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"The Legend Lives On: Celebrating John Murphy's Unforgettable Tales & Community Spirit in Redlands!"
"The Legend Lives On: Celebrating John Murphy's Unforgettable Tales & Community Spirit in Redlands!"
"The Legend Lives On: Celebrating John Murphy's Unforgettable Tales & Community Spirit in Redlands!"
Celebrate John Murphy's legacy, Feast of Lights, Christmas Under the Stars, Holiday Market, and more! Join us for a festive weekend in Redlands! #Gratitude #Community
Redlands Now
Dec 3, 2025
Laughter, Lights & Legends: A Weekend to Remember in Redlands |
Comedy returns Thursday, cherished holiday traditions illuminate our town, and we honor the storyteller who made our community's dreams worth celebrating. |
In Memory of John Murphy |
Hey Friends,
December has arrived in Redlands with a mix of celebration and reflection. While we gather for cherished holiday traditions and new entertainment, we're also pausing to honor someone who dedicated his life to telling our community's stories—especially those of our young people reaching for their dreams.
This weekend brings the 78th Feast of Lights, holiday magic at Kimberly Crest, Christmas music under the stars at the Bowl, and Thursday night comedy at Smudgepot Brewing. It's everything we love about Redlands during the holidays: tradition, laughter, connection, and community.
We're also taking time this week to remember John Murphy, the award-winning sports journalist who passed away suddenly last month. John covered our kids with the same respect he'd give Olympic athletes,documenting character and dreams alongside scores and statistics. His legacy lives on in hundreds of families—including ours—who treasure the stories he told about our children.
Let's dive into what's happening around the groves. — Carlos Samaniego, EA |
Trivia Question❓What year did the University of Redlands begin its beloved Feast of Lights tradition? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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John Murphy, a beloved voice in Inland Empire sports journalism, passed away suddenly on November 21 at age 69, leaving his community mourning a genuine champion of local youth. Known for his engaging and heartfelt coverage of high school athletes—especially in girls’ volleyball—Murphy’s storytelling reached far beyond scores, celebrating character, work ethic, and resilience. His articles, including one about Bella Samaniego’s journey to the Coast Guard Academy, offered families lasting pride and proof that their children's stories mattered. Murphy, who earned accolades like “Sports Journalist of the Year” and many regional awards, focused on young athletes often overlooked by larger media. His warmth, humor, and commitment built lifelong connections across the Inland Empire. John leaves behind a legacy of uplifting unsung heroes, uniting families, and enriching his community through the simple act of truly seeing others. Read More... |
🌳 AROUND THE GROVES |
Next Stop Comedy at Smudgepot Brewing Company
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78th Feast of Lights – |
One of Redlands' most cherished traditions returns to the University of Redlands Memorial Chapel this weekend, and trust us when we say this is an experience that defines the holiday season for so many families. The Feast of Lights is a breathtaking worship service filled with candlelight, choral music, and a message of hope that resonates through the beautiful chapel. For 78 years, this celebration has marked the official beginning of Christmas for countless Redlands residents. The chapel glows with the warmth of hundreds of candles while the University's talented performers fill the space with stunning vocal and instrumental music. Three performances this weekend mean you have multiple chances to experience this magic: Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM, and Sunday afternoon at 4:00 PM. Each performance fills quickly with students, alumni, and community members who return year after year. It's free to attend, though donations are welcomed. |
Christmas Under the Stars at the Redlands Bowl – Friday, December 6 |
Get ready for a festive holiday performance that will have the whole family swinging and singing along! The Redlands Bowl presents The Modern Gentlemen on Friday evening at 7:00 PM for an unforgettable night of holiday music. The Modern Gentlemen deliver a high-energy show blending classic holiday favorites with their signature doo-wop and oldies style. Think smooth harmonies, vintage vibes, and enough Christmas spirit to light up the entire Bowl. This is outdoor entertainment at its finest—bring blankets, dress warmly, and arrive early to snag a good seat. And here's a bonus: Santa himself will be at the Bowl from 5:00 to 6:45 PM for photos with the kids! Make it a full evening of holiday fun, starting with Santa on the Mission Gables Talbert Courtyard, then settling in for the main show. |
Christmas Night in Redlands – Rare Market – |
The holiday shopping season kicks off Thursday evening with Rare Market's Christmas Night in Redlands at the Redlands Town Center (9920 Alabama Street). From 5:00 to 10:00 PM, more than 45 vendors will fill the space with unique gifts, handmade crafts, and holiday treasures.
This isn't just shopping—it's a full evening experience with live music, a craft bar, photo booth, and even pictures with Santa. The vibe is festive and fun, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local vendors and makers.
