete without watching the 1983 movie classic “A Christmas Story” and where better than on the big screen at Cascade Theatre from a great seat in the balcony. Festivities begin at 6pm Saturday, December 16th with a pre-movie party featuring live music, dancing and themed drinks for all ages. A contest for the best and ugliest Christmas sweater will be held so dust off your fabulous Christmas card fashion. Perhaps you will be the winner. Settle in and watch at 7:30 as Ralphie tries to convince his parents and the world that he can handle a Red Ryder BB gun without shooting his eye out. Tickets are $15.
Take your friends and family on a musical journey to a remote farmhouse in Ireland to celebrate Christmas Eve with the inhabitants through Tomaseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas on December 20th at 7:30pm. This high energy performance is an audience favorite filled with laughter, fiery dance and the unforgettably beautiful melodies of the traditional Irish Christmas Carols that draw crowd after crowd to envelope their holiday in a Celtic Christmas for twenty seasons running. Tickets start at $26 for this final performance of the 2018 season that promises to leave your heart filled with the magic of the holiday spirit. Tickets for all the great shows you can catch all year at the Cascade Theatre can be found online at cascadetheatre.org
Lodging Partners of Cascade Theatre – Bridgehouse B & B, Oxford Suites
Last minute shopping chores and visits with local friends and family often inspire show goers to spend a few days in Redding. The Cascade Theatre wants your stay to be comfortable and recommends Oxford Suites and Bridgehouse Bed and Breakfast as their official lodging partners.
The family friendly accommodations at Oxford Suites offers all the comforts and then some, including several pet-friendly rooms with no-worry tile flooring. The year ‘round, heated, salt water pool offers hours of chemical free, outdoor fun for the kids so Mom and Dad are free to relax with a cocktail from the full bar before the show. All Oxford suites stays include a free full hot breakfast buffet each morning and an evening reception that features appetizers and your choice of beer, wine or soft drinks.
Those heading straight back to work after a show have the convenience of the free Redding Municipal Airport shuttle, free high-speed internet access, guest laundry and even meeting rooms for client consultations on the run. Be at the top of your game and don’t even miss your workout. Spend some time in the on-site fitness center and then enjoy a nice hot soak in the jacuzzi. Spending several days? Perhaps the presidential suite is for you with a full kitchenette, separate bedroom and jacuzzi style bathtub all it’s own. You can reserve your suite online at www.oxfordsuitesredding.com or call 530-221-0100.
If something off the beaten path is more your style look no further than the Bridgehouse Bed & Breakfast. This spectacular home away from home is the pride and joy of Janelle and Kendall Pierson offering a peek at the Sacramento River out the living room window. Since 2007 this friendly couple has opened their beautifully decorated home to travelers from around the globe. Like the name implies, five different bridges can be viewed by taking a short walk around the Bridgehouse neighborhood, just a few blocks from downtown Redding at the corner of California Street and Riverside Drive. Casa De Puente (Bridgehouse in Spanish) is located right next door and became part of the Pierson’s labor of love in 2013. Together these two prime specimens of cottage style architecture provide
eight uniquely decorated room choices including the stunning California Street Room that features a locally handcrafted artisan copper bathtub and a stunning river view. From the stunning tile work on the staircase to the baby grand piano Janelle’s attention to detail is apparent in every corner of this quiet and welcoming two home B&B. Make reservations online at http://www.bridgehousebb.com/ or call Janelle at 530-949-7981.
Visit Redding this holiday season and catch a show at the Cascade Theatre. Whether you see a Cascade Christmas, A Christmas Story or opt for A Celtic Christmas, the spirit of the season will bless you for days to come.
