In Riverside, California – every year in December there is a fabulous Festival of Lights. It is held at the beautiful and historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. The annual Festival of Lights features a fun Winter Wonderland theme that is carried throughout the exterior of the hotel and includes the new North Pole walkway and Sugar Plum Fairy suite.

“The beloved Southern California tradition recently named “Best Public Lights Display in the Nation” by USA Today creates a magical, Disneyland-like experience in the heart of Riverside and attracts more than 500,000 visitors from all over the world each year.”

“Highlights of Festival of Lights include 200 animated figures including angels, elves and Dickens carolers; appearances by Santa Claus, the world’s largest man-made mistletoe, horse-drawn carriage rides, elf tuck-ins, freshly fallen snow, elaborately decorated Christmas trees; and delectable holiday confections at the famous Casey’s Cupcakes, among other festive offerings.”

Mission Inn Riverside Festival Of Lights

Five Star Tips for Enjoying this Beautiful Display:

🌟 Festival of Lights Dates

This year’s Switch-On Ceremony will take place Friday, November 29th and the festival will continue through January 6th.

The colorful displays are beautiful so take the time to stroll and see them all! The decorations are something that any child and adult would love to witness, and you are sure to feel the holiday spirit with an evening spent enjoying these colorful light exhibits.

🌟 Sunday Champagne Brunch with Santa

What could be better than having an enjoyable time sipping champagne while watching adorable children having breakfast with Santa close by! Such fun! 

Every Sunday, November 25th – December 23rd

Saturday, December 14th & Saturday, December 21st
Two seating times:  8:00am | 10:30am

Sunday Champagne Brunch 
Every Sunday, December 1st – 29th
9:30am – 2:00pm

Every Sunday, November 25th – December 23rd

9:30am – 2:00pm

🌟 Enjoy Dinner

I highly recommend having dinner at Las Campanas Mexican Cuisine on the patio, so you can enjoy the outdoor lights and the sounds of the holidays!

Dinner served nightly: 4:00pm – 10:00pm

🌟 Admission is Free!

However, it can get crowded, so arrive early! I would suggest arriving right before dark and taking the time to walk around!

🌟 Parking

Parking can be an issue, if you don’t mind spending a little extra for convenience, there is a parking valet at the Mission Inn entrance. Here are the current prices for using the valet service:

• Up to 2 hours – $11
  
• 2 to 3 hours – $16
  
• Maximum (After 3 Hours) – $23
  
• After 3:00PM (Flat Rate) – $23

Location and Map:

Final Thoughts:

I have made it a goal to go for several years. It is an extraordinary experience and certainly fills your heart with the holiday spirit. If you want to treat you and your family to a special holiday getaway, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa offer several holiday packages as well. I have often visited the spa too – and the pool area of the spa is even decorated too! If you are near the area or are visiting nearby Riverside, California, add this to your itinerary! It is an Always5Star holiday moment! Cheers! 

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**I was not compensated in any way for this post. My opinions are entirely my own and are based on my experiences which I paid entirely myself.

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