Whether you're hunting for that perfect present or just soaking in the holiday atmosphere with friends, this event delivers. And mark your calendar: Rare Market returns for a second Christmas Night on Thursday, December 12th.
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Holiday Lighting at Kimberly Crest |
One of Redlands' most spectacular holiday traditions returns to the historic Kimberly Crest House & Gardens for two magical evenings. The annual Holiday Lighting ceremony transforms the 1897 French chateau into a Victorian Christmas wonderland.
Arrive when gates open at 5:30 PM and explore the beautifully decorated gardens by twilight. At 6:00 PM, watch as the entire mansion and grounds illuminate in a ceremony that's been bringing families together for years. This year's theme, "Windows into Christmas Past," features special displays showcasing Redlands history through decorated windows throughout the estate.
The evening includes Victorian-themed tours of the home and gardens, all decked out in period holiday decorations. It's a step back in time to experience Christmas as it would have been celebrated over a century ago. Parking is extremely limited, so plan to walk from nearby streets and bring flashlights.
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Quote Of The Day |
"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome." - Booker T. Washington |
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🍊 GROVE STREET HEADLINES |
University of Redlands Students Shine in Feast of Lights Debut – This year's Feast of Lights features several student performers making their debut in this cherished tradition, continuing the legacy of excellence that has defined the event for 78 years. Local Residents Report Rising Confidence in Redlands Quality of Life – According to the 2025 National Community Survey, Redlands residents are feeling more positive about city government and overall quality of life, with strong ratings for community character and local services. Redlands Police Foundation Raises Funds for Heroes and Helpers – The Redlands Police Community Foundation continues their annual Heroes and Helpers program, connecting local officers with children for holiday shopping experiences that build lasting relationships. Downtown Saturday Farmers Market Thrives Through Holiday Season – The certified organic farmers market continues every Saturday morning from 9 AM to 1 PM on State Street, bringing fresh produce and artisan goods to downtown throughout December. |
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🍊 Live Music Events |
Live Music & Nightlife
The Three Stags Irish Pub and Restaurant (328 Orange St, Downtown Redlands) continues its tradition of bringing live music to downtown every weekend. This week features Killt on Saturday, December 14th at 10:00 PM—a rousing Celtic rock trio that brings incredible energy to the pub. Sunday, December 15th, catch Whiskey Sunday at 4:00 PM. The Three Stags offers the best pint of Guinness in town alongside traditional Irish favorites in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Hangar 24 Craft Brewery keeps the tunes flowing with their regular lineup of local performers. Check their events calendar for this week's entertainment while enjoying their award-winning craft beers in the spacious taproom and outdoor beer garden. Redlands Public Market hosts live music in their outdoor entertainment courtyard throughout the month. Thursday nights are especially lively with various performers and food vendors creating a festive atmosphere. |
🎯 YOUR REDLANDS WEEKEND |
📅 MARK YOUR CALENDARS
YOUR REDLANDS WEEKENDHere's what to mark on your calendar:
COMING UP IN REDLANDS
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GRATITUDE & COMMUNITY |
This week's newsletter carries a different weight than usual. Yes, we're celebrating holiday traditions and new entertainment coming to town.
But we're also reflecting on what we lose when someone like John Murphy passes away.
We lose more than a journalist. We lose institutional memory. Storytelling. Connection. Someone who showed up—to games, practices, championship matches—and made our kids feel seen.
The Feast of Lights has been bringing families to Memorial Chapel for 78 years. The Kimberly Crest Holiday Lighting draws thousands who stand shoulder to shoulder as the lights illuminate. These traditions matter because they create shared memories, generation after generation.
John Murphy understood that. He documented our community's traditions through the young people who participate in them—the athletes, the performers, the students reaching for their dreams. His articles became part of our family archives, proof that someone outside our homes believed our kids' stories mattered.
What makes Redlands truly special is that these grand traditions coexist beautifully with newer celebrations like comedy nights at Smudgepot and the Rare Market. We honor our history while creating space for new memories, new traditions, and new ways to gather.
This weekend, whether you're attending your 50th Feast of Lights or your first comedy show, whether you're a lifelong resident or new to town, you're part of something bigger.
You're part of a community that shows up for each other, celebrates together, grieves together, and creates the kind of hometown magic that makes Redlands more than just a place—it makes it home. |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The University of Redlands began the Feast of Lights tradition in 1947, making this the 78th celebration of this beloved holiday service. |
Sponsorship OpportunitiesReady 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, The RedlandsNow.com Team |