FreeThe Mission Inn Festival of Lights
Through Jan 3Nov 21 – Jan 3 · 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM · Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027; lights illuminated nightly from dusk (approx 5:00 PM) to midnight. Opening 'Switch-On' ceremony with fireworks on Saturday, Nov 21 at 5:00 PM. Downtown artisan vendors and live entertainment run through Dec 31 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day).
The Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa3649 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA 92501 · 0.1 mi approx. from RiversideDirections
All ages (stroller-friendly pedestrian mall; paved ramps throughout exterior perimeter)
FreeFree outdoor public display along the pedestrian mall; hotel interior dining, carriage rides, and holiday treats available for purchase.
About this adventure
Consistently voted USA Today's #1 Best Public Light Display, the Mission Inn Festival of Lights transforms historic Downtown Riverside into a breathtaking holiday wonderland. Over five million sparkling LED lights illuminate the historic Spanish-mission castle, accompanied by more than 200 animated figures, angels, and royal trumpeters perched along centuries-old turrets and balconies. Families can stroll down the open-air pedestrian Main Street mall to enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, artisan food stalls, sweet hot churros, warm cider, and free photo opportunities in front of towering holiday displays. Wide paved walkways provide smooth accessibility for strollers and wagons. While exterior pedestrian viewing is completely free to the public, holiday dining inside the hotel requires advance reservations.
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