The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Festival of Lights is expanding its offerings this year with the addition of a candy shop and toy store.
Also, the downtown Riverside hotel is bringing back a New Year’s Eve gala.
RELATED: Festival of Lights again starting in Riverside before Thanksgiving
The festival’s switch-on ceremony — followed by a fireworks show and concert — is set for Saturday, Nov. 23, at 5 p.m. Once the lever is pulled, the historic Mission Inn will be illuminated by more than10 million lights. Those attending the ceremony are advised to arrive no later than 4:30 p.m.
Now in its 32nd year, the event features light displays, animatronics, ice skating, photos with Santa, live performances and other holiday activities until Jan. 6.
Festival information can be found here.
Here’s a closer look at the three new things to see in 2024.
Santa’s Toy Shop
Santa’s Toy Shop, located inside the inn at Kelly’s Boutique sells toys, from nostalgic classic items to the latest trends. The atmosphere features twinkling lights and holiday music while the stock includes Barbies, ornaments and stuffed animals.
Though the switch-on ceremony hasn’t occurred, the shop already is open.
The store is open Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The shop is at 3649 Mission Inn Ave.
The Mission Inn Candy Lane Store
Visitors can enjoy sweets at The Mission Inn Candy Lane Store at 3696 Main St.
The store, designed with lollipops dangling from the ceiling, sells treats, including candy from across the world.
It’s already open. The hours for Sundays to Thursdays are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
New Year’s Eve gala
A roaring 20’s-themed event — dubbed the New Year’s Eve Gala at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa — will be Tuesday, Dec. 31, in the hotel’s Parisian Ballroom.
Attendees can expect performances by Nick D’egidio and the Dry Martini Orchestra Band, alongside a five-course meal from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Tickets for the event, which is for those 21 and older, start at $160 per person. A salute to Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe will also be part of the gala.
