There is plenty to see, eat, and do at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Festival of Lights in Riverside.
RELATED: Festival of Lights in Riverside turns on the power in another early switch-on ceremony
To help visits go smoothly, we’re answering common questions about the holiday event, covering everything from where to go ice skating to getting a picture with Santa.
What’s the admission cost?
There’s no entrance fee, but attractions such as the ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, carnival rides and other activities charge a fee.
When is the festival?
The festival began Saturday, Nov. 23, with a switch-on ceremony and will run until Jan. 6. The hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. It will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Where is the festival?
The Mission Inn is at 3649 Mission Inn Ave., at the corner of Orange Street and Mission Inn Avenue in downtown Riverside. However, activities can be found spread out for several blocks around the historic hotel.
What can I see at the festival?
Guests can see millions of holiday lights adorning the Mission Inn along with holiday-themed decorations in downtown. They also can see Santa inside the Mission Inn, use the ice skating rink or ride the carousel and Ferris wheel. Bright holiday decor can be found for several blocks around the hotel.
Where can I park?
Public parking lots and garages are available Thursdays through Sundays for $15 per vehicle. A list can be found here.
- Garage at 3750 Market St.
- Garage at 3743 Orange St.
- Parking lot at 3756 Orange St.
- Fox Garage, 3601 Market St.
- Parking lot at 3581 Mission Inn Ave.
- Garage at 3851 Orange St.
- Parking lot at 3482 Mission Inn Ave.
- Main Public Library lot, 3900 Mission Inn Ave.
Where can I take photos with Santa?
Visitors can take pictures with Santa on a cellphone or small camera for free inside the Mission Inn lobby Thursdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for free. Professional photography is not allowed.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Dogs and other pets can accompany you outside while viewing the lights but cannot go inside the Mission Inn.
What’s new at the Festival of Lights?
Santa’s Toy Shop inside the inn at Kelly’s Boutique is an addition for this year. It sells toys, from nostalgic classic items to the latest trends.
The store is open Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, its hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The toy shop is at 3649 Mission Inn Ave.
Another new feature for 2024 is the Mission Inn Candy Lane Store, 3696 Main St.
Candy from across the world is on sale at the store, which is decorated with lollipops hanging from the ceiling. The hours for Sundays to Thursdays are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, its hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
How many lights are there and what else will I see?
More than 10 million lights will be lit, along with Christmas decorations and animated characters such as nutcrackers, elves and toy soldiers.
Where can I find the ice skating rink?
The rink is on the west side of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture of the Riverside Art Museum, which is across the street from the Mission Inn.
The rink will be open until Dec. 19 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and from Dec. 20 to Dec. 31 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Visitors can skate for up to one hour. The cost is $20 per skater.
What other activities are there?
Guests can visit the Festival of Lights carnival, where they can ride the Ferris wheel, go on the carousel, eat carnival foods such as deep-fried Oreos and funnel cakes and hop on other rides.
The area is open from 5 p.m. through 10 p.m. daily until Dec. 31, at the corner of Mission Inn Avenue and Lime Street. It will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
What type of food is available?
The Presidential Lounge inside The Mission Inn offers 12 Days of Cocktails, a seasonal themed drink list from which visitors can purchase.
Merchants along Main Street between 6th Street and Mission Inn Avenue sell roasted almonds, lemonade, cakes and cookies, kettle corn, hot chocolate, gingerbread and a variety of seasonal goodies.
Where and when can I see performances?
There will be live musical entertainment weekly, with performances at the California Lounge and the Presidential Lounge inside the hotel. Artists will include Ron Johnson, who will perform from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. The band The Boys are set to play Fridays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. inside the hotel.
Other free, live music performances will be on the Ben Franklin Stage between 9th and Main streets. A list of scheduled artists can be found here.
Carolers occasionally perform throughout the hotel and around the festival on Thursdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What other tips should I know before I go?
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to minimize traffic jams.
To avoid traffic congestion, organizers recommend exiting at Market Street if coming from the 60 Freeway.
Those arriving from the 91 Freeway are advised to exit at 14th Street.
Where can I get full details?
For information on the Festival of Lights, click here.
