Mission Inn's 33rd Festival Of Lights Returns Saturday For Nightly Splendor In 2025

RIVERSIDE, CA — The Festival of Lights at The Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Downtown Riverside returns Saturday for full festivities. The 33rd Annual Festival of Lights celebration begins at 5 p.m. but come early for some extra fanfare. USA Today has named the Festival of Lights the "Best Public Lights Display" in the nation, and it's well worth the visit.

About 75,000 people are expected for the viewing at Orange Street and Mission Inn Avenue.

"Year by year, the festival's popularity grows, attracting an increasing number of visitors to The Historic Mission Inn. Celebrated annually from late November through early January, the event features over 10 million twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Highlights include the grand switch-on ceremony, live entertainment, food vendors, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus," according to the website.

Activities and entertainment will continue through New Year's Eve, and the lights will remain lit nightly through Jan. 6, according to the hotel.

When you go, be sure you visit the Ice Skating Rink, the holiday carnival and the Merry Artswalk Market.

Join us for the spectacular opening ceremony, See The Flipping of the Switch, followed by Fireworks and live performances by Matt Mauser and the Tijuana Dogs.

Be sure to explore the full hotel, make plans to dine or visit the spa, and better yet, spend the night for a full experience.

Some opportunities for festive fun while visiting include:

• The Mission Inn Candy Lane Store: Holiday-themed décor and sweet treats from around the world (Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.)
• Sunday Champagne Brunch with Santa: Dec. 7, 14 and 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ($79 adults, $39 children ages 3-12, plus tax and gratuity)
• Breakfast with Santa: Dec. 20, 8 a.m.-11 a.m. (reservations required)
• Holiday Dinner Buffet: Fridays and Saturdays in December beginning Dec. 5-6, 4 p.m.-11 p.m. ($79 adults, $35 children, plus tax and gratuity)
• Holiday Brunches: Thanksgiving (Nov. 27), Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and New Year's Day (Jan. 1), 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ($95 adults ages 12+, $45 children ages 3-11, plus tax and gratuity)
• Grand Holiday Buffet (Grand Parisian Ballroom): Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with elevated décor and live music ($115 adults ages 12+, $54 children ages 3-11, plus tax and gratuity)
• Night Before Christmas Buffet: Dec. 24, 4 p.m.-11 p.m. ($80 adults ages 12+, $40 children ages 3-11, plus tax and gratuity)
• New Year's Eve Celebration: Five-course dinner, cocktail reception, champagne toast and balloon drop in Grand Parisian Ballroom, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. ($160 per guest, cash bar available)
• Live Music: Ron Johnson performs Saturdays 7 p.m.-11 p.m. at California Lounge and Presidential Lounge; carolers perform Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
• 12 Days of Cocktails: Seasonal-themed drink list at the Presidential Lounge
• Santa Letter Drop Box: Drop letters to Santa at Kelly's Boutique for express delivery to the North Pole
• Holiday Packages: Eat, Drink & Be Merry; Festival of Lights and Delights; Christmas Carolers' Cheer; Holiday Elf Package; Kensington Kelly Winter Wonderland Suite Package

Parking Opportunities When you go:

Get more information online at www.missioninn.com.