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. New this year, Holiday Magic at Candy Lane at Albert S. White Park offers a festive, ticketed holiday experience for visitors to enjoy. Come admire this beautiful landmark in her holiday best and explore all the seasonal fun that surrounds it.
Switch-on Ceremony: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Duration: Sunday, November 22, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Closed: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
OPENING NIGHT | NOVEMBER 21, 2026
Celebrate Festival of Lights with a performance by Gavin DeGraw, live entertainment, Santa and fireworks!
4:30 PM
FIND YOUR SPOT EARLY
5:00 PM
LIGHTS ON
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.
Visiting Days and Hours: Thursday – Sunday from 5PM–10PM
Last day to visit is Thursday, December 24 from 5PM–9PM
Closed: November 26, 2026 & December 25 – 31, 2026
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 24th. 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.
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.
Community Entertainment performs at the Benjamin Franklin Stage at Main and Ninth Streets. Entertainment begins on Friday, November 27, 2026.
Holiday Magic at Candy Lane experience is open:
November 27 – December 27, 2026 | Thurs–Sun
Closed Christmas Day
Holiday Magic at Candy Lane is a ticketed Festival of Lights experience at Albert S. White Park featuring an immersive Holiday Light Maze, illuminated Holiday Photo Trail, local food and artisan vendors, wine, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and interactive holiday experiences for all ages.
Explore the Holiday Games Village with oversized lawn games and holiday-themed activities. The Snowball Arena offers snow-free winter fun with soft snowballs and interactive challenges, while the Snowfall Lounge provides a festive place to relax and enjoy seasonal food and beverages.
The Holiday Art Trail features original illuminated installations commissioned from local artists. The Artisan Marketplace will showcase handcrafted goods from local artists and makers, and the Food & Beverage Area will offer food, wine, hot chocolate, hot apple cider and other seasonal treats.
Learn more about all that’s happening during the Festival of Lights by visiting RiversideFestivalofLights.com.