Riverside turns into a full holiday wonderland each year when the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa lights up with more than ten million twinkling lights and decorations. The moment the sun sets, downtown Riverside feels like it has stepped into its own storybook. The Main Street Pedestrian Mall transforms into a cheerful Christmas Bazaar filled with food, music, and local makers selling festive creations. Whether you love the excitement of the famous switch–on ceremony or you prefer a calm midweek stroll under glowing arches, the Festival has something for every kind of holiday spirit. It is no surprise that the Mission Inn Festival of Lights has earned national attention as one of the most stunning holiday displays in the country. Come admire this beautiful landmark in her holiday best and explore all the seasonal fun that surrounds it.Â
Switch-on Ceremony: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Duration: Sunday, November 23 – December 31, 2025
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Santa takes a break from his busy holiday schedule to spend some time in sunny Riverside before his big day. Bring the family and pay him a visit. Ask him for a pony or partridge, or just plead your case for a last-minute nice-list addition. Bring your camera because this year, all photos will be do-it-yourself; there will be no professional photographer on site.Â
A long-time favorite of festival goers is back again, and you can skate (or watch) in the Cheech parking lot on Orange and 6th this holiday season. There is a little magic in watching someone who knows what they’re doing glide and cut across the ice. There may be a little bit of magic in watching the people who don’t know what they’re doing, too.Â
Aside from the fireworks on the first night, the Festival of Trees might be the biggest event during the Festival of Lights. The Riverside Convention Center hosts an arts and crafts fair on November 25th. Festivities include children’s activities, pictures with Santa, and a Christmas tree decorating competition. The Festival of Trees attracts thousands of visitors and is a treasured annual holiday event for Riverside.Â
The Riverside Arts Council hosts an ArtsWalk on the first Thursday of each month. The December edition features holiday-themed arts and crafts vendors and holiday-themed activities in many of the downtown museums, which are open free of charge for the event. ArtsWalk is a great way to see Riverside’s commitment to the arts, and all of the extra holiday cheer is a festive bonus.Â
While not an official part of the Festival of Lights schedule, Metrolink offers its popular Holiday Express service from several stations, including Downtown Riverside. On December twentieth, you can step onto one of the specially decorated trains for a festive out-and-back ride filled with cheerful carolers, holiday characters, interactive activities, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.Â
Before boarding, each station comes alive with a holiday welcome event featuring crafts, entertainment, treats, and more. From the moment you arrive until the end of your journey, the experience is designed to spark joy for families and create lasting seasonal memories. Find more information and make reservations here.Â
The Ben Franklin stage on 9th and Main will host festive bands and community performers from Thursday through Sunday, 5 – 10 p.m. Grab a hot chocolate and a holiday treat, and come see what’s going on. Music is at the heart of the season and this stage keeps the cheer going.Â
On December 15th the Chabad Jewish Community Center of Riverside hosts the annual Chanukah celebration in front of the Historic Courthouse. Enjoy live music, singing, candle lighting, and plenty of jelly donuts. With the downtown lights still glowing it is a bright joyful celebration open to all.Â
Learn more about all that’s happening during the Festival of Lights by visiting RiversideFestivalofLights.com.Â