Turkey Trot, Black Friday Fun & Holiday Magic Begins in Redlands 

Run, shop, sip, and soak in the first spark of Christmas all around the Redlands groves.

Redlands Turkey Trot – Thursday Morning, November 27th

Start your Thanksgiving Day the right way – with the annual Redlands Turkey Trot! This beloved community tradition kicks off at 7:30 AM near the University of Redlands stadium (University St and Brockton Ave).

Whether you're running the 5K or doing the family fun walk, it's the perfect way to earn that turkey dinner. Plus, you'll see half the town there, which is part of the charm. Bundle up, bring the family, and join hundreds of your neighbors for this festive morning tradition.

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Small Business Saturday – Shop Local, Shop It Forward

Friday's Black Friday deals are great, but Saturday, November 29th, is when Redlands really shines. Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to support our incredible local merchants.

Special Highlights:

• The Lovely Lotus on East State Street kicks things off early with their Black Friday Sale starting November 28th
• Christmas Open House at O'Flanery's Emporium (409 Orange St) – festive finds and holiday treasures
• Fox District Vintage & Artisan Market (127 Cajon St) – unique gifts you won't find anywhere else
  
  

Downtown will be bustling with holiday shoppers, and many stores are offering special discounts and promotions. Grab a coffee at Stell, browse the boutiques on State Street, and remember – every dollar you spend locally keeps our community thriving.

Shop Small Guide

Whoville at The Hideout – Pure Holiday Magic

One of Redlands' most enchanting holiday traditions returns Sunday, November 30th! Whoville at The Hideout (922 New York Rd) transforms the venue into a Dr. Seuss winter wonderland.

This isn't just any holiday event – it's become a must-see family tradition featuring whimsical decorations, photo opportunities, and that magical Whoville spirit that reminds us all what the season is really about.

Perfect for families, Instagram-worthy photos, and getting everyone in the holiday spirit. Trust me, the kids (and adults) will love this.

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🎄 HOLIDAY SEASON PREVIEW

The Christmas magic is just beginning! Mark your calendars:

Sunday, December 7th:

• Redlands Christmas Parade – 4:00 PM downtown
• Kimberly Crest Holiday Lighting – 6:00 PM (Dec 7-8) featuring "Windows into Christmas Past" with scenes from historic Redlands

The historic Kimberly Crest House and Gardens will light up with thousands of lights, and you'll experience holiday vignettes depicting Christmas celebrations from Redlands' past. It's history, beauty, and holiday spirit all wrapped into one magical evening.

Kimberly Crest Details

"Opportunities don't happen. You create them." - Chris Grosser

• 🏆 Redlands High School athletes continue to dominate – The girls volleyball team made history with their 31st victory in the CIF-Southern Section Division II playoffs, defeating San Clemente 3-2. They've advanced to the quarterfinals!

   

  🎓 Redlands Unified named to California Honor Roll – Our school district and 11 RUSD schools received recognition from the Educational Results Partnership for both high achievement and closing achievement gaps. Proud moment for our community!

   

  ✂️ Hands On Knitting Center Reopened – After a two-week renovation, this beloved shop at 912 New York Street is better than ever with improved lighting and an even more welcoming community table.

   

  🌳 City Invests in Our Heritage – The City Council approved a $2.3 million contract to maintain our iconic citrus groves. It's investments like these that keep Redlands... well, Redlands.

The Three Stags Irish Pub & Restaurant, 328 Orange St, Redlands
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Other Venues with Weekend Live Music:
Citrone Italian Chophouse - Live music on the patio (typically 5:30-8:30 PM weekends)
The District - Cocktails, Food & Live Music

📅 MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Coming in December:

• December 5 – Community Christmas with free ice skating, s'mores, cocoa & tree lighting
• December 6-7 – YMCA Holiday Boutique & Home Tour
• December 7 – Redlands Christmas Parade & Kimberly Crest Holiday Lighting
• December 31 – Beach Ball Drop at Ed Hales Park (3-5 PM)
  
  

  LifeHouse Theater Performances – All weekend long at 1135 Church St. Check their schedule for showtimes and current production details.

   

  Creative Sundays Toy Drive – Sunday, Nov 30 at Sylvan Park (601 N University St). Bring an unwrapped toy and help local families have a brighter Christmas.

   

  Nutcracker Storytime – Sunday at The Frugal Frigate (9 N 6th Street). Perfect for little ones getting excited about the holidays.

  
  
  

🙏 GRATITUDE & COMMUNITY

As we transition from Thanksgiving to the Christmas season, I'm reminded of what makes Redlands special. It's not just the Victorian homes or the orange groves or the perfect Southern California weather.

It's the Turkey Trot where you see neighbors you haven't seen in months. It's the small business owners who remember your name and your order. It's the way this community shows up for each other – from toy drives to supporting local schools to keeping our citrus heritage alive.

From my family to yours, thank you for making Redlands the incredible community it is.

Tax Debt Consultants LLC

 Letters to Santa & Tax Planning

Speaking of the holiday season, the Redlands Visitor Center is now accepting Letters to Santa! Kids can drop off their wish lists and experience that special magic of reaching out to the North Pole.

But here's a thought as we head into year-end: while the kids are writing their Christmas lists, have you made YOUR end-of-year financial list?

December is the perfect time to:

✅ Review your tax withholdings before January
✅ Organize receipts and documents for tax season
✅ Address any IRS letters sitting in that "deal with later" pile
✅ Set up a game plan for 2026

The holidays are joyful, but financial stress isn't. Don't let tax worries crash your Christmas. If you've been putting off dealing with an IRS notice or need help getting your books in order before year-end, now's the time.

Remember: just like Santa's checking his list twice, the IRS is too. Let's make sure you're on the nice list.

Need help before the New Year?
📞 Schedule a free consultation: TaxDebtBook.com
📧 Email me directly with questions

Sponsorship Opportunities

Ready to connect with engaged Redlands residents? Our newsletter reaches dedicated community members who support local businesses.

Contact us at info@redlandsnow.com to learn about sponsorship opportunities and tell us about your upcoming events.

That's all for this week! Thanks for reading, and we'll see you around the groves.

Stay connected, stay local,
Carlos Samaniego & 

The RedlandsNow.com Team